Media Releases

Local Justice Sector Stands Up For Reconciliation

Cr Kris Bolam, Mayor of Frankston, Jody Beleyea MP, Member for Dunkley, Jackie Galloway, CEO Peninsula Community Legal Centre, Paul Edbrooke MP, Member for Frankston, Matt Ireland, Sheriff’s Aboriginal Liaison Officer, Magistrate Charles Tan, Paul Mecurio MP, Member for Hastings, Magistrate Rose Falla

National Reconciliation Week (May 27 – June 3) is a time for all Australians to reflect on how we can walk together with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to create a fairer and more equitable country.

On 29 May 2025, an event was held in Frankston to demonstrate the local justice sector’s shared commitment to our country’s reconciliation journey. Held during lunchtime in the heart of the legal precinct at Evelyn Park, the event brought together leaders from the courts, community legal and legal aid sector, justice department, and local council.

“We organized this event because we believe there has never been a more important time to acknowledge our shared history and stand up to build a more united and respectful country”,  said Jackie Galloway, CEO of Peninsula Community Legal Centre (PCLC). “The aim was to demonstrate the local justice sector’s commitment and support for the reconciliation process”.

The event was organised by PCLC in partnership with the southern region Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee (RAJAC), with support from the City of Frankston.  There are nine Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committees (RAJACs) in Victoria, which are responsible for advocating for and promoting improved justice outcomes and Aboriginal justice initiatives to both Aboriginal communities and government agencies.

Speakers included Magistrate Rose Falla, who is the first Indigenous Magistrate appointed in Victoria, Magistrate Charles Tan from Frankston Magistrate’s Court, the Mayor of Frankston, and Matt Ireland from the Sheriff’s office.

“Reconciliation is a joint responsibility; not for us alone,” Magistrate Falla said. “Self determination and being able to speak for ourselves rather than have others tell us what is best for us is a fundamental principle. If you are representing or working with First Nations people, ask them what they need. Do not assume to know”.

Speakers reflected on National Reconciliation Week marking the date of the landmark Mabo decision, which recognized native title and land rights of traditional owners.

“As the Mabo decision illustrates, lawyers and the legal sector are often at the vanguard of achieving a just and fair society” said Magistrate Tan. “This is an ongoing responsibility that should motivate and excite all of us who work in the legal sector.

This year’s theme for National Reconciliation Week, Bridging Now to Next, is about continuing to push forward while also learning lessons from the past.  

“This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme, Bridging Now to Next, invites us to both reflect on the past and consider the next steps in our shared journey of reconciliation,” said Cr Kris Bolam, the Mayor of Frankston. “ Through its Reconciliation Action Plan, the Council is committed to working in partnership with Aboriginal organisations, communities, and people.”

The event was the first of its kind for the legal sector in Frankston, and the organisers are hoping to make it an annual event.

“The event provided a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the achievement of Aboriginal individuals, communities and organisations in the justice sector,” said Ms Galloway. “We are planning to make this an annual feature on the local justice sector’s calendar.”

30 May 2025

Contact:

Kirsten Young, Peninsula Community Legal Centre

0428 844 610