18 July 2024

Celebrating 20 years in the Wimmera

Our service on Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk country has come a long way in two decades, doubling its staff to 14 people and extending services across the region.

Now a valued part of the region’s communities, our services are available at courts in Horsham, Stawell, St Arnaud, Edenhope, Hopetoun and Nhill where the team advises on family law, criminal law, child protection and family violence. Our staff also deliver community legal education programs, and we are proud of our connection to the local community and other services.

'In establishing the Horsham office, we set out to improve access to justice for people in the Wimmera,' said Acting Regional Manager Slav Subbotin.

'Two decades later, we are well established to provide legal help to those who need it most, with strong working relationships with local services right across the community,' Slav said.

Stawell local moves home to head regional office

Karla Randle joins the Horsham team as regional manager this month. Karla is returning to the Wimmera – she grew up on Djab Wurrung country in Stawell.

Karla brings home 17 years’ experience in leadership roles in the justice sector.

As senior lawyer, Karla led a team at our organisation providing legal help, including leading the Prisoner Legal Help Line. She was influential in bringing about the Defence and Veterans Legal Service, a dedicated phone line for veterans in custody. Before working with us, Karla also lent her legal expertise to the City of Boorandara, and was a registrar at the Magistrates' Court of Victoria.

After 25 years away, Karla brought her family back to the region.

'The kids are looking forward to being closer to their grandparents. And I think I can get used to the stress-free commute and being able to quickly drop home for lunch on office days!' Karla said.

'This part of the world is really dear to me – I have very fond memories of growing up here. So it’s important to me to be able to give back, to take the experience I’ve gained in the city and use some of that in the bush.'

Media contact: Senior Communications Advisor Desley Mather tel: (03) 9280 3868 email: desley.mather@vla.vic.gov.au