We pay special thanks to our key stakeholders and partners. We note a changing of the guard at Monash Law Faculty with the departure of Dean Brian Horrigan who we thank for his commitment to the clinical program, and we look forward to working with the new Dean, Professor Steven Vaughan. We acknowledge the social work departments of Monash University, Melbourne University and Federation University and their commitment to our integrated service program which allows South-East Monash Legal Service be a leader in providing holistic social supports across all our programs. As always, we are grateful for the investment by the Federal and State Governments in the legal assistance sector with a special mention to our local MPs and their commitment to the work of South-East Monash Legal Service. A shout out to the Federation of Community Legal Centres and their tireless work on behalf of our sector. Finally, a special thanks to our Working Women’s Centre Victoria consortium partners: Women’s Legal Service, WEstjustice and Northern Community Legal Centre. This consortium exemplifies contemporary best practice and the incredible collaboration that we all strive for. There are many more thanks we can offer. Our networks have grown exponentially this year, particularly through our climate justice work and the development of Justice Q. We are very excited to be working with new partners and stakeholders as a result. 

The Chair and I, as always, acknowledge the work of the South-East Monash Legal Service team. We thank our Board for being courageous, generous in spirit and caring deeply about us and the clients we serve. We thank all our volunteers and the incredible teams they have created. It’s been a nice evolution to see our volunteer program connect more closely with our staff. To our staff – South-East Monash Legal Service’s values include community, respect, courage and excellence. It is no understatement to say that our staff exemplify these values in the work they do every day, through their client-focused and trauma-informed approach to serving our community and the support they show each other every day. 

While the Justice Q launch was technically in the 2024-25 year, I want to comment on the “vibe” of this event. There was so much goodwill in the room. There was respect for the thoughtful and critical development process we committed to. There was a sense of opportunity for this much-needed service. There was vulnerability and personal connection. There was a sense of humble pride. There was hope for a kinder future.