Emma Edwardes – Pro Bono Manager
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Our firm, as part of its pro bono commitment, permits me to work free of charge for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in Victoria – approximately two days a week. The Victorian office has been going great guns! It has recently been confirmed that in order to cover all the programs offered by the Victorian office, they are no longer called The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award but Awards Victoria. New logo and branding is being created as we speak. I am also pleased to announce that our very own Andrew Douglas, previously a member of the Board is now Chairman of the Board, Congratulations Andrew!
The Youth Justice Pilot Program – Experience The Change (ETC)
Since, my last update, the ETC Program is progressing well. We have recently met with Mr Brian Tee, Parliamentary Secretary of Justice in Victoria, at Treasury Place in Melbourne. It was a fantastic meeting and the Parliamentary Secretary is very supportive of our program. Brian has advised that we can get the program up and running and then after a month or so of its operation have an official launch ceremony. Our plan is to have everything in place by Christmas. Brian has also invited us to present at the next Victorian Aboriginal Forum which will be early next year, which will be a real honour for us and it will be a fantastic opportunity to have our program supported by the broader Aboriginal Community in Victoria.
I thank all the stakeholders involved for their continued support and assistance along the way and look forward to getting the ETC Program up and running.