Disclaimer: The material in this print-out relates to the law as it applies in the state of Victoria. It is intended as a general guide only. Readers should not act on the basis of any material in this print-out without getting legal advice about their own particular situations. Victoria Legal Aid disclaims any liability howsoever caused to any person in respect of any action taken in reliance on the contents of the publication.

We help Victorians with their legal problems and represent those who need it most. Find legal answers, chat with us online, or call us. You can speak to us in English or ask for an interpreter. You can also find more legal information at www.legalaid.vic.gov.au

Aboriginal community engagement officers

Our Aboriginal community engagement officers help ensure that First Nations people can get the help they need.

Aboriginal community engagement (ACE) officers work towards improving access to justice for First Nations communities across Victoria.

They are specialist non-legal roles based across Victoria that focus on client support, community engagement and legal education. Their work is vital in building trust and strengthening relationships between Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) and First Nations communities and organisations.

Our former ACE officer in Gippsland, Jess McDonald, speaks about her work with the Wulgunggo Ngalu Learning Place, near Morwell. Jess is joined by Shaun Braybrook, manager of Wulgunggo Ngalu.

'At VLA we work with some really vulnerable people, and we need to ensure they feel safe. The ACE officer role offers a helping hand, and closes that gap between lawyer and client. Dealing with legal services, particularly for mob, can be really scary otherwise.' – Jess McDonald, former ACE officer, Morwell.

More information

Find out more about First Nations employment at VLA and our First Nations clerkship program and First Nations graduate law program.

Read our Reconciliation Action Plan.

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