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Weekend Edition
www.wangarattachronicle.com.au
Phone (03) 5723 0100
FRIDAY, April 19, 2024
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A TIME TO REFLECT EX-SERVICE woman Robyn White had an eventful career as a combat photographer in the Australian Army and she cherishes her memories of ANZAC Day spent with her late father who also served. She shares her story on page 2, as our community and the rest of the the nation prepare to mark ANZAC Day next Thursday.
EXPLOSIVE DEVICE IN ROWAN ST Page 3
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
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BELLA WAITS ON WORLD C’SHIPS SELECTION Sport
Justice denied Legal g service says y lack of fundingg has seen onlyy half communityy demand met
A COMMUNITY legal service says it has had to turn away almost as many people as it has been able to help in Wangaratta and the North East because of chronic government underfunding and uncertainty. Hume Riverina Community Legal Service is calling on
BY SHANE DOUTHIE sdouthie@ nemedia.com.au
the Federal Government to address what is says is a national funding crisis affecting the community legal sector and invest in justice for
regional communities. “We partner with health, education and community service organisations across North East Victoria and the Southern Riverina of New South Wales to provide legal assistance to people experiencing disadvantage, and barriers to justice,” said
Hume Riverina Community Legal Service manager and principal lawyer Sarah Rodgers. “In 2022-23 we assisted more than 1300 clients experiencing intersecting disadvantage who would not otherwise have been able to access legal assistance.
“We turned away almost as many people seeking legal assistance as we were able to help. “We have called on the Commonwealth Government to increase funding for the community legal sector by at least $125 million in the 2024 Federal
Budget, and a commitment to long-term funding security for the sector. “Access to justice is essential to the wellbeing of individuals and communities and should be based on need, not postcode or the size of your bank balance.” ■ Continued page 5
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