23/05/2025

A local Victorian neighbourhood centre that helps connect migrant women and empowers them with education, support and resources has received the Australian Lawyers Alliance’s (ALA) 2025 Victorian Civil Justice Award.

The annual ALA Civil Justice Award recognises individuals or organisations who have displayed an outstanding commitment to the pursuit of justice.

“Wellsprings for Women embodies the values of our civil justice award with its commitment to promoting human rights, equality and justice for women and enhancing community safety,” said ALA Victorian president, Susan Accary. “Notably the organisation has developed a family violence program that provides discreet support to women experiencing coercive control.”

Wellsprings for Women is a grassroots, community-led organisation based in Dandenong that has been supporting women from diverse backgrounds for eleven years. It collaborates with TAFEs, family violence organisations, community legal centres and women’s health organisations to provide wraparound support for migrant women.

“We are very pleased to recognise the important work that this community-led organisation undertakes,” said Susan. “With more than 350 people participating in their programs each week and 80 volunteers supporting them, it is clear that the organisation provides valuable and much needed services.

“Providing culturally relevant and trauma informed services including legal support, counselling and housing help can be a lifeline for migrant women who face language, cultural and economic barriers when seeking assistance.

“This award acknowledges the hard work of all the staff and volunteers at Wellsprings for Women who make a critical difference in these women’s lives.”

Previous winners of the Victorian Civil Justice Award include a mix of individuals and organisations such as Victoria Legal Aid, Apryl Day, Lex Lasry AM, Julian McMahon AC SC, The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service and The Law and Advocacy Centre for Women.

Wellsprings for Women was announced as the recipient of this award today at the ALA Victoria Conference in Lorne.