Bushfire Response from ECLC
Bushfire Legal Response Fact Sheet
ECLC has released a new fact sheet regarding the legal response available to people affected by the Bushfires in our community. This resource is designed for those assisting people affected but is publicly available.
For a copy of this fact sheet, click here.
May 7, 2009
ECLC leads local Bushfire Response
Lawyers and community volunteers in Melbourne’s east have offered to give free legal advice to people affected by the fires in their region. Michael Smith, Manager of ECLC, said that people were keen to help in whatever way they can. “Within the destruction and loss of the fires, people will have concerns about a range of issues with a legal dimension – insurance, property matters, tenancy issues, replacing legal documents, estate issues and more.”
February 13, 2009
Bushfire Legal Help
Eastern CLC, other CLCs and the Federation of CLCs, VLA, the private profession through the LIV and PILCH and the Victoria Law FOundation are working together to assist people affected by the bushfires.
Following an intensive period where ECLC co-ordinated teams for Bushfire Legal Help on a daily basis, we are now offering a WEEKLY service at the Yarra Glen Recovery Centre.
Bushfire Legal Help is providing on site legal assistance on both an appointment and drop-in basis. Teams of lawyers will be on site at Yarra Glen from 1.00pm – 3.00pm on THURSDAYS. ECLC is co-ordinating this service with all the partners.
Appointments are preferred – PLEASE CALL 1300 79 70 88.
A statewide Bushfire Legal Help hotline has been established on 1800 113 432 (Monday to Friday). This service will provide initial information and can transfer calls to lawyers to provide free assistance.
For latest details see: ECLC Bushfire Legal Help
Agencies are free to distribute as required, with a focus on the Yarra Ranges and surrounding areas.
Updated April 28, 2009
People affected seeking legal assistance
Members of the community can also contact the Eastern Community Legal Centre on
1300 79 70 88, as well as the usual numbers. Telephone and ‘in person’ advice is available.
People on the western side of the mountain (Kinglake communities) may contact Whittlesea Community Legal Service on 9401 665.
People in Bendigo can contact the Loddon Campaspe Community Legal Centre on 1800 639 121
People in the Wallan/Wandong area can contact the Broadmeadows Community Legal Service on 9302 3911.
Legal Volunteers
- February 11, 2009
Eastern Community Legal Centre is working with VLA, LIV, and other CLCs through the Federation of CLCs to respond to the legal needs of those affected by the bushfire through a co-ordinated approach (Bushfire Legal Help). For details, please download and read the attached file and use the form to return to the Centre. ECLC is delighted with the amazing response from the legal community in our region and will manage the response in our area. We thank the many firms offering assistance at this very difficult time.
ECLC Bushfire Volunteers – pdf version
ECLC Bushfire Volunteers – Word version
Legal Support for Bushfire Victims
- Media Statement: February 10, 2009
Lawyers and community volunteers in Melbourne’s east have offered to give free legal advice to people affected by the fires in their region.
Michael Smith, Manager of Eastern Community Legal Centre, said that people were keen to help in whatever way they can.
“Within the destruction and loss of the fires, people will have concerns about a range of issues with a legal dimension – insurance, property matters, tenancy issues, replacing legal documents, estate issues and more.”
“People can call the Centre now and our lawyers will assist people directly and work with our pro bono partners to provide longer term assistance as needed.”
ECLC already operates a Healesville legal clinic and will expand this to respond to needs of the affected people in our communities.
The Centre is also working with Victoria Legal Aid, its existing volunteer lawyers and paralegals and a number of law firms offering pro bono (free) assistance.
“We are committed to responding to the needs of our communities across the east and will assist in whatever way we can. The Community Legal Centre relies on the voluntary support of legal practitioners and others who are keen to give back to the community” Mr Smith said.
People seeking legal advice can contact the Eastern Community Legal Centre on 1300 79 70 88. Telephone and Àúin person advice is available.
Key Phone Contact for Yarra Ranges and Knox residents (but all can call):
Eastern Community Legal Centre (9am – 5pm): 1300 79 70 88
People on the western side of the mountain (Kinglake communities) may contact Whittlesea Community Legal Service on 9401 6655
People in Bendigo can contact the Loddon Campaspe Community Legal Centre on 1800 639 121