May 27, 2016 | Rosanna Di Grazia
Respected lawyer, campaigner and advocate Serina McDuff has been appointed as executive officer of the Federation of Community Legal Centres, the peak body for 50 community legal centres in Victoria.
‘Serina is experienced in leading national campaigns and building deep engagement, has a record of senior leadership in the NGO and government sectors, and as a lawyer and policy advisor has worked to advance human rights, law reform and policy development,’ said Federation Committee Chair, Belinda Lo, today.
Serina’s recent roles have included Executive Director of the YWCA, Director of Advocacy and Campaigns at the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, Senior Lawyer and Policy Adviser with the Department of Health and Human Services, and work as a lawyer with Victoria Legal Aid.
‘In Victoria and nationally, community legal centres face significant challenges, including deep Federal funding cuts to free legal help for vulnerable people who cannot afford a private lawyer and who do not qualify for legal aid.
‘We are confident Serina’s skills and experience will make a vital contribution, and will build on the excellent leadership of Liana Buchanan, who left in April after three years as executive officer following her appointment as Victoria’s Principal Commissioner for Children and Young People.
‘Serina will help to ensure a strong community legal sector in Victoria that will also contribute significantly to a strong sector nationally,’ Lo said.
McDuff will commence her role as executive officer on 20 June, as Victorian community legal centres gather for their 22 June members’ meeting.
‘Through this appointment we have ensured that Victoria’s vibrant community legal sector will develop and grow through continuing leadership,’ Lo concluded.
For media interview and information
Belinda Lo
Committee Chair
Federation of Community Legal Centres
0423 731 821
Darren Lewin-Hill
Communications Manager
Federation of Community Legal Centres
0488 773 535
