General News
12 August, 2024
Victoria Legal Aid celebrates 20 years in the Wimmera, access to justice
Two decades of legal service celebrated in Horsham
This month, Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) Horsham looked back over two decades, helping the people of Horsham and surrounding areas with their legal problems and providing accessible services of justice for all.
And with those celebrations, the call of the home, where she grew up in Djab Wurrung country, has brought Stawell local Karla Randle back to the Wimmera as Regional Manager of the vital service.
Ms Randle brings home 17 years of experience in leadership roles in the justice sector.
She has led a VLA team that provides legal help, including leading the Prisoner Legal Help Line as a senior lawyer.
She was influential in bringing about the Defence and Veterans Legal Service, a dedicated phone line for veterans in custody.
Ms Randle has also lent her legal expertise to the City of Boroondara and was a registrar at the Magistrates Court of Victoria.
After 25 years away, she has 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 drop home for lunch on office days quickly!" she said.
"This part of the world is dear to me - I fondly remember growing up here. So it's important to me to give back, to take the experience I've gained in the city and use some of that in the bush.
"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 across the community," he said.
When the service was opened 20 years ago, the aim was to offer a full range of services at Magistrate Courts in Horsham, Stawell, St Arnaud, Ararat, Edenhope, Hopetoun, and Nhill plus provide a duty lawyer at Children's Courts, and the Mental Health Review Board.
Continuing with that focus, the VLA is a valued part of the region's communities; VLA services are available at courts in Horsham and Stawell, St Arnaud, Edenhope, Hopetoun, and Nhill, where the team advises on family law, criminal law, child protection, and family violence.
"The VLA staff also delivers community legal education programs and are proud of our connection to the local community and other services," he said.
The service continues its aim to better respond to the community's legal needs 20 years later, has doubled its staff to 14 people, and extended services across the region.
Ms Randle has returned to the Wimmera, where she grew up
The VLA service in Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia, and Jupagulk country