2015 Annual Report

MALLEE MURRAY COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE 2014-15 ANNUAL REPORT Servicing the Murray Mallee since 1996 About Us & Acknowledgements 2 Our Services 3 Hours of Operation 5 Intervention Order Support 7 Managers’ Report 8 Family Violence Commitment and Lobbying 11 Media Coverage 12 Why is the Government lying to Rosie Batty 14 Interim Legal Needs Analysis 15 Our Community Collaboration 16 Our Team 17 A Regional, Rural, Remote Reflection from our Maja 18 Principal Solicitors Report 20 ProBono & Volunteers 23 Case Studies 24 Community Legal Education 26 Client Data 28 Cover Image Law Week 30 Mildura Law Court 56 Deakin Avenue Board Members 32 Professional Development 32 Source of Income Received from Other Bodies 33 Organisation’s Certification 35 Auditor’s Certification 36 Consolidated Income and Expenditure 38 Generalist Income and Expenditure 39 Rural Womens Outreach Program Income and Expenditure 40 ACCESS Family Relationship Centre Project Income and Expenditure 41 Balance Sheet as at 30 June 2015 42 Cashflow Statement for the Year Ended 30 June 2015 43 ASSISTANCE Notes to the Financial Statements 44 MMCLS acknowledges the many Indigenous peoples as the traditional owners of the lands on which we live and work. We pay deep UNDER- respect to Elders past and present. STANDING 2015 ANNUAL REPORT 1 We would like to acknowledge and thank the financial contributions made by the following funding bodies for without their contributions we would not be able to provide the services we do.

$476,989.00 Commonwealth Attorney Generals Department $167,876.00 Victorian State Government (Victoria Legal Aid) $644,863.00

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Objectives To provide a high quality, free Our Clients Rural Women’s Family Violence Victims ABOUT US and accessible legal service in 899 CLIENTS Outreach Program; the Murray Mallee which will 614 NEW CLIENTS empower and support communities in the resolution of legal problems 220 REPEAT CLIENTS REMAINED 12% and stimulate understanding 65 EXISTING CLIENTS CONSISTENT increase of the legal system. from 2013/14 from 2013/14 Total Advices 145 To use community legal education Our Generalist Legal Service Total Case Opens 34 167 Total Supported to provide the people of the Total Number of Clients 174 47 Advices Murray Mallee region with a 402 TOTAL CLIENTS 152 Case Opens better understanding of the role 358 TOTAL ADVICES 136 as part of intervention of the Murray Mallee Community 110 TOTAL CASE OPENS order support service program Legal Service. Family Relationship at local courts. Mission Centre/Community Legal To render legal assistance to To promote the Murray Mallee From above figures; Aboriginal Centre Partnership the most vulnerable members Community Legal Service to the Torres Strait Islander (ATSI)clients; 84 of Murray Mallee communities. isolated and remote areas of 56 The assistance will be offered the region. 78 TOTAL ATSI CLIENTS with due regard to the worth, 68 FAMILY LAW 64% 13 Vision independence and dignity of To provide a high quality and increase administrative 80 ADMINISTRATIVE LAW family law law criminal law That the Communities of the each individual. Service provision accountable legal service to the from 2013/14 Murray Mallee Region have a should reflect a continuing Murray Mallee region based on 13 CRIMINAL LAW Main Language other than English clear understanding of the Legal awareness of community the human, administrative and *clients can have multiple Total Advices 232 Problem Type/No of Problem Types System and are able to access it needs and the value of financial resources available within problem types. Total case opens 24 to resolve their legal problems. community support. and externally to the Service. Total Number of Clients 218

2 MALLEE MURRAY COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE 2015 ANNUAL REPORT 3 4% OF CLIENTS DO NOT SPEAK ENGLISH HOURS OF WELL OR AT ALL OPERATION

Main Home Language Face to Face and Monday 9am - 12pm (and some afternoons) Telephone appointments Tuesday 9am - 5pm Sex and Age 122 Ninth Street, Mildura Wednesday After hours only (after 5pm) of our Clients Thursday 9am - 12pm (and some afternoons)

62% 38%

0-17 0.9% 18-34 29% OUTREACH FACE 35-49 38% 50-64 23% 65+ 9% Clients – Main Language other than English SERVICES TO FACE Unknown 0.3%

African (exc North Afirda) 1 Other Southeast Asian 1 Mildura Weekly Dareton Monthly Swan Hill Monthly Arabic (inc Lebanese) 2 Persian 3 Chinese (inc Chang Chow, Hunan Kan) 2 Punjabi 8 Client Source of Income Family Relationship Centre Mallee Family Care Mallee Family Care Fijian 1 Samoan 3 68% Pension 105 Lemon Avenue 3-5 Devenport Street 229 Beveridge Street German 3 Sign Languages 1 Victoria New South Wales Victoria Greek 1 Swahili 2 29% Earned Monday 10am - 12pm Tuesday 2pm - 4pm Wednesday 2pm - 3.30pm Hungarian 1 Tagalog (Filipino) 3 0.7% Other Tuesday 1.30pm - 4pm Thursday 9.30am - 12pm Italian 2 Tamil 1 Robinvale Monthly Khmer 3 Thai 1 0.9% No Income Wentworth Monthly Mallee Family Care Kurdish 1 Tongan 2 1% Not stated Macedonian 1 Turkish 3 Mallee Family Care 33 Herbert Street Maori (Cook Island) 1 Turkish and Central Asian 1 59 Darling Street Victoria Middle Eastern and North African 7 Vietnamese 6 New South Wales Tuesday 10.30am - 2.30pm Nepali 1 84% Tuesday 10.30am - 12.30pm 14% *31% of our clients identified as having a disability 1.4% (REMAINED CONSISTENT from 2013/14) low medium high income group

4 MALLEE MURRAY COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE 2015 ANNUAL REPORT 5 Pooncarie NSW

Maude r

Darling Rive Balranald Dareton Wentworth Moulamein Mildura Murr Robinvale ay Rive Tooleybuc r Koondrook Swan Hill Manangatang Murray River Ouyen Kerang Sea Lake

Underbool Culgoa

Patchewollock

Birchip Murrayville Hopetoun Charlton

Donald

Warracknabeal

VIC Nhill

Local Government Area for 2014/2015 Advice Only phone or face to face 241 TOTAL

49 ALBURY/WODONGA

47 WENTWORTH I am very thankful for the assistance you provided “ “ INTER- 32 SWAN HILL me and for your help when I was in desperate 10 ROBINVALE need. In the future I will take your advice and 7 OUYEN assistance again, thanks again.

Intervention Order VENTION Support Service Mildura Weekly Robinvale Monthly Magistrates Court Magistrates Court Monday 9.00am – 4.00pm Tuesday 9.00am – 1.00pm

Wentworth Monthly Swan Hill Fortnightly ORDER Local Court (only as needed) Magistrates Court Tuesday 9.00am – 1.00pm Wednesday 9.00am – 2.00pm SUPPORT6 MALLEE MURRAY COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE 2015 ANNUAL REPORT 7 Law Reform Manager. Issues around access service to the FRC building for Due to the excellent history and to justice were discussed with client appointments whether by ongoing casework in regard to feedback given to VLA regarding phone or face to face. consumer law, the service has our difficulty locally in regard to continued our participation and family law issues. The service has We have also continued to partnership with University continued to work closely with participate in Legally Assisted of Melbourne Research into the financial counselling staff Family Dispute Resolution ‘Predatory conduct, consumer in an integrated service model, (LAFDR) with Hume Riverina rental goods and Indigenous as another program of Mallee Community Legal Service (HRCLS) MANAGERS consumers’. Due to the past Zaam Family Care, this has enabled the and Albury-Wodonga Family Rental issues and the ‘Make It service to continue its feedback to Relationship Centre as appropriate Mine’ Company fined due to Government regarding consumer clients. Our Service has also misleading conduct ($20,000) law and debt issues that are continued attendance at the and the most recent VET-fee help affecting our families in both Mildura FRC Team Meetings to scam our service is a key service Victoria and New South Wales. provide professional development provider in the legal sector to to FDR staff and to participate REPORT provide feedback on issues Mildura Family in process discussions and team Well what a year! The team The service welcomed Steven Mallee Family Care is the largest building activities. An extension have worked very hard this year Bliim to MMCLS as our Principal welfare not for profit agency around consumer scams. Relationship Centre to our family law advice service to again provide timely legal Solicitor in February this year covering the Northern and (FRC) and MMCLS is the ‘Federal Circuit Court Duty information, advice, casework and have enjoyed his wealth Southern Mallee of Victoria and These cases are all relevant Lawyer Service’ we have offered and community legal education of legal experience, commitment South West New South Wales. to vulnerable groups such as Partnership Program this year when the FCC visits, a to communities who are to mentoring staff and court This colocation allows the legal indigenous client groups who The partnership between the total of only 3 weeks per year. vulnerable and disadvantaged. knowledge. We welcomed a new service to work collaboratively are often targeted by several Murray Mallee Community Legal baby to the service and await with sixty four other community kinds of lending approaches. Service (MMCLS) and the Mildura A major component of the All staff have helped to make this Katie’s return in future, said good programs on common issues, This is a major law reform activity Family Relationship Centre (FRC) partnership with HRCLS in year very successful in terms of bye to Demelza-Rose as well as build and support each other for our service along with many continues to be met positively by this past year was the joint not only meeting overall targets Kim and Maja who are all off in in community development other partners. both clients and staff. As part of presentation to the NACLC but with successful projects search of different goals and we initiatives and also meet the ever our collaborative partnership the 2014 conference titled; ‘FRC/ undertaken to extend our reach. wish them all well and hope they increasing needs of residents As a vast majority of our legal legal service provides regular CLC Partnership & Legally It has been a very challenging will come back one day. living in the MMCLS catchment. work is within family violence Your Family Law Options (YFLO) Assisted Mediations’ by both year for the service with funding and family law, the service Information Sessions to clients services Principal Solicitors. The cuts looming and the unknown was well placed to provide who are engaged in the Family presentation focused on show future of core funding due to the a submission to the Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) process. Our staff have travelled over 17,000 kilometres casing the development of the timing of the National Partnership Violence Royal Commission – We also provide legal advice legal assistance partnership Agreement on Legal Assistance to outreach locations this year! accessible from our website, with to individual clients who are between Murray Mallee CLS Services. contributions also made to the referred directly by the FRC. and Hume Riverina CLS in order The Murray Mallee Community While the last 12 months Federation of Community Legal We provide a regular outreach to provide better support to The service has experienced Legal Service (MMCLS) have certainly been met with Centre’s submission. The service clients at their respective Family several staffing changes this commenced operating in 1996 challenges, there have also been organised meetings for and In the last year 58 clients Relationship Centres, and in year however have been able and covers more than 100,000 a number of achievements such participated in the Victorian Legal particular, about the delivery to remain consistent and deliver square kms which includes ten as our Interim Legal Needs Aid (VLA) – Family Law Legal have attended YFLO of legally assisted mediations.

all services required. The main Local Government Areas. MMCLS Analysis reported on further Aid Services Review and made a sessions at the FRC.

change has been in our Principal is an auspiced Community Legal below, our media partnerships, our submission to VLA on highlighted Solicitor role, with Amanda Centre – a co-located service ongoing advocacy and our ‘social needs. In October 2014 two deciding to reduce her hours within Mallee Family Care. justice rights’ work for our clients. VLA staff attended Mildura for “ meetings with MMCLS staff, the and to work in a generalist A good session, informative... solicitor role, we are very pleased Manager of the legal service and “ to still have Amanda on staff. the Family Relationship Centre Short, sharp and precise, Thank you.

8 MALLEE MURRAY COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE 2015 ANNUAL REPORT 9 Our communities face many issues around drugs, and particularly ICE use... the service aims to work in with other providers to ensure clients FAMILY VIOLENCE are supported with timely initial free legal advice with warm referrals for ongoing casework COMMITMENT AND LOBBYING

Well done to Amanda and Sarah, Our communities face many I would like to thank all staff we are very pleased to have issues around drugs, and and volunteers for their hard It has been a very challenging There has been an increase a plan to include the Kerang Court had our service/s recognised particularly Ice use, as reported work over the past year. year for the service with funding in Family Violence applications in the next financial year for this at a National Conference with on extensively. The service aims cuts looming until April 2015 being made across our Catchment service due to the number of family our Rural Regional flavour. to work in with other providers to It is with pleasure I present for our Intervention Order and we know there is a high violence incidents and need for ensure clients are supported with the 2014-2015 Murray Mallee Support Service (IOSS) funding – incidence of family violence court support. As noted in our previous annual timely initial free legal advice Community Legal Service a major service we provide for amongst our large catchment report, access to justice is a with warm referrals for ongoing Annual Report. victims of family violence at area. The funding for this Service We would like to take big issue in rural areas such casework. We have a high our local Courts. Applying was to be cut as of July 2015 – as ours, particularly as we have Indigenous population with many for an intervention order can after substantial lobbying and this opportunity to thank no legal aid office in Mildura disadvantaged groups who access be confusing, scary and making media work, with the support all of those who helped (the nearest one is Bendigo, support when violence occurs in sense of the legal system can of the National Association of our service make some some 5 hours away) and our their families. be a difficult road. Thankfully CLC’s (NACLC), the Federation nearest Victorian CLC is also this decision was overturned of CLC’s, our own local media ‘very loud noise’ and 5 hours away in Bendigo. The The MMCLS is committed to at the last minute due to many support, both print and radio advocated for this service has welcomed the recent supporting victims of violence lobbying successes and media and our local member, the service to continue. news that VLA Management are and to work with our community coverage and we have had a Government did renege on interested in discussing our area members to address issues as a 2 year reprieve. However due this decision in late March. The further in the next financial year broader responsibility for us all. to job insecurity for so long this service is currently working on and await to participate in and resulted in our Family Violence hear what this may mean for solicitor moving on in early our local Murray Mallee. 2015. This work was then taken on by our very experienced Principal Solicitor in a ‘whirl wind’ orientation to the Mallee, thank you Steven.

Our Intervention Order Support Service (IOSS) is delivered LISA-MAREE STEVENS across our Catchment Courts – Manager Murray Mallee Community Legal Service Wentworth as needed, Mildura Director Community Services, Mallee Family Care Inc. weekly, Robinvale monthly and Swan Hill fortnightly. Intervention Order Information Session Swan Hill Court 27/3/15

10 MALLEE MURRAY COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE 2015 ANNUAL REPORT 11 12 MALLEE MURRAY COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE 2015 ANNUAL REPORT 13 As noted in the Daily News online site by Jenna Price, Article ‘Why is the Government Lying to Rosie Batty.’ www.dailylife.com.au/news-and-views/dl-opinion/why-is-the-government-lying-to-rosie-batty-20150324-1m6yhz

Rosie“ Batty now knows firsthand that the federal government is deceiving Australians about domestic violence. The Australian of the Year says she has been told repeatedly by both the Prime Minister and the Minister assisting him,

Michaelia Cash, that there are no front line domestic violence services being cut. But she has just returned from Mildura and seen with her own eyes that the one“ INTERIM LEGAL full-time lawyer specialising in intervention orders and family violence will finish work on June 30. NEEDS ANALYSIS

Rosie Batty’s visit to Mildura We were very pleased to by undertaking community Staff were able to discuss their complexity of legal need in the Most importantly, the Interim for the Northern Mallee Local support our Community Legal education and development future views and wishes for the catchment of area of the Murray LNA reveals the need for Learning & Employment Network Education worker to be trained work in our large catchment service along with looking at Mallee Community Legal Service. more extensive research into Inc. (NMLLEN) Annual General in the ‘Loddon Mallee Takes area. Our service also provides our known data and supports Primarily, it reveals the shortage legal needs in the region. It is Meeting in March was very a Stand’ approach through family violence appointments in our first Interim Legal Needs of legal service provision in the hoped that this interim version timely in regard to this lobbying Women’s Health Loddon Mallee. at the local domestic violence Analysis report journey – this region and the high reliance on will provide the impetus for a and to bring National attention This training focuses on talking services, we will attend Court will help with future planning MMCLS as the only free, generalist comprehensive Legal Needs to the problem facing many with many community groups and provide family violence for our service. The service was legal service in the area. Analysis to be fully funded and CLC’s supporting family violence and service providers focusing specific appointments within supported in this huge task by undertaken so that an evidence- victims and front line services. on gender equality and the our own buildings that aim to Alexandra Ridgway, a ‘fantastic Although the Interim LNA based, true account of legal need With Australian of the Year Rosie bystander approach. intervene early in a victim’s find’ and support of the legal reveals MMCLS’s increased across the region is obtained to telling the media, after her visit experience of violence. The needs of those in our catchment service distribution across the guide future service delivery. to Mildura, “the Government MMCLS is very committed to service speaks to women who area. Alexa made the trip to region, it also highlights some was lying” the spotlight was preventing violence, to provide are victims of family violence Mildura to experience the catchment areas which are See website for final report. on our town. those primary prevention at the local domestic violence breadth of our catchment and less likely to access the service strategies by continuing to services within their group attended our outreach and therefore require further We have continued to work advocate for law and policy work programs such as SEA locations on a ‘road trip’. exploration. The Interim LNA also closely with family violence changes that directly challenges (Self Esteem and Assertiveness) demonstrates the excellent ability police, local Courts and our local views on family violence and Change programs regularly. In the Murray Mallee region, of MMCLS to reach those clients domestic violence service to legal need is complex. The with the greatest likelihood of ensure we are aware of all key This is an early intervention strategy to ensure isolation of the region along legal need as well as to respond service providers and continue with the particular needs of to the two primary legal issues to work in an integrated way. victims have access to timely legal advice and diverse communities with high in the area, specifically family Our communities experience a that other professionals understand the legal levels of disadvantage and, violence and family law. very high rate of Family Violence system and protections. importantly, the lack of legal and there are local networks services, all compound to create the service is part of that are a situation where legal need supporting a broader community is high and requires a distinct, responsible approach. locally-driven response. The Interim Legal Needs Analysis is the first step in unravelling the

14 MALLEE MURRAY COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE 2015 ANNUAL REPORT 15 OUR COMMUNITY Lisa-Maree Stevens Nicole Thomas COLLABORATION OUR Manager Administration Officer

The service has continued to MMCLS participates in the The MMCLS Manager is the work in partnership with NSW following local working groups President of this Committee. Legal Aid, who share part of our and committees in the region. Loddon Mallee Takes A Stand Catchment in NSW. The MMCLS Two Rivers Interagency Group MMCLS Community Legal Education has continued to provide client (TRIG) Worker is a facilitator in this primary TEAM violence prevention project that is advice sessions in NSW on a Balranald Interagency Group (BIG) monthly basis and as needed, based upon a model developed by Chenae Sparkes Kim Hubbard Robinvale Early Years Network Women’s Health Victoria. and have participated with NSW Solicitor (Generalist) FV Solicitor (Generalist) (REYN) Ceased 10.4.15 Legal Aid on their event days Local Aboriginal Justice Action Mentor for Access to Justice such as; Law Checkup education Committees through Technology Program sessions, VET Fee Help scam This is a family violence project Mildura Court User Group education sessions and NAIDOC with the Centre for Innovative events. This partnership is Robinvale Service Providers Justice (RMIT University). working well and we are looking Group ‘Law Apps’ partnership with forward to future successful Receipting Proof of Concept The University of Melbourne Law events and collaboration. Working Party with Victoria Police School, the service is assisting with and Community Agencies (RPOC). ‘Law Apps’ - a new subject being taught at Melbourne Law School. Amanda Morrison Allie Collyer Lisa Nguyen The MMCLS program works in Mallee Sexual Assault Unit/ Steven Bliim Principal/Generalist Solicitor Community Legal Education Generalist Solicitor close proximity and in a strong Mallee Domestic Violence Service Continued Link Virtual Outreach Principal Solicitor Commenced 7.4.15 partnership with the Financial Inc. (Committee of Management) partner to the Women’s Legal Commenced 2.2.15 Counselling program at Mallee Service Victoria. Family Care. These two programs are in the same Directorate and share professional development sessions together as their work can often overlap. There have been increasing times where the programs have worked jointly to support our vulnerable clients as well as in law reform activities Maja Doma Demelza-Rose Gale Generalist Solicitor Generalist Solicitor and feedback to authorities. Commenced 20.10.14 Commenced 9.4.14 Ceased 16.4.15 Ceased 20.1.15

16 MALLEE MURRAY COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE 2015 ANNUAL REPORT 17 Having grown up in a small town on the North Coast of New South Wales, when I was offered a job in Mildura So with all this excitement in discovering this new inland landscape and lifestyle, what was work going to be like? for“ 6 months, I thought: ‘I can do this! Easy as! It’ll be like moving to Ballina or Grafton, no worries at all!’ In a word, challenging. At that point, though, my small town days were far behind me, and I was firmly ensconced in the inner-northern- Melburnian lifestyle – replete with soy lattes, vintage bicycling, and beards, beards, beards, as far as the eye If there was a Lonely Planet style guidebook on how to run a functioning CLC on a shoestring, no doubt the can see. ‘Sure!’ I proffered enthusiastically to my soon-to-be-boss, waxing lyrical about tree changes and the remarkable staff at the MMCLS would be top contributors. It amazed me how much work we all produced with like, but secretly terrified of the unknown. a small team of lawyers, no volunteers in the day practice and with limited technological functionality. In the time I was there, staff had set up a family law duty lawyer service in the thrice yearly Federal Circuit Court sittings, Later on, when I was asked to write a reflective piece on my time in Mildura working at the Murray Mallee run several divorce workshops and maintained a family violence lawyer duty service in Mildura, Robinvale and Community Legal Service, I felt that I wasn’t really qualified to comment. Others that had spent much more time Swan Hill, in addition to the routine advice appointments and constant casework. There was intense lobbying working regionally - by comparison to my stint of 6 months- would be in a better position to provide meaningful and media in the face of cuts to family violence lawyer funding. It was nothing short of inspiring. reflection on their experiences and the issues faced by country lawyers. I decided to persist anyway, but, in classic lawyer fashion, start with the caveat that I don’t hold myself out to be an expert on all things regional, and note Having volunteered at a metropolitan CLC for several years, I had some notion of the issues I would face in that this is really a snapshot, a slice, one story among many that can contribute to the dialogue that we should Apractice, however I don’t think anything can fully prepare you for regional CLC work other than actually doing it. be having about regional legal practice, and more broadly, about life and work outside of metropolitan areas In my outreach work into south western New South Wales I encountered complex legal issues, shrouded in a in Australia. lack of community engagement, socio-economic disadvantage and, I think, a sense of having been forgotten, a detached and different reality to that which is front of mind in Macquarie and Spring Streets. But back to my story. As I drove the 6 or so hours from Melbourne to Mildura, what struck me the most was the sense of isolation? There’s little between Bendigo and Mildura, and once the country changes from green and For me, after 6 months, leaving Mildura and the CLC was a feeling of bittersweet. The sweet is feeling that I had shrubby to dusky yellow fields, powdery sky and black trees, a sense of eeriness is palpable (well it is if, like me, been able to contribute to a sector I truly believe in. Access to justice was my mantra and my purpose, however you are slightly neurotic with an overactive imagination… Abandoned servo? Clearly a front for a zombie meth lab REGIONALhard it was to actually achieve in practice. The bitter is feeling like I had in some sense let down the community -Keep driving!) And then you get to the ‘Dura. And all of a sudden you’ve ridden the rainbow, passed from yellow, and the clients, by being just another transient cog in the machine of short-term professional workers in a blue and black to sandy red dirt and out of nothing, green leafy grapevines and … what’s this? Town! regional area.

A few life lessons I learned quickly in Mildura. One – don’t shop at the supermarket at the Plaza, unless you’re I don’t know how we can attract and retain lawyers to regional and remote areas, particularly in CLCs, where keen for a date. Yes that’s right. Day one in town and asked out for a date…in Woolworths. Did I accidentally put every year seems like a battle to justify their existence to budgeteers and decision-makers. It’s clear though bananas in my basket when I shouldn’t have? I desperately needed to shirk the ‘fresh meat’ aura I was clearly that with targeted lobbying and media engagement across the sector, some successes were had this year. exuding. Lesson two –cycling to work ain’t gonna happen unless you have extra special inner tube protection RURALWhat I would say, though, to anyone considering a move inland, interstate, regional, rural, or remote is: do it, “ to ward off the monster-sized thorns on the roads. And, perhaps most importantly, lesson three – when Lovin but think carefully about the extent of your contribution and capacity to make a difference over a long term basis. Spoonful penned “Summer in the City”, writing about sidewalks being hotter than match-heads and despite That, and be careful in the supermarket! the heat, things being alright, they really should have dedicated a verse in homage to the cool kiss of refrigerated air conditioning. Because I’m pretty sure that saved my life last summer in the (rural) city of Mildura. REMOTE REFLECTION FROM OUR Maja’s Farewell with our Directorate Staff Maja’s Farewell 18 MALLEE MURRAY COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE MAJA! 2015 ANNUAL REPORT 19 One of the themes of last year’s in NSW and we have been having order representation and some report continues this year with feedback of similar situations on generalist appointments at Swan the Service having co-operated the Victorian side of the border. Hill pending appointment of PRINCIPAL with Legal Aid NSW in early another solicitor. This has worked 2015 to assist a significant At the commencement of this well to date but will finish when number of clients in south year a planned duty lawyer we recruit a new Family Violence western New South Wales on scheme was implemented by Solicitor. an education scam. Members the Service at the first of the of the communities were preyed three annual sittings of the On 29 May 2015 we provided upon by unscrupulous recruiters Federal Circuit Court in Mildura our submission to the Royal SOLICITOR’S signing up young and old in March. Chenae Sparks and I Commission into Family students for online vocational were able to provide advice Violence. As we had just lost education courses paid for by and/or representation to five the observations and expertise the Commonwealth Government parties in the FCC list of hearings of Kim Hubbard only the month under the VET FEE-HELP scheme. for those sittings. In four of those before we concentrated on Offers of free laptops and other cases we were able to negotiate a number of limited issues less salubrious incentives were either final or interim orders to which had become apparent REPORTI was told by the recruitment The challenge has been accepted Maja Doma spent approximately made to people who often assist to resolve the matters. The as significant problems. We agent who introduced me to and I believe I have fitted in six months with us to fill in while did not have internet access scheme has been well received highlighted the apparent problem MMCLS that if he was going with the rest of the crew to Katie Davies was on maternity and a number were signed by the Court, the practitioners and with the rather limited number to find me a position: “You might provide the best community legal leave before returning to her up to multiple courses in what have to go regional!” Later in support that we can to all needy, previous position. Lisa Nguyen appeared to be a very cynical a telephone interview with our vulnerable and disadvantaged stepped in to the fill in role till and targeted approach. These problems are exacerbated in our catchment Director I was asked: “Do you residents of the Mallee who Katie returns. Nicole Thomas and as Swan Hill and Mildura municipalities are listed know where Mildura is, have seek our assistance. Allie Collyer have continued to Our service and Legal Aid each you looked at a map?” After provide valuable administration as numbers 2 and 3 respectively in the State for acted for victims of this scam three affirmative answers I have been only one of a and community legal education and upon direct approach to prevalence of family violence. I eventually was offered the number of staffing changes this services respectively throughout the Colleges involved were able position of Principal Solicitor year. Amanda Morrison who held the past year. Our Director, universally to extract our client the support staff who attend. At of applicants for intervention at MMCLS and started work at the Principal position before me Lisa-Maree Stevens, provides from the courses, allow them to this stage we have not provided orders that are represented by the beginning of February 2015. retain their laptops and in some full representational services but Police – only 52.5% of 1,440 To put that into perspective the “You might have to go regional! Do you know cases obtain some compensation in exceptional circumstances that applicants in our catchment for population of the wider Mildura for their trouble. may be considered. the prior 12 months. Further area is about 5½ times the where Mildura is, have you looked at a map?” we noted the apparent lack population of the Central Pacific Mildura area is about 5½ times the population The NSW Office of Fair Trading In the early part of 2015 we of funding for representation country where I last worked of the Central Pacific country where I last worked also became involved in two were advised by an adjoining for applicants who went to a and about 3½ hours flight closer functions that we and Legal Aid CLC that they would be unable contested hearing and were to a major population centre – and about 3½ hours flight closer to a major held with potential clients to to continue to assist us to appear not represented by the Police. not quite so regional or remote population centre – not quite so regional give advice on this scheme. at the alternate fortnightly as some. or remote as some... Later the Australian Competition intervention order service at and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Swan Hill. This came at about the That does not detract from picked up on these matters and time that Kim Hubbard resigned the challenges of operating remains with the Service but as management, lobbying and we are currently co-operating as the Family Violence Solicitor. a community legal centre in a part time solicitor. Demelza- advocacy on behalf of the Service with them in their investigation In order to properly cover the an area that could not be Rose Gale and Lisa Archbold and its clients in a tightening of the recruiters and the education service we negotiated with a local further from Melbourne and had left before I started and financial arena. providers involved. This type of practitioner at Swan Hill, Geoff yet still be in Victoria. Kim Hubbard moved on to other scheme was discovered widely Dunstan, to provide intervention challenges in April this year.

20 MALLEE MURRAY COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE 2015 ANNUAL REPORT 21 “[The DIY Divorce Workshop] was presented clearly “ & slow enough to follow, extremely useful to be able to ask and confirm questions.

These problems are exacerbated We were able to offer a number MMCLS has done that job for in our catchment as Swan Hill of information sessions during many years now and I am coming The Murray Mallee Community Legal Service wish to thank the following and Mildura municipalities Law Week in mid-May 2015 to appreciate and understand PRO BONO who have assisted us with Pro Bono work for clients: are listed as numbers 2 and utilising Allie, our legal staff how that is done. 3 respectively in the State for and volunteers and a guest Women’s Legal Service Victoria – Link Project VOLUNTEERS Dunstan Law - Swan Hill prevalence of family violence. speaker from the Arts Law I have enjoyed the Centre of Australia. NSW Legal Aid journey so far and Our community legal education We would like to take this Wednesday night Over the past year worker, Allie Collyer, has The last five months of the would like to thank all opportunity to thank all our Advice Clinics our volunteers have; continued to travel throughout financial year have been a of the staff at MMCLS Volunteers. Without the support DIYAdvice Divorce Clinics Workshop the Mallee providing information challenge as I have learnt • assisted with and at Mallee Family of our volunteers, we would RobynWednesday Croydon night sessions to groups ranging from more and more of the systems not be able to continue to offer Tyler Wolff 180 clients in seniors to school groups. As our and operational details of the Care who have assisted Advice Clinics late night advice appointments Ryan Maddox ‘advice’ sessions staffing ratios have changed community legal sector and me to date. nor deliver our effective Do-It- Robyn Croydon Tyler Wolff this year we have been able to adapted to the problems of Yourself (DIY) Divorce Workshops Law Week Partners • contributed over increase her time and the need delivering quality legal Ryan Maddox throughout the year: Maloney Anderson Legal, 5400 hours has certainly absorbed this. services in that environment. Ryan Legal and Holcroft Lawyers • run 6 Do It Yourself DIY Divorce Workshop Law Week Partners Robyn Garsed Maloney Anderson Legal, Divorce Workshops = Millicent Farnsworth Ryan Legal and Holcroft Lawyers 18 hours for 56 clients Bernadette Edmanson

Wednesday night

The Murray Mallee Community Legal Service would like to thank the following for their continued support: Victoria STEVEN BLIIM Legal Aid, Commonwealth Attorney-General Department, Mallee Family Care, Mildura Family Relationship Centre, PRINCIPAL SOLICITOR Hume Riverina Community Legal Centre, Consumer Action Law Centre, Mildura Magistrates Court, Holcroft Lawyers, Martin Irwin Richards Lawyers, Maloney Anderson Legal and Dunstan Law – Swan Hill.

22 MALLEE MURRAY COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE 2015 ANNUAL REPORT 23 Mum Safe from Violent Family Law Parenting Insurance dispute - Motor vehicle accident - her personal property. Jo finally sons, and did not need to be in Assistance for a Mum careful on our Roads! Sons - Intervention came to Mildura Magistrates’ the Court room at the same time Melanie required parenting orders Simon required assistance following a motor vehicle accident Order Court seeking a FVIO against both as them. Both of her sons were to ensure the best interests of involving livestock that had run onto the road. Simon was Jo is an elderly woman who had of her sons. Jo was terrified of extremely aggravated, and extra her children were met through uninsured. Our service assisted by firstly writing to the owner of no family support in Mildura other attending Court and seeing her police had to be called. If Jo was substantial and significant time the livestock which then resulted in the insurer for the livestock than her 2 adult sons. One of her sons there. She was also extremely successful in her application then being spent with the non-live owner becoming involved. Our service collected information about sons was living with her. Both of apprehensive about the court the son that was living with her with parent. Melanie was unable the accident and evidence of purchase from the client providing her sons became involved in illicit process and had no idea what would need to move out of the to secure a grant of legal aid same to the insurer trying to establish the liability for the accident drug use, and as a result, became she needed to do. residence. Jo was led through her and did not have the financial rested with the livestock owner. This involved assessing the extremely violent and threatening evidence about the violence she resources to meet the fees for information and researching the law, including case law concerning towards Jo. On many occasions The service firstly arranged for Jo was experiencing. As a result, the private representation. similar circumstances. Liability was initially denied and the service both of her sons threatened to to be able to wait in the remote Court made FVIO’s against both successfully sought the pro bono assistance of a well-resourced kill Jo. They stole money and witness room so that she did not of Jo’s sons that will never expire As such, our service agreed to and experienced private firm to further assist Simon. medication from her, and damaged need to have any contact with her unless further orders are made. assist her through the preparation of court documents, initiation of Peter was still being approached The service assisted Peter in proceedings in the Federal Circuit Elderly Man Now Family Law- Divorce – upon the Respondent Spouse. by the young lady for more money, obtaining an interim intervention Court and representation at the How hard is that? The Respondent Spouse was in Safe - Personal Safety and she was attempting to use order during the initial proceedings interim stages of the proceedings. Julie required assistance in the another Australian State and the because the respondent had Intervention Order their previous sexual relationship preparation, filing, serving and process server reported that the Peter is an elderly man living in one to manipulate him to give her not been served. Peter had little Our service represented Melanie appearance in relation to an Respondent was not known at the of our outlying communities who more money. By the time he made understanding of the Court process on two occasions in the Federal Application for Divorce. Australian address provided. Julie confirmed suffered from a significant physical an application for an intervention and what the interim order meant, Circuit Court negotiating with English was not the Julie’s first the information and provided disability who had no family order he had lost all of his savings the service ensured that this was the other party to secure interim language. As such, our service photographs of the Respondent support within the community. and was living on a very small explained to him as clearly as substantive and procedural assisted in the preparation and to assist the process server in Peter met a young lady who was government income. The service possible. On the next occasion in orders including an order for a filing of the Application for Divorce. identifying the person required to significantly younger than him became aware of Peter on the Court the respondent had been family report. The service was This also required obtaining a be served. Service was therefore through his employment, and as family violence day of Court and served and the service applied involved in all stages of the translated copy of the Julie’s successful and the application was a result of their relationship, was even though Peter had not asked for a final intervention order for proceedings including negotiating marriage certificate as the marriage able to proceed as originally listed manipulated into giving her and for our assistance we could see Peter. Due to the nature of the with the other party, providing had not taken place in Australia as a consent to the abridgment of her mother all of his savings. that he was very vulnerable, relationship and the circumstances documentation to the Family and the certificate was not in time for service was also provided stressed and distressed at court. the service was able to obtain Report Writer and providing Australian English. Following filing signed by the Respondent. The Our solicitor stepped in to help. an order for Peter that would not advice to the client upon release of the Application, difficulties service appeared via telephone expire for 6 years. of the report. arose in relation to service link on behalf of the client.

Extensive work was done with Education providers – ‘Free Lap Top’ Anyone? and on behalf of the client Criminal matter- driving offence assistance Several clients attended MMCLS describing that they had been approached by door to door marketers offering including referring the client to Mark required assistance in relation to a driving offence and was “free laptops” if they signed up for online courses. The clients signed some paperwork but the particulars of other appropriate courses and a very vulnerable client due to medical issues. The service provided the paperwork were not explained by the marketers. The clients were concerned this might be a scam and services to help Melanie through advice as well as assistance with obtaining documents from the sought some advice from MMCLS. The clients were left with some brochures for private educational institutions. the family law process. A referral prosecution, negotiating with the prosecution and representation It appeared that the clients had been signed up for diploma level courses and VET FEE-HELP loans. to a private solicitor was made at Court. The service assisted Mark by conducting a case conference for management of the matter with the prosecution, requesting copies of or access to further evidence The service liaised with a range of institutions mentioned in the material provided by the clients, sought to the final hearing stage with relied on by the prosecution and representation in the early stages of information about whether the clients were enrolled in a course, and if so, seeking immediate withdrawal for the recognition that the client proceedings. The service represented Mark on three occasions in the the course and remittance of any VET FEE-HELP loan. After protracted negotiations with several institutions and may now be able to secure a Magistrates Court. The matter was referred to a skilled private criminal their legal representatives, the service was able to achieve satisfactory outcomes for all our clients, including CASEgrant of legal aid. law solicitor for further carriage, including representation at contest those that had passed the census limitation date for withdrawal from their course without any financial penalty. mention, after assisting in the early stages and therefore saving the client legal fees. 24 MALLEE MURRAY COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE STUDIES 2015 ANNUAL REPORT 25 LEGAL EDUCATION In July 2014, our Community A total of 18 sessions were had advised that many of their Legal Education Worker was delivered to schools in Mildura, disadvantaged participants were seconded to assist in the Financial Swan Hill, Manangatang and reluctant to engage with legal St Josephs College ‘Sexting and the Law’ Panel Elder Abuse Expo in the Mall with DV Counselling Program at Mallee Sea Lake during this financial and other services so our aim was Family Care. To ensure the year. This information is extremely to deliver information to them in continuity of the CLE program important for young people and a safe and friendly environment and to continue to build on our work in this area is ongoing. and build a rapport over a period the networks fostered in the of several weeks. This informal past 12 months cooperation We continued to foster our approach was well received and 94 434 and assistance from both the connections with the Culturally resulted in a number of enquiries Community Legal Education Legal Information and Referrals Financial Counselling and MMCLS and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) to both the MMCLS and MFC Sessions Provided this year. provided in this year. teams was sought. With this communities in both Mildura and Financial Counselling program. collaborative approach we were Swan Hill. Education sessions still able achieve all our required on Powers of Attorney and Our work with the Aboriginal targets. Due to the reduction in Discrimination were delivered at community included attending

available hours for presentations, the Sunraysia Ethnic Communities several events in Dareton NSW

we ensured that areas of major Council and Legal System Basics and delivering an information disadvantage - youth, Aboriginal, to a group of Afghani refugees session to the Koori Education The Year Ahead - Future Community Legal “ CALD and elderly were a priority connected with Mallee Family Care Unit at Sunraysia TAFE on “ and the primary focus of any Settlement Services in Swan Hill. Australia Consumer Law. Due to Education will be informed by our Interim Legal CLE activities. an unscrupulous training course Needs Analysis and planning. We partnered with the Total provider targeting members of the With the introduction in November Learning Centre (TLC) in Mildura Aboriginal Community in Dareton, 2014 of new summary offences to deliver a series of awareness several information sessions in in relation to the distribution and general budgeting sessions Dareton and Wentworth were of intimate images and some to playgroups that use the TLC arranged on an urgent basis to exceptions to Child Pornography facility. The groups included advise the community of their Laws for minors involved in those specifically for young rights and assist consumers who consensual, non-exploitative parents, Aboriginal parents, Pacific required assistance to withdraw sexting, there was a high demand Islanders, parents with mental from their courses. from schools for this information to health issues and a general be delivered to staff and students. community playgroup. TLC staff

26 MALLEE MURRAY COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE 2015 ANNUAL REPORT 27 Community Legal Education 2014-2015

Presentation Details Client Group Location Date Presentation Details Client Group Location Date

Sunraysia Mallee Ethnic General MMCLS, budgeting, Powers of Attorney Multicultural Mildura 2 Jul 2014 Flying Dreams Playgroup/TLC Mental Health Mildura 13 Nov 2014 Communities Council fin counselling General MMCLS, Family Violence, Sexting & the Law – new NAIDOC Event Aboriginal Mildura 7 Jul 2014 Irymple Secondary College School staff Mildura 1 Dec 2014 Family Law legislation MFC Settlement Services staff - Gen MMCLS, Family Violence, Robinvale District Health Services Wills and Powers of Attorney Agency staff Robinvale 9 Jul 2014 Agency staff Swan Hill 3 Dec 2014 Swan Hill Intervention orders Disengaged Sexting & the Law – new FLO Connect Mildura Sex, Age of Consent and Sexting Mildura 21 Jul 2014 Loddon Mallee School Nurses School nurses Swan Hill 3 Dec 2014 Youth legislation Mallee Family Care Settlement Sexting & the Law – new Legal system basics Multicultural Swan Hill 7 Aug 2014 St Joseph’s College Mildura Youth Mildura 9 Dec 2014 Services legislation Australian Consumer Law Disengaged FLO Connect Mildura Mildura 4 Aug 2014 Community Workers Forum Infringements Agency staff Mildura 19 Feb 2014 and Scams Youth Aust. Muslim Women’s Ctr for Sexting & the Law – new MMCLS and Marriage in Australia Multicultural Mildura 8 Aug 2014 Swan Hill College staff School staff Swan Hill 18 Mar 2015 Human Rights legislation St Joseph’s College Mildura 8 Sexting and the Law Youth Mildura 13-14 Aug 2014 TAFE Swan Hill AMES students Basics of the Law in Australia Multicultural Swan Hill 18 Mar 2015 sessions General MMCLS, Family Violence, St Joseph’s College Mildura Sex & the Law Q & A Panel Youth Mildura 14 Aug 2014 Multicultural Mums’ Playgroup Multicultural Swan Hill 19 Mar 2015 Family Law Sunraysia Mallee Ethnic Communities Sexting & the Law – new Discrimination Multicultural Mildura 15 Aug 2014 FLO Connect Swan Hill staff School staff Swan Hill 19 Mar 2015 Council legislation

TAFE Koori Education Unit Australian Consumer Law Aboriginal Mildura 27 Aug 2014 LaTrobe University Market Day General MMCLS, debt, housing Youth Mildura 24 Mar 2015

Sexting & the Law – new Seniors in Schools group RDHS Wills & Powers of Attorney Seniors Robinvale 8 Sept 2014 Manangatang P12 staff meeting School Staff Manangatang 24 Mar 2015 legislation NAIDOC event, MMCLS, Family NSW Legal Aid, referrals Dareton Aboriginal Land Council Aboriginal Dareton 18 Sept 2014 Law Check-Up Agency staff Dareton 25 Mar 2015 Violence and MMCLS General MMCLS, Intervention Intervention Orders with Agency staff & Haven Home Safe Agency staff Mildura 23 Sept 2014 Community info session Swan Hill 27 Mar 2015 Orders Vic Police & Courts community

MADEC Indigenous Community Links General MMCLS Aboriginal Mildura 26 Sept 2014 Christie Centre parents Wills Disability Mildura 12 May 2015

General MMCLS, budgeting, General Sexting & the Law – new Mildura Community Playgroup/TLC Mildura 13 Oct 2014 Tyrell College Sea Lake Youth Sea Lake 13 May 2015 fin counselling community legislation General MMCLS, budgeting, Intervention Orders with Agency staff & Pacific Islander Playgroup/TLC Multicultural Mildura 13 Oct 2014 Community info session Mildura 14 May 2015 fin counselling Vic Police & Courts community General MMCLS, budgeting, Event in Langtree Mall, Goanna’s Playgroup/TLC Aboriginal Mildura 22 Oct 2014 Lifting the Lid on the Law Gen community Mildura 15 May 2015 fin counselling general MMCLS General MMCLS, budgeting, General TAFE Playgroup/TLC Young parents Mildura 24 Oct 2014 Balranald Services Expo General MMCLS Balranald 27 May 2015 fin counselling community General MMCLS, budgeting, Beyond the Rainbow Playgroup/TLC Multicultural Mildura 7 Nov 2014 SuniTAFE Cert 1 in GA General MMCLS Youth/Disability Mildura 24 Jun 2015 fin counselling Gen MMCLS, Family Violence, Sexting & the Law – new Disengaged Dareton Community Kick-off Aboriginal Mildura 12 Nov 2014 FLO Connect Swan Hill students Swan Hill 2 Jun 2015 debt legislation Youth

28 MALLEE MURRAY COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE 2015 ANNUAL REPORT 29 Our Community Connections

Our aim for Law Week 2015 was to bring infor- Civil & Admin- Referral FROM Referred by Family Law istrative Law Criminal Law mation about everyday law issues to the wider Other CLS 58 8 3 by Problem Type LAW community in our catchment and we certainly Private Legal Practitioner 19 22 5 achieved that by travelling nearly 500 kilometres Legal Aid Commission 9 18 4 How clients heard about us Court/Tribunal 82 51 6 WEEK in the week. Community Support Other 15 14 6 Centrelink 4 9 1 Police 5 10 - Law Week was once again a very This session was well attended There were displays of information Government Other 4 20 - busy time for the MMCLS staff. and the presenters including on a range of legal topics, a free Dispute Resolution 99 6 - This year we had a very diverse our Principal Solicitor Steven sausage sizzle and a mini Legal Other Referrals 333 323 53 range of events and included Bliim, Selena Pasut, Registrar Needs Analysis for community Total 628 481 78 collaboration with local private law from the Mildura Law Court and members to complete. We firms, the Department of Justice Louise Richards from the Victoria invited business units from and Regulation, Mildura Rural City Police Family Violence Unit gave the Department of Justice and Council and community agencies. an excellent “whole picture” Regulation to attend which We also collaborated with Mildura presentation on what assistance included Consumer Affairs Victoria, Civil & Admin- Rural City Council to arrange an each provides. Corrections Victoria, the Dispute Referred by Family Law istrative Law Criminal Law Artist’s Legal Advice Workshop Settlement Centre of Victoria and Referral TO Other CLS 48 27 1 with Arts Law Australia. Arts Law Our main event for the week Sherrifs. The Aboriginal Family by Problem Type Private Legal Practitioner 364 125 54 Australia are based in Sydney and was a community event in the Violence Prevention Legal Service Legal Aid Commission 170 15 22 their advice was invaluable to the Langtree Mall. also attended with a display of Where we connected our Court/Tribunal 68 56 8 local artists who attended. They information. WIN TV attended clients to also held an advice clinic for artists and covered the event on the Community Support Other 33 54 2 seeking individual assistance. local TV news. Centrelink 11 7 - Police 41 13 9 We held two information sessions We attended a community information evening Government Other 29 180 6 on the important topic of Wills in Robinvale focusing on mental health and the Dispute Resolution 231 26 2 with the assistance of Michael Other Referrals 100 95 4 Holcroft from Holcroft Lawyers services available to residents of the area. This event Total 1,099 598 108 and Ryan Maddox from Maloney had an attendance of 150 which is a huge turnout Anderson Legal. One session for such a small community. We travelled the was for the general public and following day to Sea Lake to deliver an information the other for parents of young adults with disabilities from the session on Sexting and the Law to 120 students Christie Centre. from Tyrell College. Our road trip continued to the outer reaches of our catchment to attend a meeting We worked with Victoria Police with the Hopetoun Neighbourhood House to discuss and the Mildura Court to deliver a general community information access to legal services in the area and future legal session on Intervention Orders. education opportunities.

30 MALLEE MURRAY COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE 2015 ANNUAL REPORT 31 President Members Source Of Income Received From Mr. Ross Lake Mr. Peter Greed Other Bodies - Mallee Family Care Rev. Michael Hopkins Vice President Mr. Max Noyce, Mrs. Marie Schlemme Mr. Keith Richards Program of Mallee Family Care Funder Department Mrs. Margaret Thomson Treasurer Dr. John Cooke Regional Family Dispute Resolution Commonwealth of Australia Department of Social Services Mr Larry O’Connor Mrs. Jenny Hilton Mr Jim Kirkpatrick Family & Relationship Services Commonwealth of Australia Department of Social Services Mr. Chris Riordan Murray Mallee Child Contact Service Commonwealth of Australia Department of Social Services Mr. Billy Carroll

Family Relationship Centre Commonwealth of Australia Department of Social Services

Post Separation Cooperative Parenting Commonwealth of Australia Department of Social Services BOARD MEMBERS Financial Counselling Commonwealth of Australia Department of Social Services Financial Counselling Victoria Consumer Affairs Victoria

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Out Of Home Care New South Wales Family and Community Services

Early Intervention and Placement New South Wales Family and Community Services Steven Bliim Family Violence, Family Maja Doma Prevention Safer Families Training Generalist Law & Children, CRRJ CPD Day, March 2015 2 days, WLSV Various topics Safe Aboriginal Youth New South Wales Attorney General Australian Consumer

LIVing Ethics, Law Institute Law & VCAT, VLA Lisa Nguyen Safety and Wellbeing Commonwealth of Australia Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet of Victoria How the Legal Profession Chenae Sparkes Family Violence, Family Law Uniform Law Act impacts WLSV - Safer families training Children and Schooling Commonwealth of Australia Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet & Children, CRRJ on regional legal practice, program – November 2014 Deakin University, Artists Rights Workshop, Arts Law Family Preservation New South Wales Family and Community Services Masters in Law (Monash) and Australian Consumer subjects are called Advanced Australian Consumer Law Law & VCAT, VLA Children’s Services Pre-School Program New South Wales Family and Community Services & VCAT, VLA Mediation (Skills and Theory) A & B. Panel discussion with Magistrate Out Of Home Care Victoria Department of Health and Human Services Conflict of Interest CPD day, Hawkins and Helen Matthews Federation video CPD Day – March 2015 Various topics Protecting Children Cradle to Kinder Victoria Department of Health and Human Services How the Legal Profession Against Family Violence, Uniform Law Act impacts Kim Hubbard Deakin University Stronger Families Victoria Department of Health and Human Services on regional legal practice, CPD Day, March 2015 Deakin University, New mandatory visa Various topics cancellations – VLA Family Preservation Victoria Department of Health and Human Services Amanda Morrison Women’s Health Loddon Mallee Recordings, Surveillance and NACLC National Conference, Integrated Family Services Victoria Department of Health and Human Services ‘Its Everybody’s business forum Domestic Violence, WLS NSW Alice Springs on Family Violence. Lump Sum Child Support, VLA Supported Playgroup Swan Hill Victoria Education and Early Childhood Development Wills and Estates, Demelza-Rose Gale Law Week Michael Holcroft LPE Social Security Mildura Early Intervention Service Victoria Education and Early Childhood Development & Centrelink session INCOME 32 MALLEE MURRAY COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE RECEIVED 2015 ANNUAL REPORT 33 MURRAY MALLEE COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE 2013/14 INCOME AND EXPENDITURE REPORT 2014/15 2014/15 FINANCIAL YEAR $32,313 Consolidated $34,146 $0 Source Of Income Received From $0 $32,313 Other Bodies - Mallee Family Care continued NET SURPLUS/DEFICIT FROM PREVIOUS YEAR $34,146 Surplus/Deficit from previous year Approved Expenditure from Surplus $461,647 Net Surplus Deficit from previous year $476,989 $155,845 $167,875 $11 Program of Mallee Family Care Funder Department CLSP INCOME $1,152 $617,503 FINANCIALCommonwealth $646,016 $649,816 Kindergarten Inclusion Support Service Victoria Education and Early Childhood Development State $680,162 Service Generated Income Pre-School Field Officer Victoria Education and Early Childhood Development Total CLSP Income $445,920 CLSP General Purpose Income (Total CLSP Income plus Net Surplus / Deficit) $490,425 $31,272 $38,770 $8,556 CIRCLE Therapeutic Foster Care Program Victoria Department of Health and Human Services CLSP EXPENSES $8,940 $5,164 Salaries $4,781 Mental Health Community Support $4,423 Victoria Department of Health and Human Services Superannuation $1,842 Services REPORT $12,971 On Costs ORGANISATION’S CERTIFICATION $11,223 $2,509 Mental Health Respite Carer Support Rent $12,369 Commonwealth of Australia Department of Social Services I certify that: $10,324 Program Repairs and Maintenance $22,030 $6,763 1 The income and expenditure reports presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial performance of the Other Premises Costs $7,859 $44,776 Partners in Recovery Commonwealth of Australia Department of Health and Ageing Staff TrainingMurray Mallee Community Legal Service for the year ended 30 June 2015$43,830 in accordance with$5,804 the accounting Staff Recruitmentpolicies described in Note 1 of the income and expenditure|statement.$5,986 $300 Communications $0 Australia Disability Enterprises Commonwealth of Australia Department of Social Services 2 The income and expenditure reports are in accordance with the agreement, applicable Australian$1,683 Accounting Office Overheads $1,106 $26,585 Insurancestandards and based on proper accounts and records. $15,541 Personal Helpers and Mentors Program Commonwealth of Australia Department of Social Services $4,207 Finance,3 The Audit Organisation & Accounting has Fees maintained complete and proper accounting records$14,348 in respect of the Murray$0 Mallee Library,Community Resources &Legal Subscriptions Service. $0 $957 Disability Respite Victoria Department of Health and Human Services Travel $152 4 The funds received by Mallee Family Care Inc. from Victoria Legal Aid under the Agreement $3,456have been Programming and Planning $1,465 $0 Independent Living Skills Victoria Department of Health and Human Services Clientproperly Disbursements spent in accordance with the Agreement. $0 $0 Leases $0 Dementia Outreach Services Golden City Support Services Inc. - Minor Equipment $485,748 Depreciation $538,135 $129,922 Other $142,532 Specialist Homelessness Services Victoria Department of Health and Human Services $615,670 $680,667 $1,833 Salary and Related Expenses ($34,651) Refugee Settlement Program Commonwealth of Australia Immigration and Citizenship Total Operating Expenses Total CLSP Expenses $0 $0 Humanitarian Support Victoria Premier and Cabinet Surplus/Deficit for Current Year $0 $0 Public and Philanthropic donations OTHER INCOME (Not to be added to CLSP Funds Surplus/Deficit) $0 Chances For Children - GLEN HORNSBY $0 (wide variety of sources) Total Funds received from Other Bodies $34,146 TotalCOMPANY Funds SECRETARYreceived from Other Bodies for non-CLSP CLSIS Activities ($505) Reading Discovery Reading Foundation - Signature: 29 October 2015 Less Actual Capital Expenditure in Current Year Total Learning Centre; Mildura, Merbein Commonwealth of Australia Department of Social Services Surplus /Deficit for Next Year

Multiple Philanthropic Chances for Children Administration - and Donations Communities For Children - Robinvale Commonwealth of Australia Department of Social Services Facilitating Partner Communities For Children - Robinvale Commonwealth of Australia Department of Social Services Direct Service

34 MALLEE MURRAY COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE 2015 ANNUAL REPORT 35 AUDITOR’S CERTIFICATION

Name of Organisation: Murray Mallee Community Legal Service, Mallee Family Care Inc.

Financial Year Period: 1/7/2014 to 30/6/2015

I hereby certify that: a. I am not a principal, member, shareholder, officer, employee or accountant of the Organisation or of a related This is an unqualified audit report. body corporate as defined in section 9 of the Corporations Act 2001 b. In my opinion, the attached financial statements which comprise a Statement of Financial Position, a Unless written under separate cover, I hereby further certify that in my opinion, there is no conflict of Statement of Comprehensive Income (previously known as Statement of Financial Performance) and Notes to interest between myself and the Organisation or its Management Committee. the Financial Statements of the above-mentioned Organisation, and, if general purpose reports are provided, a Statement of Cash Flows, for the stated AUDITOR DETAILS Financial Year Period are: Full Name: Kathie Teasdale i. Based on proper accounts and present a true and fair view of the Organisation’s financial position Name of the Company: RSD Chartered Accountants and financial performance in accordance with applicable Accounting Standards and other mandatory ABN Number: 60 616 244 309 professional reporting requirements in Australia, and Registered Auditor: Yes ii. In accordance with the terms and conditions of the Agreement between Commonwealth of Australia, Registration No: 453 006 Victoria Legal Aid and Murray Mallee Community Legal Service, Mallee Family Care Extension of Agreement Signature: to 30 June 2015, a copy of which has been made available to me, in relation to the provision of community legal services. c. The fourth quarter CLSIS Funds Report, containing details of the Organisations transactions for the financial year, including audit adjustments, and the Organisation’s grant position at the beginning and end of the financial year is provided in respect of funds provided in accordance with Terms and Conditions of the Date: 29th October 2015 Agreement referred to in b.ii. above for all Funding Categories.

36 MALLEE MURRAY COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE 2015 ANNUAL REPORT 37 INCOME AND EXPENDITURE REPORT INCOME AND EXPENDITURE REPORT 2014/15 FINANCIAL YEAR 2014/15 FINANCIAL YEAR Consolidated Generalist

NET SURPLUS/DEFICIT FROM PREVIOUS YEAR 2014/15 $ 2013/14 $ NET SURPLUS/DEFICIT FROM PREVIOUS YEAR 2014/15 $ 2013/14 $ Surplus/Deficit from previous year 34,146 32,313 Surplus/Deficit from previous year 15,100 13,499 Approved Expenditure from Surplus - - Approved Expenditure from Surplus - - Net Surplus Deficit from previous year 34,146 32,313 Net Surplus Deficit from previous year 15,100 13,499 CLSP INCOME CLSP INCOME Commonwealth 476,989 461,647 Commonwealth 330,235 321,428 State 167,875 155,845 State 154,700 143,610 Service Generated Income 1,152 11 Service Generated Income 1,152 11 Total CLSP Income 646,016 617,503 Total CLSP Income 486,087 465,049 CLSP General Purpose Income (Total CLSP Income plus Net Surplus/Deficit) 680,162 649,816 CLSP General Purpose Income (Total CLSP Income plus Net Surplus/Deficit) 501,187 478,548 CLSP EXPENSES CLSP EXPENSES Salaries 490,425 445,920 Salaries 361,282 338,102 Superannuation 38,770 31,272 Superannuation 27,147 21,299 On Costs 8,940 8,556 On Costs 6,125 6,201 Rent 4,781 5,164 Rent 3,601 3,889 Repairs and Maintenance 1,842 4,423 Repairs and Maintenance 1,387 3,331 Other Premises Costs 11,223 12,971 Other Premises Costs 8,452 9,769 Staff Training 12,369 2,509 Staff Training 9,315 1,890 Staff Recruitment 22,030 10,324 Staff Recruitment 16,591 7,775 Communications 7,859 6,763 Communications 5,919 5,093 Office Overheads 43,830 44,776 Office Overheads 33,009 33,721 Insurance 5,986 5,804 Insurance 4,508 4,371 Finance, Audit & Accounting Fees - 300 Finance, Audit & Accounting Fees - 226 Library, Resources & Subscriptions 1,106 1,683 Library, Resources & Subscriptions 833 1,268 Travel 15,541 26,585 Travel 11,704 20,021 Programming and Planning 14,348 4,207 Programming and Planning 10,805 3,168 Client Disbursements - - Client Disbursements - - Leases 152 957 Leases 115 721 Minor Equipment 1,465 3,456 Minor Equipment 1,103 2,603 Depreciation - - Depreciation - - Other - - Other - - Salary and Related Expenses 538,135 485,748 Salary and Related Expenses 394,554 365,602 Total Operating Expenses 142,532 129,922 Total Operating Expenses 107,342 97,846 Total CLSP Expenses 680,667 615,670 Total CLSP Expenses 501,896 463,448 Surplus/Deficit for Current Year (34,651) 1,833 Surplus/Deficit for Current Year (15,809) 1,601

OTHER INCOME (Not to be added to CLSP Funds Surplus/Deficit) OTHER INCOME (Not to be added to CLSP Funds Surplus/Deficit) Total Funds received from Other Bodies - - Total Funds received from Other Bodies - - Total Funds received from Other Bodies for non-CLSP CLSIS Activities - - Total Funds received from Other Bodies for non-CLSP CLSIS Activities - -

Less Actual Capital Expenditure in Current Year - - Less Actual Capital Expenditure in Current Year - - Surplus/(deficit) for Next Year (505) 34,146 Surplus/(deficit) for Next Year (709) 15,100

38 MALLEE MURRAY COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE 2015 ANNUAL REPORT 39 INCOME AND EXPENDITURE REPORT INCOME AND EXPENDITURE REPORT 2014/15 FINANCIAL YEAR 2014/15 FINANCIAL YEAR Rural Womens Outreach Program Family Relationship Centre Project

NET SURPLUS/DEFICIT FROM PREVIOUS YEAR 2014/15 $ 2013/14 $ NET SURPLUS/DEFICIT FROM PREVIOUS YEAR 2014/15 $ 2013/14 $ Surplus/Deficit from previous year 2,988 6,406 Surplus/Deficit from previous year 16,058 12,408 Approved Expenditure from Surplus - - Approved Expenditure from Surplus - - Net Surplus Deficit from previous year 2,988 6,406 Net Surplus Deficit from previous year 16,058 12,408 CLSP INCOME CLSP INCOME Commonwealth 87,505 82,018 Commonwealth 59,249 58,201 State 5,048 4,687 State 8,127 7,548 Service Generated Income - - Service Generated Income - - Total CLSP Income 92,553 86,705 Total CLSP Income 67,376 65,749 CLSP General Purpose Income (Total CLSP Income plus Net Surplus/Deficit) 95,541 93,111 CLSP General Purpose Income (Total CLSP Income plus Net Surplus/Deficit) 83,434 78,157 CLSP EXPENSES CLSP EXPENSES Salaries 67,902 64,505 Salaries 61,241 43,313 Superannuation 6,111 5,967 Superannuation 5,512 4,006 On Costs 1,480 1,409 On Costs 1,335 946 Rent 671 725 Rent 509 550 Repairs and Maintenance 259 621 Repairs and Maintenance 196 471 Other Premises Costs 1,576 1,821 Other Premises Costs 1,195 1,381 Staff Training 1,737 352 Staff Training 1,317 267 Staff Recruitment 3,093 1,450 Staff Recruitment 2,346 1,099 Communications 1,103 950 Communications 837 720 Office Overheads 6,154 6,287 Office Overheads 4,667 4,768 Insurance 841 815 Insurance 637 618 Finance, Audit & Accounting Fees - 42 Finance, Audit & Accounting Fees - 32 Library, Resources & Subscriptions 155 236 Library, Resources & Subscriptions 118 179 Travel 2,182 3,733 Travel 1,655 2,831 Programming and Planning 2,015 591 Programming and Planning 1,528 448 Client Disbursements - - Client Disbursements - - Leases 21 134 Leases 16 102 Minor Equipment 206 485 Minor Equipment 156 368 Depreciation - - Depreciation - - Other - - Other - - Salary and Related Expenses 75,493 71,881 Salary and Related Expenses 68,088 48,265 Total Operating Expenses 20,013 18,242 Total Operating Expenses 15,177 13,834 Total CLSP Expenses 95,506 90,123 Total CLSP Expenses 83,265 62,099 Surplus/Deficit for Current Year (2,953) (3,418) Surplus/Deficit for Current Year (15,889) 3,650

Less Actual Capital Expenditure in Current Year - - Less Actual Capital Expenditure in Current Year - - Surplus/(deficit) for Next Year 35 2,988 Surplus/(deficit) for Next Year 169 16,058

40 MALLEE MURRAY COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE 2015 ANNUAL REPORT 41 BALANCE SHEET CASHFLOW STATEMENT as at 30 June 2015 Year Ended 30 June 2015

CURRENT ASSETS 2014/15 $ 2013/14 $ CASH INFLOWS (OUTFLOWS) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 2014/15 $ 2013/14 $ National Australia Bank Operating Account 56,747 64,198 Receipts TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 56,747 64,198 Operating grants from Government 709,350 679,241 Other income 1,267 12 NON-CURRENT ASSETS 710,618 679,253 Fixed Assets Payments Furniture and Equipment 16,866 16,866 Payments to employees (520,933) (497,579) Less Provision for Depreciation 16,866 16,866 Payments to suppliers and providers (156,785) (142,914) TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS - - GST paid (50,348) (48,758) TOTAL ASSETS 56,747 64,198 (728,067) (689,251)

CURRENT LIABILITIES NET CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES (a) (17,449) (9,998) Creditors Accrued Wages 10,273 7,549 Cash flows from investing activities Employee Entitlements Payments for fixed assets - - Annual Leave 19,923 14,776 Net cash used in investing activities - - Long Service Leave 5,855 - Net cash from financing activities - - TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 36,051 22,325 Net increase(decrease) in cash for year (17,449) (9,998) Cash at beginning of financial year 74,196 84,194 NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES Cash at end of financial year 56,747 74,196 Employee Entitlements (a) Reconciliation of net cash from operating activities to surplus from Long Service Leave 16,323 12,847 operating activities:- TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 16,323 12,847 Net (deficit) surplus for the year (34,651) 1,833 TOTAL LIABILITIES 52,374 35,172 ADD (LESS): Depreciation - -

NET ASSETS 4,373 29,026 Increase (Decrease) in employee provisions 14,478 (16,789) Increase (Decrease) in creditors 2,724 4,958

ACCUMULATED FUNDS Net cash from operating activities (17,449) (9,998) Retained Surplus/(deficit) at Begining of Year 39,024 37,191 Surplus/(deficit) for Year (34,651) 1,833 4,373 39,024

42 MALLEE MURRAY COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE 2015 ANNUAL REPORT 43 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2014/15 Financial Year

Note 1 Basis of Accounting

Income in these Income and Expenditure Reports is recognised on a cash basis, while expenses are recognised on an accrual basis.

44 MALLEE MURRAY COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE MALLEE MURRAY

COMMUNITYHASELGROVE HOUSE 122 NINTH STREET MILDURA VIC 3500 PO BOX 1870 MILDURA VIC 3502 TEL 03 5023 5966 FAX 03 5021 7357 LEGAL FREE CALL REGIONAL VIC 1800 243 002 SERVICEEMAIL [email protected]