News and events News Building understanding of the law in local communities Wednesday 27 April 2022 Neighbourhood Houses Victoria has partnered with the Victoria Law Foundation to oversee a string of events happening across the state during Victorian Law Week, with the aim to improve community understanding and access to local legal services. Taking place 16 to 22 May, Victorian Law Week is a program of community events and activities, designed to help Victorians understand their rights, find answers to their questions, know what help is available and how our legal system works. As part of the partnership, 15 Neighbourhood Houses have received grants to run activities that focus on different aspects of the law that affect everyday people. "Having unresolved legal issues and being unable to access legal services can have a serious impact on a person's ability to participate in community life," said Neighbourhood Houses Victoria CEO Nicole Battle. "We are proud to embrace Victorian Law Week, and provide community members with access to free legal assistance and information." Education and Events Director at Victoria Law Foundation, Kate Sedgwick, is excited to work with Neighbourhood Houses to reach new cohorts, especially in regional areas. "We understand Neighbourhood Houses are at the grassroots of local communities, and people from all walks of life visit them seeking information, advice and support," Kate said. "Sometimes these are people who are down on their luck, and struggling with aspects of the law - whether it be overdue bills, issues relating to wills, domestic violence, or vulnerability towards scams. "The law can be intimidating and confusing at first. These free community sessions offered through Victorian Law Week are designed to explain things simply, and point people in the right direction. "Victoria Law Foundation is glad these grants will assist Neighbourhood Houses to carry out this important awareness raising." The events taking place at Neighbourhood Houses through this partnership are listed below. To view the full program, visit the Victorian Law Week website. List of activities occurring at Neighbourhood Houses during Victorian Law Week Monday 16 May 2022 10am-10.45am: Wendouree Neighbourhood HouseCreating your will? We can help 11am-12pm: Yea Community HouseWhy you need a will 11.15am-12pm: Wendouree Neighbourhood HouseLearn about powers of attorney 12pm-1pm: Yea Community HouseHow to protect yourself from family violence 1pm-2pm: Wendouree Neighbourhood HouseHow you would like to be cared for later in life? 2pm-3pm: Yea Community HouseThinking of getting divorced? 6pm-8pm: Birchip Neighbourhood HouseWhy young people need a will Tuesday 17 May 2022 10am-11.30am: Hamilton Community HouseLearn how to create a will 10am-2pm: Charlton Neighbourhood HouseLegal health check-up 10.30am-12pm: Charlton Neighbourhood HouseEverything you need to know about wills and powers of attorney 10am-1pm: Manna Gum Community House (Foster)Coffee with the Gippsland Community Legal Service 12pm-2pm: Rowville Community Learning CentreAre you a temporary visa holder experiencing domestic violence? 3pm-5pm: Rowville Community Learning CentreDo you need support to appear in the Magistrates’ Court? Wednesday 18 May 2022 8.30am-12.30pm: Donald Community CentreLegal health check-up 9am-1pm: Rye Community HouseFree coffee and legal advice 10am-11.30am: Darley Neighbourhood House & Learning CentreEveryday responsibilities getting you down? Come talk to us 10am-11am: Yarraville Community CentreYour rights at work 10.30am-11.30am: Ballarat East Neighbourhood HouseWho makes sure the terms of your will are carried out? 10.30am-12pm: Charlton Neighbourhood HouseNot in my neighbourhood – by-laws in Buloke Shire 11am-1pm: Farnham Street Neighbourhood Learning Centre (Flemington)Do you have legal concerns? 11.30am-12.30am: Ballarat East Neighbourhood HouseLearn about powers of attorney 11.30am-12.30am: Ballarat East Neighbourhood HouseHow would you like to be cared for when you’re older? 12pm-2pm: Cloverdale Community Centre (Corio)Family violence – how can you get help? 1.30pm-4.30pm: Wycheproof Community Resource CentreLegal health check-up 12.30pm-3pm: Olympic Adult Education (Heidelberg West)Legal issues affecting women Thursday 19 May 2022 10am-3pm: Laurels Education and Training (Bacchus Marsh)Wills, powers of attorney, advanced care directives. What does it all mean? 10.30am-11.30am: Simpson & District Community CentreNot in my neighbourhood – by-laws in Corangamite Shire 10.30am-11.30am: Rosewall Community Centre (Corio)Let’s talk scams 7pm-8pm: Ballarat East Neighbourhood House (online)Who makes sure the terms of your will are carried out? Friday 20 May 2022 10am-3pm: Daylesford Neighbourhood CentreWills, powers of attorney and end-of-life planning 10am-45pm: Ballarat Neighbourhood CentreCreating your will? We can help 11.15am-12pm: Ballarat Neighbourhood CentreWhat is a power of attorney? 12pm-1.30pm: Whittlesea Community HouseSeniors squad! Need help? 1pm-2pm: Ballarat Neighbourhood CentreHow would you like to be cared for later in life?