General News
3 December, 2024
Justice intervention awarded $800,000
Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative will receive $800,000 to help divert Aboriginal community members away from the criminal justice system.
The organisation, which services clients throughout Hindmarsh Shire from its base in Horsham, has been chosen to share in record investment of $12 million by the Victorian Legal Services Board (VLSB).
The government-sponsored grants have been made to support community legal services in frontline work with vulnerable Victorians.
Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes announced the 23 recipients on Friday.
Ms Symes said the grants would be used in projects tailored towards helping "some of the most vulnerable people" in the state, including Aboriginal communities, young people and victims of family violence.
Goolum Goolum is one of three Aboriginal organisations awarded funding for five projects focused on improving justice outcomes for Aboriginal people.
It provides a range of health, family, community, justice and cultural engagement services across the Wimmera, focusing on the shires of Hindmarsh, Northern Grampians, West Wimmera and Yarriambiack and the rural cities of Horsham and Ararat.
“These grants help ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or situation, has access to the legal support they need to navigate the justice system,” Ms Symes said.
“I wish Goolum Goolum all the best and thank them for making a real difference.”