To assist local people experiencing disadvantage during these difficult times, EastLink has donated $100,000 to Eastern Community Legal Centre.
The Covid-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on the Victorian economy, increasing unemployment and underemployment, and many businesses have closed.
EastLink recognises that some local people living in the EastLink corridor have been directly affected and are experiencing financial hardship, mental health issues and family violence.
Eastern Community Legal Centre (ECLC) is an independent not-for-profit provider of free legal assistance to communities in EastLink’s northern corridor, with offices in Box Hill, Boronia and Healesville.
ECLC is a multidisciplinary legal service that works to prevent problems, progress fair outcomes and support the wellbeing and resilience of communities and community members.
Eastern Community Legal Centre CEO Michael Smith said, “Eastern Community Legal Centre is extremely pleased that EastLink has understood the challenges that our communities are facing and have chosen to support vital services for people with additional vulnerability through this time.
“As we enter 2021, the social and economic impacts of the pandemic are continuing to greatly impact our communities. ECLC will use this support to increase our legal, advocacy and education support to priority communities.
“The additional services will focus on women and children experiencing family violence, older people at risk of elder abuse, people experiencing mental health issues, and culturally diverse communities.”
ECLC welcomed EastLink’s initiative to provide financial assistance to community service providers to support vulnerable people during these difficult times.
