Eastern Community Legal Centre (ECLC) continues to support local residents affected by the major storms in June 2021. The Victorian Government has recently provided $150,000 of funding to ECLC to support its storms recovery work, particularly in the Yarra Ranges.

ECLC has been working closely with Yarra Ranges Council and a range of local and legal agencies as the local lead for the Disaster Legal Help partnership.

Deputy Premier and Member for Monbulk, the Hon James Merlino MP said, ‘Trying to navigate the legal system solo whilst recovering from the storms is an unnecessary stress for those affected. I’m pleased that we’ve been able to help in a small way towards the amazing work Eastern CLC does for locals every day.’

Michael Smith, CEO of ECLC welcomed the announcement and said, ‘ECLC is pleased to be able to assist the community who have been overwhelmed by these unprecedented storms. This funding will be put to good use including expanding community lawyer resources and community engagement work, which work together in assisting recovery for devastated communities across the Yarra Ranges.’

ECLC has been an integral part of the storms response and has assisted over 60 residents to date with legal advice and navigating legal processes. This has included joining physical and virtual recovery hubs and implementing a legal help checklist, used widely by recovery partners. The Centre continues to assist residents on a number of issues following the storms, including tree damage, insurance, rent payments, family violence, family law, consumer matters and Centrelink.

ECLC acknowledges the Victorian Government’s support for this vital work.