About Us

Central Highlands Community Legal Centre Inc is a not-for-profit organisation that provides free legal advice, information and community legal education to people who live, work or study in the Grampians Region. CHCLC is an incorporated association, we are constituted under the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012.

The Committee of Management is the governing body of CHCLC.  It is governed by the rules contained within the Constitution of Central Highlands Community Legal Centre Inc. The Constitution sets out the basis for membership of the Service and is committed to community management through involvement of community members on the Committee of Management.

CHCLC has a well established and followed Privacy Policy. 

The CHCLC Charter outlines the expectations clients can have of the service provided.  It also provides avenues for complaint should the need arise.  _
CHCLC gratefully acknowledges the support, both financial and other, received from the following organisations:

Our Beliefs
Vision
An equal society in which everyone is aware of their rights and has access to justice.
Values
Provide a reliable and accessible legal service to clients and demonstrating a strong understanding and appreciation of the diversity of our community.
Mission
To serve the people of the Central Highlands region who are socio-economically disadvantaged in their access to justice.

Our Objectives
   1.        Provide a range of Generalist Legal Services
   2.        Provide specialist Legal Services according to the needs of the Central Highlands Community
   3.        Provide Community Legal Education
   4.        Monitor and evaluate the impact of the service on clients
   5.        Strengthen networks and collegial partnerships
   6.        Promote CHCLC services across the CHCLC region
   7.        Maintain and enhance organisational development across the CHCLC
   8.        Improve health & legal outcomes for young people though an early intervention health                        alliance project

Our History
The Centre was officially incorporated on June 22, 1989.  It's official opening was in March 1992 when full funding via Victoria Legal Aid was received.

The Community Legal Centre movement in Victoria developed from the establishment in 1971 of a Telephone and Advice Referral Service by Monash Law Students at the Melbourne Citizens Advice Bureau. In 1972 that Telephone Advice and Referral service extended to Springvale Community Aid and Advice Bureau. Fitzroy Legal Service was established in December 1972 following a Public Meeting which was held at Fitzroy Town Hall. Other Legal Centre’s were opened soon after including Springvale, St Kilda, Broadmedows and Peninsula. These services were initially run on a Voluntary basis. In 1979 the Commonwealth Government made funds available for the first time to a number of services.

Generally, whilst models may vary from Centre to Centre, Community Legal Centre’s have been established in response to the needs of the local community and also according to the needs of specific groups.