Thursday, 20 June 2024

Eastern Community Legal Centre

Paul HAMER (Box Hill) (10:05): It was wonderful to join the Eastern Community Legal Centre (ECLC), with the member for Albert Park, for its 50th birthday celebration recently and witness the profound impact that it has had on our community. This significant milestone highlights its continuous commitment to promoting social justice, upholding human rights and supporting community wellbeing.

The ECLC was founded in 1974 by a committed group of Nunawading residents and legal and community workers with the aim of addressing social inequalities and improving access to the legal system. Their vision was to assist residents in overcoming barriers to justice by supporting the progressive social justice movement at the time. Since then the centre has grown, changed and broadened into a comprehensive and dynamic interdisciplinary legal service that strives to advance fair results, prevent issues and promote the resilience and wellbeing of communities throughout Melbourne’s east. The ongoing dedication of ECLC volunteers since 1974 is commendable, and their commitment to helping the community has made it possible for thousands of people across our community to navigate the legal system.

I also want to extend a special thanks to CEO Michael Smith for his exceptional leadership and dedication to ECLC’s mission. I wish everyone at the ECLC all the best as they celebrate this milestone and continue to grow and succeed in everything they do. Their work remains invaluable to our community as true representatives of service and justice.