CLC4GV Campaign
The CLC4GV Campaign is:
- urging governments to fund a permanent CLC in the region
- promoting the Goulburn Valley CLC Pilot, and
- promoting the value of CLCs in the region
There are almost 50 Community Legal Centres (CLCs) across Victoria. And almost 200 CLCs across Australia. CLCs help those who cannot afford a private solicitor or who cannot be helped by legal aid. They are an essential part of the Australian justice system. But the Goulburn Valley does not have a permanent CLC. This sets it apart as one of Victoria’s worst justice black spots.
In 2005 the Loddon Campaspe CLC opened its doors in Bendigo. Almost immediately it started fielding calls from the Goulburn Valley. Unfortunately, the Goulburn Valley is beyond Loddon Campaspe CLC’s funded catchment area.
Recognising the unmet need, Loddon Campaspe CLC teamed up with UnitingCare: Cutting Edge to establish a CLC Pilot in Shepparton.
The CLC Pilot aims to meet the unmet need, to document the need, and to urge governments to fund a permanent CLC in the region.
Funding for the CLC Pilot was due to run out in June 2011. Fortunately, the 2011 Victorian budget threw the CLC Pilot a 12-month financial lifeline. But without a commitment from governments beyond June 2012, the CLC Pilot will close. And the region’s most vulnerable residents will be denied access to justice.
Without community support, we cannot win this campaign. We encourage members of the community to join with us in urging governments to deliver justice to the Goulburn Valley.
For more information about the region’s unmet legal needs, please download our report Working for Justice in the Goulburn Valley.
