Barwon Community Legal Service

09/09/2026

Prison time isn’t fine.

Today, the Victorian Parliament will vote on proposed legislation to stop jailing people for fines debt. The Government has made great headway with its proposed fines legislation:

➡ Work and Development Permits (WDPs) can now be implemented for court fines

➡ Victim-survivors of family violence can have speeding fines waived if they were unfairly nominated as the driver

But it’s time to finish the job.

Parliament now has a historic chance to end prison time for ALL fines, and we are urgently calling on them to do so.

Join us, and call on the Victorian Parliament to support the amendment to stop jailing people for fines debt.

Share this post and tag Ben Carroll MP Sonya Kilkenny MP

08/09/2026

Family violence can affect anyone, and misinformation can make it harder for people to get the help they need.

This short video from Peninsula Community Legal Centre explores common myths about family violence and explains why it's important to seek advice from trusted professionals rather than relying solely on online information or AI tools.

Please watch and share to help raise awareness and connect people with the support they need.

https://vimeo.com/1197254639?fl=pl&fe=sh

Did you know that family violence includes coercive control, financial and tech abuse, as well as threats and intimidation? It’s not just about physical harm.
Know the signs.
Watch PCLC’s new video myth busting family violence.
➡️ https://pclc.org.au/our-biggest-law-and-order-issue/

08/09/2026

Could you recognise the signs of elder abuse?

Elder abuse affects an estimated 1 in 6 older Australians, yet many cases remain hidden or unreported. Community workers, volunteers and frontline staff are often the first people an older person turns to for support, making early identification and response critically important.

Join us for a free online training session presented by one of Victoria's leading organisations specialising in elder abuse prevention, response and education - Seniors Rights Victoria.

During this interactive session you'll learn how to:

✅ recognise common signs and indicators of elder abuse
✅ respond safely and appropriately when concerns arise
✅ connect older people with the right support and legal services
✅ better understand referral pathways and available resources.

📅 Tuesday 13 October
⏰ 1 to 2pm
💻 Online via Zoom

Whether you're a community worker, volunteer, neighbourhood house staff member, support worker or simply interested in supporting older people in your community, this session is for you.

Together, we can help create safer communities where older people can live with dignity, independence and respect.

Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/dX6JB5NgTXSFPxTtJ51veA

03/09/2026

Have you heard about ASSIST, Australia's new national social security helpline for community workers?

If you're supporting someone with a social security issue, ASSIST can provide social security information, support and triage to help you understand available options and navigate the system.

1800 379 604
Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm

Learn more at www.assisthelpline.org.au

01/09/2026

We’re delighted to announce that we have been selected as a provider for the Barwon region under the Victorian Government’s new Victorian Renter Rights Program. This is a significant investment in helping renters access the advice, support and advocacy they need to understand and exercise their rights. The program will commence in January 2027.

For many people, secure housing is the foundation for wellbeing, financial stability and community participation. Through this program, more Victorian renters will be able to access timely support to navigate rental issues, resolve disputes and stay informed about their rights and responsibilities. The program is expected to more than double the number of renters supported each year, reaching more than 25,000 Victorians.

We are proud to be part of a statewide effort to strengthen protections for renters and improve outcomes across Victoria. Thank you to Consumer Affairs Victoria and everyone who has worked to make this important initiative possible.

We look forward to supporting Victorian renters and helping more people access fair, safe and secure housing.

The Renters Rights Program was supported by the Victorian Government.

Read about the new Renters Rights Program www.consumer.vic.gov.au/clubs-and-fundraising/funded-services-and-grants/victorian-renter-rights-program

01/09/2026

What helps make The Changing Mind & Positive Ageing Expo special is the incredible mix of organisations coming together under one roof.

From dementia support, health services and aged care providers, to legal assistance, carer support, mental health and wellbeing, community groups, multicultural services, emergency services, advocacy organisations and more, our Expo stallholder lineup reflects the many different aspects of how to live well as we age.

Whether you're looking for information, support, practical resources, future planning advice, ways to stay connected in your community, or simply want to discover what's available across our region, there's something for everyone at the Expo.

Organisations including Dementia Australia, Barwon Health, City of Greater Geelong, Ambulance Victoria, Elder Rights Australia, Crime Stoppers Victoria, Wintringham, genU, Estia Health, mecwacare and many more will be there to connect with you at the City of Geelong Bowls Club on the day.

The diversity of our stallholders is what makes this a truly community-focused event. It's an opportunity to explore services, ask questions, make connections and discover new ways to support your health, wellbeing, independence and quality of life.

👉 Visit our website to see the full list of stallholders and start planning your day at the Expo www.barwoncommunitylegal.org.au/my-family/changing-mind-positive-ageing-expo-2026/

Let us know you're coming by registering here: www.trybooking.com/DLYGM

We can't wait to welcome you to this inspiring celebration of positive ageing, community connection and wellbeing for all.

28/08/2026

𝗪𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗜𝘁 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 | 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 💜

Today we celebrate the courage shown every day by LGBTQIA+SB young people, their allies and communities.

This year's theme Colours of Courage recognises that courage comes in many forms. It can be speaking up, standing out and creating change. It can also be found in quieter acts of bravery, such as being yourself, asking for support, or standing alongside someone else.

At Barwon Community Legal Service, we believe everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and valued for who they are. As workplaces, organisations and community leaders, we all have a role to play in creating environments where people feel included, supported and empowered to be themselves.

Wear It Purple Day reminds us that inclusion is not a one-day event. It is an ongoing commitment to fostering belonging, visibility, acceptance and support for LGBTQIA+ young people in our communities.

27/08/2026

2027 Geelong Youth Council nominations are now open!

Are you aged 12 to 17 and passionate about making a difference in your community?

The City of Greater Geelong is looking for 11 enthusiastic young people to join the 2027 Youth Council Advisory Committee.

As a Youth Council member, you can:

✅ Have fun, build confidence and make new friends.
✅ Develop leadership, communication and teamwork skills.
✅ Access free training and professional development opportunities.
✅ Provide advice to Council on issues that matter to young people.

This is your chance to have your voice heard and help shape the future of Greater Geelong.

Nominations open: 24 August – 27 September

👉 Find out more and apply at www.geelongcity.vic.gov.au/council/mayor-and-councillors/youth-council

Questions? Send a DM to on Instagram or email [email protected]

25/08/2026

People rarely face just one legal problem. Legal issues often affect housing, health, finances, family relationships, and overall wellbeing.

That's why community legal centres work alongside other community services to provide holistic support and achieve better outcomes for clients.

Yet 78% of legal need goes unmet.

This state election, join our campaign and call on all parties and candidates to invest in community legal services.

𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗣 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆: fclc.org.au/gotyourback





Christine Couzens MP Alison Marchant - Member for Bellarine Ella George MP Richard Riordan MP
Federation of Community Legal Centres Victoria

24/08/2026

This year's Scams Awareness Week (24-28 August) theme is 'No one's just a number', reminding us that behind every scam report is a real person whose money, time, trust and wellbeing have been impacted. Scams can happen to anyone, and being targeted is never a reflection of a person's intelligence or character.

Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using pressure, urgency and convincing stories to trick people into handing over money or personal information. That's why Scamwatch is encouraging everyone to remember three simple steps:

✅ Stop before sharing money or personal information.
✅ Check who you're really dealing with using contact details you find yourself.
✅ Protect yourself and others by reporting scams to your bank, cyber.gov.au and Scamwatch.

Talking openly about scams helps break the stigma, encourages people to seek help sooner, and makes it harder for scammers to succeed.

Think you're scam-savvy? Put your knowledge to the test!

Take Scamwatch's Scam Sense Quiz and see how well you can spot the warning signs of common scams. It's a quick and practical way to improve your scam awareness and help protect yourself, your family and your community.

Take the quiz: www.scamwatch.gov.au/research-and-resources/quiz-test-your-scam-sense

If you or someone you know has been affected by a scam and needs legal information or support, Barwon Community Legal Service may be able to help.