Great news everyone!
Southport Community Legal Service is the recipient of further funding from the State Government of Victoria!  The funds have been released to our service to support the expected (and seen) increase in demand for legal services, related to the ongoing effects of COVID-19.
We are preparing a plan to assist those in the community who now need legal advice, and are unable to retain the services of a private solicitor for advice. 
If you have a question relating to your circumstances such as tenancy, employment, or housing, that is related to your circumstances because of COVID-19, please contact us for assistance.
Further information can be found at this link.

 
Southport to receive ongoing City of Port Phillip funding!
 
4/8/2020
 
The City of Port Phillip has published their draft Budget for 2020/2021 and we are excited to announce that the Council will continue funding Southport Community Legal Service.
 
We thank the Council for its ongoing support of our legal service and we thank everyone who took part in the community consultation process by voting in the online forum and contacting their local council members.
 
You can see the City of Port Phillip’s 2020/20201 budget via this link! 
 
http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/Draft%20Council%20Plan%202017-27%20accessible%20version%20Y4.pdf

We understand the frustration of all those affected by the restrictions related to COVID-19, as many may need legal assistance more than before. Despite the COVID-19 restrictions, we are still open and providing advice and assistance at our centres by appointments. So if you have any questions or you are in need of legal assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are hoping to start night service again, as soon as the restrictions are lifted.

Dear Members, Volunteers, and Visitors,

Our service has operated in this neighbourhood for over 30 years, and for the last 20 years has been funded by the City of Port Phillip.  We are very grateful for the support of the City.

The City is facing budget constraints and is reviewing the availability of funding for our service.  Please help by contacting your local council members, and voting on the City's website.  

Vote via this link!

One of our recent clients was the victim of a shooting incident at his home.  He had recently moved into the house, and someone fired multiple gunshots into the downstairs area of his rental property.  Our client immediately left the property, and incurred expenses of over $10,000.00 in moving and temporary accommodation expenses.  We assisted the client through the application, and obtained a financial award of nearly $15,000.00 to support him through his recovery from a very traumatic incident.

Are you a victim of violence?  We can help you recover expenses incurred and obtain compensation for injuries received

​Southport Community Legal Services’ Victims of Crime program began in March 2018 and has now entered its second year.  The program is continuing to provide strong results for vulnerable members of our community.  We are continuing to expand our network of support agencies to ensure victims of violent crime are supported throughout the entire process.  Persons who have been injured by violence in Victoria should contact us to determine eligibility for free legal and financial assistance.

South Port Legal Service saw over 665 clients last year, this year we are looking at close to 1000. Helping the members of the community who can not afford legal advice we rely a group of tireless volunteers to provide clients with advice. Specifically we help the elderly, migrants and others in need.  This year we desperately need to extend the service hours as such we have launched a donation campaign. 

Please donate what you can.