allied-justice

New Wimmera Service

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:28:17 GMT

New Wimmera Family Law Help Now Supporting Clients

Allied Justice’s new Family Law Service, Wimmera Family Law Help, is now up and running, with clients receiving advice, support and legal representation through a new partnership with Victoria Legal Aid. The service is part of a two-year pilot program designed to address gaps in access to family lawyers across regional Victoria, particularly in communities where finding legal help is challenging.

Allied Justice is one of three community legal centres selected to participate in the initiative, alongside ARC Justice and Hume Riverina Community Legal Service.

Through the pilot, Allied Justice has expanded its capacity to assist people experiencing family law issues across Horsham, Northern Grampians, Hindmarsh, West Wimmera and Yarriambiack , including:

Parenting arrangements
Property settlements
Child support matters
Spousal maintenance matters

The pilot responds to rising demand for family law services and aims to improve access to legal representation for people in regional and rural communities. It will also test how greater investment in community legal centres can strengthen Victoria’s family law service system and help more people access the support they need, regardless of where they live.

‘We are seeing growing gaps in access to practitioners, especially in regional areas where people can’t easily travel to get help elsewhere. At the same time, demand and case complexity are increasing.’

We are delighted to be working with CLCs on this innovative pilot to improve access to family law representation in regional areas with unmet legal need,’

Joanna Fletcher, Family, Youth and Children’s Law Executive Director, Legal Aid

Allied Justice has already begun working with clients through the new service, helping individuals and families navigate what can be a stressful and complex legal process.

Allied Justice welcomes the opportunity to partner with Victoria Legal Aid on this initiative and looks forward to supporting more people facing family law issues over the next two years.

Further information is available on our website via the button link or FREECALL 1800 466 488

Celebrating NAIDOC Week 2026

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 02:47:35 GMT

��❤️�� Celebrating NAIDOC Week 2026: 50 Years of Deadly

Throughout NAIDOC Week 2026, Allied Justice was proud to join communities across western Victoria to celebrate the strength, resilience, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme, "50 Years of Deadly", marks a significant milestone, honouring five decades of recognising and celebrating the enduring contributions of First Nations peoples.

As the week unfolded, our team had the privilege of attending several community events, connecting with people, listening to stories, learning from cultural experiences, and celebrating with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

One highlight was attending the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative’s (BADAC) annual NAIDOC Community Day at Ballarat High School. The event brought together community members for a vibrant celebration featuring performances, food, cultural activities, and opportunities to connect and learn. Allied Justice staff enjoyed engaging with attendees, sharing information about our services, and discussing how we can continue to support individuals and communities through greater access to justice.

A particularly memorable moment came when a young community member shared his dream of becoming a lawyer. Our team member, Ashish, was inspired by the boy’s curiosity and enthusiasm and spent time discussing what a future career in law could look like, encouraging him to pursue his ambitions. Stories like these remind us of the importance of investing in future generations and creating pathways to opportunity.

The Allied Justice team also had the honour of attending the Budja Budja Community NAIDOC Celebration in Halls Gap, hosted by the Budja Budja Aboriginal Cooperative. The day featured a Welcome to Country and a Smoking Ceremony, offering a meaningful opportunity to come together in the spirit of culture, community and respect. Our team appreciated the chance to meet community members, listen, learn and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

As NAIDOC Week 2026 draws to a close, we reflect on the many stories, conversations and experiences shared throughout the week. We are grateful to the organisations, Elders, community leaders, volunteers and participants who worked tirelessly to deliver welcoming, inspiring events that strengthened community connections and celebrated culture.

At Allied Justice, we remain committed to listening, learning and building respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We recognise the importance of supporting initiatives that strengthen community connections, promote equity and improve access to justice.

Happy NAIDOC Week 2026 – 50 Years of Deadly. We celebrate the legacy of the past, the strength of today, and the bright future ahead. ��❤️��

Royal Commission

Wed, 27 May 2026 03:01:25 GMT

Allied Justice position statement in response to the Prime Minister’s comments on a Royal Commission into violence against women and children

In response to the Prime Minister’s comments that a Royal Commission may not be the best use of public resources, we acknowledge the urgency of continued investment in frontline services and practical supports. At Allied Justice we believe, this is not an either/or question. Communities deserve both immediate action and serious national scrutiny of the systemic conditions that continue to place women and children at risk. A Royal Commission should be considered as one possible mechanism for truth-telling, accountability and reform, particularly if it can help expose persistent gaps between policy, service systems and lived reality.

At Allied Justice, we see every day that violence against women and children is not only a national crisis, but a profound access to justice issue. Across our regional and rural communities in Central Highlands and the Wimmera, women and children need timely safety, legal support, housing, counselling and prevention responses that are coordinated, trauma-informed and accessible close to home. These services must be properly funded and strengthened, but investment alone is not enough if the systems around women and children continue to leave them without safety, choice and justice.

In Ballarat and across the Grampians region, the impacts of family violence are felt not only by victim-survivors and families, but by the legal, justice, and health service sectors who work together hand in hand every day to respond to complex and ongoing harm. We know that meaningful change requires more than statements of intent. It requires systems that listen to lived experience, respond earlier, work together effectively and remain accountable when it fails.

Women and children have the right to live free from violence. Our systems must be designed with that core principle in mind.

If a Royal Commission can help drive deeper accountability, amplify the voices of those most affected, and lead to reform that improves safety and access to justice, then it should be genuinely considered. As the highest form of public inquiry in Australia, a Royal Commission can help uncover systemic failures, hold institutions accountable, and drive long-term policy and legislative change. Public confidence depends on knowing these processes are designed to deliver meaningful reform—not simply symbolic responses or narrow investment debates.

Women and children cannot wait for change that is partial or delayed. We must be prepared to use every available lever to prevent violence, strengthen responses and build systems that people can trust.

This is a moment for leadership grounded in courage, accountability and a genuine commitment to changing life stories through better access to justice.

Match Of The Year – Clunes

Mon, 25 May 2026 23:32:37 GMT

Clunes unites for Match of the Year in support of Hannah’s Voice

The Clunes Football Club brought community, sport and purpose together on Saturday 23 May, hosting its “Match of the Year” in support of Hannah’s Voice — a powerful initiative aimed at preventing family and intimate partner violence through education and community action .

Held in honour of Hannah McGuire, the event brought together players past and present, family, friends and supporters to stand together in remembrance and commit to change. Hannah’s Voice, established in her memory, reflects her belief that education is a means of building safer, more respectful communities. The day was marked by both emotional reflection and spirited football, as Clunes mounted a late surge before falling short after narrowing a near-50-point margin to within a single kick in the final term. Despite the result, the match itself was secondary to the occasion's broader impact.

AFL player and Clunes junior Nick Hind returned to pull on his boyhood colours, describing the experience as deeply meaningful.

“It was very special. It meant a lot to be around family and bring some past players out,” Mr Hind said.

Mr Hind, a relative of the McGuire family, said the significance of the day extended well beyond the game.

“Hannah meant so much to me, and so many people, and it was a major reason for coming back here today,” he said.
“It was amazing that it could be unveiled (Hannah’s Voice) , and hopefully we can send a stronger message that it (violence) is never okay.”

At the heart of the event were powerful speeches by Hannah’s mother, Debbie McGuire, and Allied Justice CEO Narelle Laing, who both spoke about loss, legacy and the urgent need for prevention. Debbie McGuire reflected on the profound impact of Hannah’s death and on the importance of carrying her legacy forward through action.

“Our world changed forever when Hannah was taken from us… but in the midst of our grief, we hold onto the hope that Hannah’s legacy can help bring about the change needed to end the violence that stole her life,” she said. She described Hannah’s Voice as a continuation of her daughter’s values — grounded in connection, education and shared responsibility.

“Together… we will keep her voice alive… and move closer to the light of who she was — bright, chatty, social, and full of life.”

Mrs McGuire also acknowledged the Clunes Football & Netball Club’s role in bringing the community together.

“We sincerely thank the Clunes Football & Netball Club for bringing this community together today, to remember Hannah, reflect, and acknowledge our shared responsibility to help end violence against women.”

Narelle Laing echoed the call for collective responsibility, emphasising that family violence is present in every community.

“This is not something that happens somewhere else… it is here, in the communities where we live and work. It happened to Hannah,” she said.

She challenged the football community to play an active role in driving cultural change.

“As a football community, change starts right here — in the change rooms, on the field, on the sidelines… calling it out matters. The initiative aims to strengthen prevention and education efforts, highlighting the purpose behind Hannah’s Voice,” Ms Laing said.

“Hannah’s Voice will help strengthen the way our systems respond, educate, and prevent violence before harm occurs.”

More than just a sporting fixture, the Clunes Match of the Year became a platform for awareness, reflection and commitment — demonstrating the power of community in driving social change. As Ms Laing concluded, the message of the day was clear:

“Let this be more than a gathering… Let it be a commitment — to speak up, to step in, to challenge what is harmful, and to build a community where women and girls are safe.”

From emotional tributes to on-field determination, the day honoured Hannah McGuire not only in memory but with a united call to action, ensuring her voice continues to be heard.

You can subscribe to updates or submit an expression of interest in supporting Hannah’s Voice via the button link below .

Law Week – Find an event near you

Tue, 12 May 2026 02:06:23 GMT

Find a Law Week Event Near You

Law Week is just around the corner, and Allied Justice is hitting the road to bring practical, easy‑to‑understand legal information directly to local communities. Across multiple towns and neighbourhoods, we’ll be hosting free information sessions designed to help people understand what a community legal centre does — and how to get legal help when life gets complicated.

These events will be presented by one of our dedicated team members who will break down, in clear and accessible language, the kinds of everyday issues a community legal centre can help with. While speakers will vary from location to location, every session will cover the same core goal: empowering people to understand their rights and know where to turn for support.

�� What You’ll Learn

Each Law Week event will explore the real‑world legal problems many people face, including:

Money matters — debts, fines, and financial stress
Housing issues — renting, insurance, repairs, and ending a lease
Family challenges — separation, parenting arrangements, and child support
Workplace concerns — unfair treatment, disputes, and employment rights

These sessions are designed to be friendly, welcoming, and jargon‑free. Whether you’re dealing with a current issue or simply want to understand what help is available, you’ll walk away feeling more confident about accessing legal support early — before problems escalate.

�� Why Law Week Matters

Law Week is a chance for Allied Justice to connect with communities across the region and make legal help more visible and approachable. Many people don’t realise that free, confidential legal assistance is available close to home. These events aim to change that by opening the door to information, support, and early guidance.

Rainbow Learning Group & Neighbourhood House

Event address: 9 Eddy Street, Rainbow

Date: Tuesday 19 May

Time: 10:30 am – 11:30 am

Nhill Learning Centre

Event address: 80 Macpherson Street, Nhill

Date: Wednesday 20 May

Time: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Ararat Neighbourhood House

Event address: 56 Campbell Street, Ararat

Date: Wednesday 20 May

Time: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Stawell Neighbourhood House

Event address: 42 Sloane Street, Stawell

Date: Thursday 21 May

Time: 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm

Horsham Neighbourhood House

Event address: 13-15 Robin Street, Horsham

Date: Friday 22 May

Time: 7:45 am – 9:30 am

�� Explore the Full Law Week Program

To register for an event or browse the full statewide program, visit the Law Week program .

Hannah's Voice

Wed, 06 May 2026 06:38:38 GMT

Allied Justice receives Respect Ballarat Grant to launch Hannah’s Voice.

Allied Justice has received funding from the Respect Ballarat Grants Program to support Hannah’s Voice , a community education initiative that prevents family and intimate partner violence through early intervention, legal literacy and respectful relationships education.

The funding will support the delivery of respectful relationships education in Ballarat secondary schools, with a focus on helping young people recognise early warning signs of harm, understand boundaries and consent, and access information and support pathways sooner.

Hannah’s Voice honours the life and values of Hannah McGuire, a 23-year-old Ballarat woman who was killed by her former partner in 2024. Hannah strongly believed that education is a shared responsibility among schools, families and young people, and that it can foster safer, more respectful communities. Her parents, Debbie and Glenn McGuire, support Hannah’s Voice to help drive long-term cultural change that helps prevent violence before it occurs.

In 2024, three women from Ballarat, Hannah McGuire, Samantha Murphy and Rebecca Young , died as a result of men’s violence against women. These deaths had a significant and lasting impact on families, friends and the broader community, reinforcing the need for stronger prevention and earlier responses.

Narelle Laing, Chief Executive Officer of Allied Justice, said the funding will support locally grounded prevention work informed by lived experience.

The Respect Ballarat funding will support the education component of Hannah’s Voice. The program uses a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach and comprises:

Education for teenage girls focused on consent, boundaries, early warning signs and available support options.
Education for teenage boys that promotes accountability, respectful behaviour and an understanding of legal consequences.
Resources for families and carers to recognise concerns and respond safely and compassionately.
Clear referral pathways to legal and specialist support services.

Hannah’s Voice brings together lived experience, community legal education and evidence-based prevention frameworks to support consistent, informed responses to gendered violence in Ballarat. The initiative is delivered by Allied Justice, a place-based community legal centre with extensive experience in family violence prevention, early intervention and legal response.

“Hannah’s Voice is about supporting earlier action before harm escalates by strengthening understanding, legal literacy and help-seeking pathways for young people and those around them,” Ms Laing said. “We are privileged to work alongside Hannah’s family to translate Hannah’s values into prevention education that fosters safety, dignity and respect.”

“Hannah believed in looking after people and helping them understand their rights and choices,” said Ms McGuire. “Hannah’s Voice is about ensuring young people and families have information and support earlier, helping to create safer futures.”

Allied Justice is deeply honoured to work alongside Hannah’s parents, Debbie and Glenn, to amplify Hannah’s values and to bring her legacy to life through education, prevention and hope for a culture of enduring safety and respect.

Read more about Hannah's Voice on our website's News page. Let Allied Justice know if you would like to be involved with Hannah's Voice; send an email to hannahsvoice@alliedjustice.org.au to express your interest and to receive updates as the project develops and realises the objectives of Hannah's legacy.

Expression of Interest

Would you like to be involved with Hannah's Voice? Or receive updates as we bring Hannah's legacy to life through Hannah's Voice.

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ABC highlights funding pressures in Ballarat’s family violence response – Allied Justice calls for sustained investment

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 04:50:17 GMT

ABC News has reported growing concerns from frontline organisations about whether current funding for Ballarat’s family violence prevention response will be sufficient to meet community needs. The article highlights the state-funded Respect Ballarat “saturation model” alongside increasing reports of family violence and rising demand for support services in the region.

The report shows what Allied Justice and many local services are experiencing firsthand: increased awareness is prompting more people to seek help, but systems are struggling to respond at the necessary scale.

Allied Justice CEO Narelle Laing stated that the conversation needs to go beyond short-term timelines.

"We should support advocacy for funding beyond four years. Preventing family violence requires generational change, not time-limited pilots. While prevention efforts are vital, those experiencing violence today need access to social support and justice—immediately."

Ms Laing emphasised that increasing reporting rates should be interpreted carefully.

“The rise in demand does not necessarily indicate more violence—it also shows greater awareness and confidence to seek help. However, without sufficient resources for frontline services and legal aid, the demand risks overwhelming the very systems people depend on."

ABC reporting also highlights concerns from service providers that prevention initiatives might further strain under-resourced response services if not supported by additional funding. Allied Justice agrees that a dual approach is necessary.

“We need to honestly evaluate what is working and what isn’t in our current responses to family violence,” Ms Laing said. “It is a social responsibility to ensure victim-survivors are supported now, while also investing in long-term prevention. Governments must commit to both.”

Allied Justice will continue to advocate for:

long-term investment beyond short funding cycles
increased funding for frontline and legal services
Justice responses that prioritise safety and access for victim-survivors.
evidence-based prevention strategies that reinforce, rather than burden, local systems

�� Read the ABC News article:
Funding concerns over Ballarat’s violence prevention model (ABC News) [abc.net.au]

Together, we’ll navigate bushfire recovery.

Sat, 10 Jan 2026 23:44:32 GMT

Allied Justice is here for you during this challenging time

Our hearts are with everyone affected by the recent bushfires.
We know recovery is not just about rebuilding homes—it’s about restoring lives and communities.

If you’ve been affected, please remember:

✅ Follow all emergency services’ directions to stay safe.
✅ Hardship payments are available to help with immediate needs.

Legal issues can arise after a disaster, and Allied Justice is here to support you.
We’re a community legal centre and registered charity , funded by state and federal governments to provide you with free legal services.

We can assist with:

Financial hardship and debt management
Insurance claims and property damage
Tenancy and employment issues
Replacing lost or damaged documents
Family law, family violence, and compliance with parenting or intervention orders

You don’t have to face this alone. Reach out to us for free, confidential legal assistance and community support.

�� Call us on FREECALL 1800 466 488.

Together, we’ll navigate recovery and build a stronger, more resilient future.

Download the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing in Victoria, Australia, Emergencies in Victoria Handbook: Managing your emotional wellbeing and accessing Emergency Relief Payments

Renting and impacted by the bushfire?
Watch a quick video from Tenants Victoria that explains your rights: Renting and Disasters - Get legal advice before handing back your keys.

Reflection on 2025

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 23:30:00 GMT

2025 was a year of courageous change and unwavering commitment to justice.

As the year comes to an end, we look back on Allied Justice's journey. A year defined by transformation and meaningful impact.

The highlight of the year was our name change, a carefully considered process involving our Board, staff, and stakeholders. The response from the communities we serve, our partners, and funders has been overwhelmingly positive, reaffirming our commitment to justice and inclusion.

This year, we implemented a new service delivery model aligned with our Strategy, improving access to justice across our region. We also conducted a Disaster Insurance Needs Analysis following two consecutive years of devastating bushfires, enabling us to provide long-term, meaningful legal assistance to affected communities.

Key milestones include:

Establishing a Disaster Resilience Project Manager role to strengthen preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities.
Appointing a Financial Counsellor to provide holistic support to our legal clients.
Launching the Housing Justice Project in collaboration with five regional CLCs.
Growing our team from 16 employees in 2023 to 27 in 2025.

We are proud of what we’ve achieved together:

Supported 1,100 clients.
Launched a new website that connects people with vital legal information.
Travelling 36,833 km across our region to reach those who need us most.

To our volunteer Board, thank you for your guidance and commitment to governance excellence. To our volunteer solicitors, your Wednesday night clinic continues to expand access to justice for those who need it most. To our dedicated team, your passion and resilience make all the difference.

As we look ahead to 2026, we remain focused on building stronger, more resilient communities through justice.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Here’s to another year of impact and collaboration!

Welcome Emily Nester - Director Integrated Services & Engagement

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 22:26:54 GMT

Welcoming Emily Nester as Director of Integrated Services & Engagement

Allied Justice is pleased to welcome Emily Nester as the new Director of Integrated Services & Engagement. Emily brings over 18 years of experience in youth justice and crime prevention, along with senior leadership roles, backed by a solid academic background in Developmental Trauma and Criminology.

Emily’s career has been driven by her dedication to systemic change and her ability to forge strong partnerships that deliver innovative justice solutions for marginalised communities. Most recently, she led Client Services at Cafs Ballarat, overseeing programs in financial counselling, housing and homelessness, tenancy advocacy, and gambling help. Before that, Emily was the Senior Manager of Youth Crime Prevention at Berry Street, where she managed multi-agency initiatives and secured significant funding for programs like Goldfields Education.

Emily’s passion for trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches aligns perfectly with Allied Justice’s aim of improving rights, opportunities, and wellbeing for those most marginalised. Her vision for integrated services is bold and inclusive.

“This is not about rigid structures—it’s about creating adaptable, flexible, and energised wraparound services that respond to real lives and genuine legal needs.”

Emily is dedicated to integrating cultural responsiveness, healing, and trauma awareness into all aspects of our work. Her leadership will aim to enhance collaboration between programs, support staff wellbeing, and foster partnerships across sectors such as justice, health, education, and community.

Emily is passionate about leading transformative initiatives that will shape how justice is delivered in regional communities.

“Together, we will build systems that are inclusive, empowering, and driven by a shared commitment to caring for our community.”

Please join us in welcoming Emily to Allied Justice.
We look forward to the positive impact her leadership will have as we continue to transform lives through improved access to justice.

Allied Justice Publishes Annual Report 2024–2025

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 04:23:05 GMT

We are proud to announce the release of Allied Justice’s Annual Report for 2024–2025, marking a year of transformation, growth, and steadfast commitment to justice.

This year marked a milestone for our organisation. Formerly known as Ballarat & Grampians Community Legal Service , we engaged in thorough planning and strategy development during the 2024–2025 financial year to redefine our identity. In August 2025, we officially introduced our new name: Allied Justice —a name that embodies our core values of respect, courage, empowerment, and kindness. This change is more than just a rebrand; it’s a reaffirmation of our mission to support people facing disadvantage and to deliver genuine justice.

Key Highlights and Impact

1,240 clients supported across 11 local government areas.
73% of matters related to family violence , with rates in some LGAs more than double the state average.
27 community legal education sessions delivered , including disaster preparedness and family violence prevention.
12 outreach locations established , including maternal and child health clinics and family violence courts.
Volunteer contribution: 8 volunteer lawyers provided after-hours services, supported by law students and interns.

Looking Ahead

Our new strategy for 2025–2027 focuses on:

Expanding integrated services across rural and remote communities.
Strengthening early intervention through Health Justice Partnerships.
Advocating for systemic change to improve access to justice for disadvantaged communities.

�� Read the full Annual Report here: Download the 2024–2025 Annual Report
�� Have questions or want to learn more? Contact us at help@alliedjustice.org.au or call 1800 466 488 .

Allied Justice Appoints new Director of Legal, Mogahid Ahmed

jen@alliedjustice.org.au (Jen Davis) — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 03:36:36 GMT

Welcome Mogahid Ahmed

Allied Justice is proud to announce the appointment of Mogahid Ahmed (Moga) as our new Director of Legal. Moga brings over eight years of diverse legal experience across civil, corporate, and summary crime, with strong expertise in community law, Aboriginal justice, and disaster legal assistance.

Throughout his career, Moga has worked in Victoria and the Northern Territory in roles that combine legal and systemic advocacy and community engagement. He has represented clients in matters involving family violence, housing, summary crime, mental health, and civil law, and has led advocacy on nationally significant issues.

Notably, while working as a Corporate Lawyer for the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress (CAAC), Moga played a key role in defending the organisation’s right to use the Aboriginal Flag in its logo. His advocacy helped secure a federal resolution on a matter of great cultural and national importance.

Moga’s experience includes developing collaborative disaster legal assistance responses after the 2022 Victorian floods, co-presenting legal education sessions in affected communities, and working closely with Aboriginal organisations to ensure culturally safe access to justice. Most recently, he helped establish Victoria Legal Aid’s (VLA) dedicated First Nations legal help line, leading a small team and shaping service design to better meet community needs alongside VLA First Nations leaders.

Moga says he was drawn to Allied Justice by the organisation’s integrated services model, which combines legal and non-legal supports to address the underlying causes of legal problems.

“ Equal access to justice is at the heart of my work,” Moga said. “Too often, people in regional and rural communities face the highest barriers to justice while being in the greatest need. The integrated model at Allied Justice is a powerful and innovative way of responding; by working collectively to tackle both the legal issues and the social challenges people face. ”

As Director of Legal, Moga will lead Allied Justice’s legal team, focusing on strengthening the integrated approach, fostering trusted community connections, and driving systemic advocacy for lasting change.

Allied Justice CEO, Narelle Laing, welcomed Moga to the organisation:

As a Ballarat local who has lived in various regional communities, Moga is aware of the challenges faced by disadvantaged individuals in regional areas. He is dedicated to amplifying community voices, promoting equal access to legal justice, simplifying complex legal processes, and ensuring Allied Justice remains a trusted and reliable service.

“Moga brings not only exceptional legal expertise but also a lived commitment to equity, cultural sensitivity, and trauma-informed practice. His leadership will guarantee that Allied Justice continues to stand alongside our community, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or postcode, can access the justice they deserve. ”

BGCLS is now Allied Justice

jen@alliedjustice.org.au (Jen Davis) — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 05:14:32 GMT

Some Things Change and Some Things Stay the Same

We’re excited to share that we are now Allied Justice.

What’s changing?

Our new email address: help@alliedjustice.org.au and this new website: https://www.alliedjustice.org.au

As we grow and evolve, we’ve chosen a name that better reflects who we are and the values we stand for. This isn’t just a rebrand—it’s a reaffirmation of our mission to empower communities with respect, courage, and kindness. We are committed to reaching more rural and remote communities, providing integrated services including financial counselling, community legal education, law reform and partnering in projects that address issues our clients are facing daily.

This change reflects more than just a new identity—it represents our unwavering commitment to standing beside our clients every step of the way. At Allied Justice, we see the whole person, not just a case, and we help them feel seen. We stand with our clients until they can stand for themselves, and we fight for what’s fair, together. This is what we call Real Justice: the kind our clients actually want. It’s justice with our sleeves rolled up. It’s justice done together.

What is not changing is our integrity, our professionalism, and our commitment to always rise to the challenge. We do what others shy away from by standing together, in partnership, unified in purpose, seeing it through together.

 We have always, and continue to be, here for community.

What’s staying the same?

Our locations at 5 Chancery Lane, Ballarat 3350 and 91a Wilson Street, Horsham 3340 and our freecall number: 1800 466 488

Community Legal Sector Leaders to Convene in Ballarat for Quarterly CEO Forum

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 04:52:03 GMT

The Federation of Community Legal Centres hosted its quarterly CEO forum in Ballarat on Wednesday, bringing together leaders from across Victoria’s community legal sector.

Chief Executive Officers from the state’s 50 place-based and specialist community legal centres gathered to discuss the growing demands on the sector and to collaborate on strategies to strengthen access to justice for Victorians in need.

The meeting was opened by Ballarat and Grampians Community Legal Service (BGCLS) CEO Narelle Laing, who launched the organisation’s 2025–2027 Strategy. The plan outlined BGCLS’s significant growth and service expansion, and the launch featured a compelling case study that showcased how the organisation is changing life stories through better access to justice.

“Demand for legal services has grown rapidly across Victoria over the past five years, with regional communities such as Ballarat, Horsham, and the Grampians area experiencing this surge most acutely. Ballarat and Grampians Community Legal Service’s (BGCLS) strategy for 2025-27 presents an ambitious vision for the future, demonstrating the truly transformative value of community legal services, and outlining ways in which more people’s legal needs can be met. We look forward to supporting BGCLS to execute this impressive strategy.”

Louisa Gibbs

"The launch of our new strategy reflected the incredible progress we’ve made and the growing need for legal support in our region. We are proud to be part of a sector that drives real change in people’s lives."

Narelle Laing

Community legal centres continue to play a vital role in delivering free, high-quality legal information, advice, representation, casework, and education to people facing disadvantage—including those impacted by financial hardship, family violence, homelessness, or discrimination.

In the past year, Victoria’s community legal centres delivered over 100,000 legal services, with more than 500,000 Victorians accessing online self-help legal tools. These centres not only responded to immediate legal needs but also informed powerful advocacy for long-term systemic reform.

Statement on Gender-Based Violence

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 03:09:35 GMT

Allied Justice stands with the many women in the communities of the region we serve who experience family violence or gender-based violence.

Allied Justice has been providing free legal services for 35 years and our priority client groups include:

People experiencing, or at risk of, family violence
People experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness
People residing in rural or remote areas

Collectively, these three priority groups reflect the incidence of gender-based violence which is widespread in the Allied Justice region covering 11 Local Government Areas from Bacchus Marsh to the South Australian border. Allied Justice operates on the front-line of Gender-Based Violence by providing duty lawyer services in the Specialist Family Violence Court in Ballarat, and the Magistrates’ Courts in Horsham, Ararat, St Arnaud, and Stawell. The statistics show that victims of Gender-Based Violence are overwhelmingly women, such that assisting women experiencing the effects of Gender-Based Violence is at the core of the legal and related services provided by Allied Justice. We recognise, too, that the problem affects the whole of society. As such, we also pay tribute to the many first responders, community members, and service providers who are steadfast in their support of women, and their right to be safe at home and in the community.

Allied Justice acknowledges the scale of Gender-Based Violence occurring within western Victoria and endorses that it is a first-order priority for Allied Justice. In addition to duty lawyer services, Allied Justice will work constructively with the police, courts and support services to improve the safety outcomes for women and children, and to assist them in navigating the legal system in relation to family violence.

We have recently launched our Ask for a Lawyer campaign. To find out more follow this link.