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Statewide expansion of our Aboriginal Community Engagement Officer Program

We are expanding our Aboriginal Community Engagement Officer (ACEO) Program to all our offices to assist more First Peoples clients and help seekers.

Published:
Monday 20 April 2026 at 1:30 pm
Graphic image with stylised First Nations artwork and title 'Aboriginal Community Engagement Officer program', Victoria Legal Aid logo. Artwork called 'Kinaway tar-wan', designed by Dixon Patten Jnr

Our ACEOs help First Peoples clients get the help they need where they need it. These specialist non-legal roles provide culturally safe, accessible and informed support. They also promote and improve access to legal information and connect clients to appropriate services.

Launched in 2017, this program is part of our commitment to ensure First Peoples clients have legal help and support that is respectful, culturally safe and easy to access.

Our program operates from six of our regional offices – Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Mildura, Morwell and Shepparton.

During 2026, we will recruit ACEO roles to our remaining nine regional offices.

The need to improve availability and access to timely, culturally safe and tailored legal information and support has been consistently identified through inquiries into the legal system and access to justice. The importance of services like the ACEO program is also reflected in the results of the recent Public Understanding of Law Survey and throughout the Yoorrook for Justice hearings and submissions.

First Peoples legal services are principal providers of Aboriginal-led legal services for First Peoples in Victoria. We also know that the impact of conflict between people, client choice and at times capacity means that we will always also provide legal services to First Peoples.

The Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, Closing the Gap Priority Reforms, the National Legal Assistance Partnership (NLAP) review and, more locally, coronial findings and the Yoorrook Justice Commission – all identify critical improvements to government and mainstream organisation operations when addressing First Peoples’ overrepresentation in the justice system.

This expansion is funded through Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner (VLSBC) in response to coronial inquests on the need to enhance service capacity and capability to First Peoples.

Apply now

Applications are now being sought for these First Peoples-designated roles in our Frankston, Ringwood, Sunshine and Warrnambool offices.

Go to our current employment opportunities for more information on the roles and how to apply.

Recruitment for additional locations will be posted soon.

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