Tag Archive: george brandis

  1. Attorney-General George Brandis QC launches new program to tackle family violence

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    Attorney-General George Brandis QC launched Eastern Community Legal Centre’s (ECLC) new family violence program, SAGE – Support, Advice, Guidance, Empowerment – at the Centre’s AGM on Wednesday 16 November. SAGE provides a unique ‘wraparound’ service for women experiencing or at risk of family violence, including legal, social and other support.

    ECLC CEO Michael Smith said the program, which integrates with other service providers across Melbourne’s east, seeks to engage women most in need of assistance.

    “The demand for family violence support has surged in recent years but many women still face barriers to accessing help. The SAGE program takes a partnership approach that’s more likely to reach women who fall through the cracks of mainstream and standalone services,” said Mr Smith.

    Women from especially vulnerable population groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women from migrant and CaLD backgrounds and women with mental health issues or a disability, will have priority access to the SAGE program.

    “With the SAGE program launched, we have greater capacity to provide a culturally safe service that responds to the whole-of-life issues that can arise with family violence,” said Mr Smith.

    In the 2015/16 year, ECLC assisted a record number of clients with 38% of the Centre’s work related to family violence matters and another 22% related to family law. ECLC assisted 945 clients at the Ringwood Magistrates’ Court as part of its family violence Intervention Order Support Service, up 20% from the previous year.

    ECLC was one of 12 legal assistance providers nominated by the Federal Government in 2015 to develop a specialist family violence service under the Women’s Safety Package.

  2. ‘Equality Every Day’: Annual General Meeting & Family Violence Team launch

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    All people are created equal but for many, equality still has to be sought. ECLC supports people and communities every day as they seek equality and increasingly does this work in everyday places.

    At ECLC’s 2016 AGM, ‘Equality Every Day’, the Centre celebrates and highlights the work of its staff, volunteers and partners over 365 days.

    The launch of the new Family Violence Team, SAGE, will also feature the strategic and partnership approach of this much needed service amidst an increasing understanding of the devastating impacts of family violence.

    DATE
    Wednesday, 16 November 2016

    TIME
    2:00pm Launch of Family Violence Team
    3:00pm Annual General Meeting
    3:30pm Afternoon Tea / Refreshments

    PLACE
    The Camberwell Parkview Room
    340 Camberwell Road, Camberwell
    (Car parking is limited)

    RSVP
    by Friday, 11 November 2016
    via TryBooking

    Enquiries: 1300 32 52 00 (1300 ECLC 00)

    View or download the invitation