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Barwon Community Legal Service (BCLS) has marked 40 years of delivering free legal advice and support to people across the Barwon region – four decades of standing alongside some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
The 40th anniversary celebration on Thursday 28 May brought together current and former staff, community partners and organisations, sector colleagues and board members to reflect on the impact of community legal centres (CLC) and their critical role in creating safer, fairer communities.
Victorian Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny delivered the keynote address, and guests included the Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant, Member for Lara Ella George, City of Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM, Cr Elise Wilkinson, Magistrates Gerard Bryant and Carolyn Howe and Victoria Legal Services Board + Commissioner Fiona McLeay.
Many CLC and Victoria Legal Aid representatives were also among more than 130 attendees at the celebration, held at the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre.
As Victoria’s first regional CLC, founded in 1986, BCLS has played a pioneering role in ensuring that geography, income, or personal circumstance are not barriers to justice.
Over four decades, the organisation has supported tens of thousands of community members to navigate some of life’s most challenging issues, including family violence, family law, tenancy and housing, fines and infringements, and other civil law issues.
Barwon Community Legal Service CEO Bryanna Connell said the anniversary was a moment to recognise the dedication of everyone who had made the service what it is today.
“For 40 years, Barwon Community Legal Service has been here for people when they had nowhere else to turn,” Ms Connell said. “Being the first regional community legal centre in Victoria reflects our long-standing belief that everyone deserves access to justice, no matter where they live.
“Our work goes beyond legal assistance. It is grounded in early intervention, prevention, community education, and systemic advocacy, helping address the root causes of legal problems before they escalate.”
Ms Connell said BCLS had continuously evolved to meet growing demand, particularly among people experiencing vulnerability.
“We are extremely proud of our history in providing practical, compassionate support to people from the Bellarine to Colac, and we remain committed to working towards a fair and inclusive justice system for everyone in our region,” she said.
The 40th anniversary also marked 40 years of service for Senior Lawyer Elsie Stokie, who was the first lawyer employed at Barwon Community Legal Service and announced her retirement in May.
Ms Connell said Elsie had been at the heart of Barwon Community Legal Service from the very beginning.
“For 40 years, she has shown extraordinary dedication to ensuring people in our community can access justice, often at the most difficult times in their lives,” Ms Connell said.
“As our first lawyer, her dedication to justice and unwavering commitment to the community have shaped our organisation and impacted countless lives. We are incredibly grateful for her contribution and wish her all the very best in her well-earned retirement.”
Image: (L to R) MC Peter Mellas, Wadawurrung Traditional Owner Melinda Kennedy, Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant, our CEO Bryanna Connell, Victorian Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny, retiring lawyer Elsie Stokie, City of Greater Geelong Cr Elise Wilkinson and Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner Fiona McLeay. Photography: Barefoot Media.
