Announcing a new approach to management in Gippsland

Tara Bressan and Julie Riva have been jointly appointed as regional managers for both our Gippsland (Morwell and Bairnsdale) and Peninsula (Frankston) regional offices, on GunaiKurnai and Bunurong Country.

This is an innovative approach that will draw on Julie and Tara’s collective experience and leadership capability.

Tara and Julie bring a wealth of knowledge of our services and systems, as well as diverse legal practice experience. Their collective experience covers all the practice areas delivered in our Peninsula and Gippsland regions.

Both Julie and Tara share a strong commitment to building and ensuring cultural safety. This is reflected in:

• their desire to better understand the history of the regions
• their consideration of diversity and inclusion needs of the community
• their commitment to deliver safe and responsive services.

Julie says she is looking forward to establishing connections in the region.

'I am grateful to have such an exciting and challenging opportunity to work with Tara. We will be working to build trust and develop relationships with the Frankston and Gippsland teams. We are really looking forward to supporting the offices in delivering legal aid services to best meet local regional needs,’ said Julie.

The roles will draw on their strong stakeholder engagement and service development skills. Tara and Julie will work with local stakeholders based on their respective practice areas. Both will work with stakeholders including Aboriginal community-controlled organisations and community legal centres.

Tara says it is exciting to trial a different model of management.

'We'll be working across large regional areas with high legal need and I’m confident that this will build collaboration. It will also provide scope to explore opportunities for community legal education and training for staff,’ said Tara.

More information

Learn more about our regional offices.