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New legal helpline supports First Nations people

We have launched 1300 MOB VLA, a legal helpline providing free, confidential and culturally safe legal help for First Nations people.

Published:
Monday, 4 August 2025 at 9:00 am
Text reads 1300 MOB VLA, legal help for First Nations people. Artwork 'Kinaway tar-wan' by Bitja (Dixon Patten Jnr)

We have launched 1300 MOB VLA, a legal helpline providing free, confidential and culturally safe legal help for First Nations people.

Our new helpline is a significant milestone in strengthening culturally safe legal services and access to justice for First Nations people in Victoria.

The service model was created in close collaboration with the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) and Djirra through a co-design process facilitated by Yamagigu Consulting.

It complements the existing high-quality Aboriginal-led legal services offered by VALS, Djirra and other Aboriginal community-controlled organisations.

‘1300 MOB VLA was designed with community at its heart – it is led by mob, for mob,’ said First Nations Access Manager Isabella Unwin, a proud Noongar woman.

‘Our trained staff recognise and respect the cultural identity, lived experience and the unique needs of First Nations clients.

‘The service supports our communities to take control of their legal issues, understand their rights and make informed decisions – on their own terms.’

First Nations lived experience experts who advise on our services spoke about going though ‘the minefield of finding a legal service’ and the importance of getting easy access to support.

‘This will be of great benefit to the community, many people don’t know about legal aid until they actually need it,’ they said.

‘The whole experience is about providing safety to people.’

About 1300 MOB VLA

The helpline offers legal information and advice tailored to the experiences of First Nations people. It also provides warm referrals to culturally safe support services.

It is available by dialling 1300 MOB VLA (1300 662 852) from 9 am to 4 pm on Monday to Friday, or by requesting a call back through our online form.

The launch of this service is part of our commitment in our Reconciliation Action Plan to improve the accessibility, cultural safety and responsiveness of legally aided services.

Contact

For media enquiries, contact Senior Communications Advisor Ala Al-Mahaidi at ala.almahaidi@vla.vic.gov.au or 0447 581 879.

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