While the 2019/2020 FY ended with the world in a position that no one could have imagined, BGCLS managed to achieve great outcomes for our clients both before and during the pandemic.
This year saw the continuation of drop-in clinics for clients. Initially piloted to provide clients with flexible appointments and access to our services, the clinics proved very popular, and have continued in a remote capacity as a floating telephone service.
In August we travelled across the state to Mildura to complete the Annual Cross Check with Murray Mallee CLC. Completing the check with another regional service was a great way to see how another service works and learn from one another. We took the opportunity to travel with our Manager and Projects Officer to make the most of the networking opportunity, it is not every day that we get to travel nearly 500km to visit another CLC.
BGCLS hosted several students this year, ranging from early years university students, to those soon to be admitted to practice. We partnered with Deakin University and LaTrobe University to provide clinical placements to students as part of Integrated Learning programs. In addition, we fostered relationships with local practitioners to continue our volunteer solicitor program.
We thank all our volunteers and students who donated their time to support our service, their dedication is invaluable
Our partnership with Parent Place continued with the fortnightly drop-in service providing advice to clients in a discrete setting as well as working with staff to provide CPD and information sessions.
We saw the end of our health justice partnership with Grampians Community Health (GCH). This partnership was a fantastic project, integrating legal services within a health and support service setting. The relationships built between GCH staff and our lawyer Bronte played an important role in achieving great outcomes for clients. We have known for a long time that the Grampians and Wimmera regions have significant levels of unmet legal need, and this partnership showed the importance of having a physical presence in the area. The project provided over 500 services to clients in the region who may not have otherwise had access to legal services. Thank you to GCH for their involvement in the partnership.
In November we saw the opening of the Specialist Family Violence Court in Ballarat. The Court was renovated, and new processes and practices were put in place to ensure the best outcomes and experience for clients. BGCLS was involved in the planning and implementation of these new processes and we have seen the positive changes that have resulted. We hope that over time this model may become standard across the state with clients able to receive the same services and supports no matter which Court they may be in.
I look forward to another positive year for BGCLS and continuing to provide quality services to our clients.
This year saw the continuation of drop-in clinics for clients. Initially piloted to provide clients with flexible appointments and access to our services, the clinics proved very popular, and have continued in a remote capacity as a floating telephone service.
In August we travelled across the state to Mildura to complete the Annual Cross Check with Murray Mallee CLC. Completing the check with another regional service was a great way to see how another service works and learn from one another. We took the opportunity to travel with our Manager and Projects Officer to make the most of the networking opportunity, it is not every day that we get to travel nearly 500km to visit another CLC.
BGCLS hosted several students this year, ranging from early years university students, to those soon to be admitted to practice. We partnered with Deakin University and LaTrobe University to provide clinical placements to students as part of Integrated Learning programs. In addition, we fostered relationships with local practitioners to continue our volunteer solicitor program.
We thank all our volunteers and students who donated their time to support our service, their dedication is invaluable
Our partnership with Parent Place continued with the fortnightly drop-in service providing advice to clients in a discrete setting as well as working with staff to provide CPD and information sessions.
We saw the end of our health justice partnership with Grampians Community Health (GCH). This partnership was a fantastic project, integrating legal services within a health and support service setting. The relationships built between GCH staff and our lawyer Bronte played an important role in achieving great outcomes for clients. We have known for a long time that the Grampians and Wimmera regions have significant levels of unmet legal need, and this partnership showed the importance of having a physical presence in the area. The project provided over 500 services to clients in the region who may not have otherwise had access to legal services. Thank you to GCH for their involvement in the partnership.
In November we saw the opening of the Specialist Family Violence Court in Ballarat. The Court was renovated, and new processes and practices were put in place to ensure the best outcomes and experience for clients. BGCLS was involved in the planning and implementation of these new processes and we have seen the positive changes that have resulted. We hope that over time this model may become standard across the state with clients able to receive the same services and supports no matter which Court they may be in.
I look forward to another positive year for BGCLS and continuing to provide quality services to our clients.
Contact Us © Ballarat & Grampians Community Legal Service Inc.
To find out more about the service please follow this link: About Us
BGCLS Acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the region we service, their diversity, histories and knowledge and their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their Elders past present and emerging.
To find out more about the service please follow this link: About Us
BGCLS Acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the region we service, their diversity, histories and knowledge and their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their Elders past present and emerging.
Many images of Ballarat and surrounds by photographer, Andrew Thomas. Visit Andrew's website to see more of his beautiful images - http://www.andrewthomasphotographer.com/