Jennifer Pittorino
On Thursday, May 4, Non-governmental organisation WEstjustice announced the launch of their new Tenancy Stress Victoria Flood Recovery Clinic.
The clinic is now accepting appointments for renters in the west who were impacted by the 2022 floods and are seeking legal advice.
WEstjustice is a community organisation that provides free legal help to people in Melbourne’s west.
Residents can now access the services of free lawyers and financial counsellors to help with legal issues, social work support, debt, financial hardship and social issues including residential tenancy matters.
Joseph Nunweek, Legal director of Economic Justice, said the main reason for opening the new clinic was because of the lack of people reaching out.
“We were not hearing a lot of complaints from renters immediately after the floods happened as opposed to homeowners who we heard from instantaneously, “ he said.
“We knew it would be really important to set this up to allow for information to be easily accessed for renters who were impacted,” he said.
Mr Nunweek said prominent issues they are expecting to see are from people who are remaining in flood affected areas, ongoing repairs that might not have been addressed and those who are at risk of termination through their rental provider.
There are three clinics located in Footscray, Werribee and Sunshine.
Details: 9749 7720
