Fostering collaboration in the community legal assistance sector

The Federation of Community Legal Centres’ (CLC) Community Development and Community Legal Education (CD and CLE) Working Group recently held its annual forum at the offices of King and Wood Mallesons on Wurundjeri land.

The event was organised and led by co-conveners Tania McKenna from Northern CLC and Jacinta Maloney from Victoria Legal Aid.

The working group promotes community development and community legal education as empowering mechanisms to prevent or minimise legal issues. This year’s forum, themed ‘Bridging the gap of unmet legal need’, was another successful opportunity for its attendees to share knowledge and foster collaboration within the sector.

Community legal centre staff, Victoria Legal Aid staff and community legal sector partners at the forum.

Sharing inspiration and insight

Sessions throughout the day featured a mix of presentations and discussions on critical topics. Dr Hugh McDonald is the acting research director of Victoria Law Foundation and co-author of the PULS report. He reflected during his presentation that ‘the topics were cutting edge, addressing issues of importance in our sector’. They included lived experiences in the legal assistance sector and insights into pro bono partnerships with CLCs.

The collaboration continued by sharing resources to aid in disaster preparedness and for community workers providing legal assistance across the state. A thought-provoking afternoon included a look at how technology can promote access to justice, and concluded with a presentation on the PULS report, offering data-driven insights into legal understanding and capability within the community.

Positive reflections highlight the forum’s success

When closing the forum, facilitator and CEO of Social Security Rights Victoria, Gilian Wilks shared ‘how energising she had found the day’. Participants echoed these sentiments, with an anonymous survey respondent noting ‘thank you for running another excellent forum. They are such a good way to connect with others in our roles and learn more about the sector’. Further participant feedback affirmed the forum's role as a pivotal event for professional development and sector networking. Survey responses reflect an appreciation for the event's organisation and content, with hopes for continued success in future forums.

More information

The Community Development and Community Legal Education Working Group comprises professionals from across the legal assistance sector, including lawyers, educators, and advocates. It also includes representatives from the Legal Services Board, Victoria Law Foundation, Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, Neighbourhood Justice Centre, Aged Care Justice, and the Victorian Ombudsman.

If you would like to know more about the Community Legal Education and Community Development Working Group email:

• Tania McKenna – tmckenna@northernclc.org.au
• Jacinta Maloney – jacinta.maloney@vla.vic.gov.au

Learn more about Community Legal Education and visit our resources about making community legal information.