About ARC Justice

ARC Justice is a rights-based, for-purpose organisation that incorporates the Loddon Campaspe Community Legal Centre and Housing Justice, a specialist renter support program based in Bendigo, and the Goulburn Valley Community Legal Centre, based in Shepparton.

ARC provides legal and tenancy support services across 13 local government areas in central and northern Victoria, with a team of more than 60 staff working to advocate for and uphold the rights of rural and regional Victorians.

Logo of "arc justice" on a glass window with reflections of trees and sky.

Our purpose

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We exist so rights are known and acted upon, and communities are fairer.

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Our role

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  • We promote individual rights and access to justice 
  • We prevent or reduce socio-legal problems by building awareness  
  • We create and support solutions that give the greatest opportunity for change

Our principles

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  • Holistic self-determination - We focus on the whole person and the whole of a problem as a way of finding more healthy and sustainable solutions to legal issues, and work with them to see a just outcome. 
  • Safe and rights-based - We recognise human rights and freedoms as legally enforceable and give priority to people in the most marginalised or vulnerable situations who face the biggest barriers to realising their rights.  ‍
  • Systemic - We aim to create wider positive effects on a group or system, arising from our work with individuals and communities.

Our programs

Loddon Campaspe Community Legal Centre is based in Bendigo and provides free legal information, advice and representation to people living in central Victoria.

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Goulburn Valley Community Legal Centre is based in Shepparton and provides free legal information, advice and representation to people living in northern and north-east Victoria.

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Housing Justice stands up for the rights of tenants, helping them to solve their tenancy problems and stay in their rental homes.

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Our board

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ARC Justice’s board drives ARC Justice’s strategic direction and ensures a strong system of governance and oversight to maximise the organisation’s impact. Guided by the Strategic Plan, the board works closely with the CEO to enable the organisation to obtain and effectively allocate resources to implement the organisation’s strategic priorities.

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  • Erin Turner – Chair
  • Melissa Ralph – Deputy chair
  • Ed Butler
  • Melinda Charlesworth
  • Clare Fountain
  • Sarah Gee
  • Rebecca Hearn
  • Ian Heycox 
  • Narlinga Morgan

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A group of eight people standing on grass in front of a lake and trees, posing for a photo. They are dressed in a mix of formal and smart-casual attire, with a cloudy sky in the background.
The ARC Justice board, from left, Rebecca Hearn, chair Erin Turner, Ed Butler, Clare Fountain, Sarah Gee, deputy chair Melissa Ralph, Narlinga Morgan and Ian Heycox. Absent: Melinda Charlesworth.
ARC Justice communities map

Our communities and clients

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We work with people in regional and rural Victoria who experience disadvantage relating to their housing, family, relationship, consumer, economic, social and civil rights. We walk with First Nations people and communities.

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Accreditations

Memberships