Description

Eastern Community Legal Centre (“ECLC”) is located in the Eastern region of Melbourne and serves the Cities of Whitehorse, Boroondara, Manningham, Maroondah, Knox and the Shire of Yarra Ranges. ECLC offers free legal advice from its offices in Box Hill and Boronia during the day, at night and also through various outreach locations across the East, with a priority being given to those who are disadvantaged.

The Eastern Region has a number of areas of significant disadvantage. Healesville, in the Shire of Yarra Ranges, is home to the second most populous indigenous population in Victoria. The cities of Whitehorse, Maroondah and Knox host large communities of new arrivals to Australia, particularly from the Horn of Africa.

In addition to direct legal services, ECLC also focuses on Community Development activities that empower clients, workers and the general community. It raises awareness of its service, new legal developments and human rights through projects and partnerships, educational sessions, media releases, festivals and events and community displays.

The ECLC also produces a range of legal education materials and self-help guides, in languages accessible to young people and the general public.
In 2006 the Eastern Community Legal Centre was engaged to educate local communities about a Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities prior to its enactment. It held community consultations in conjunction with the Victorian Council for Social Service Organisations (VCOSS) and also made submissions to the Charter inquiry.

ECLC has identified a need for ongoing human rights education in the Eastern region, particularly with young people from migrant backgrounds and new arrivals to Australia.

Website

www.humanrightsareaussierules.org.au

State

Victoria

Social Category

Children/Families