Social Services Regulator visits Mildura

Victoria’s Social Services Regulator Jonathan Kaplan was in Mildura last week to meet with two local services and learn about the work they’re doing to provide social services to the Mallee community.

Mr Kaplan was invited by the CEO of Mallee District Aboriginal Services (MDAS) Perlin Simon to visit the region and hear first-hand of the unique challenges and opportunities the organisation experiences delivering sustainable, grassroots services and providing the local community with a vehicle for self-determination.

MDAS provides a wide range of support services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities based in the local government areas of Mildura Rural City Council, Swan Hill Rural City Council and Gannawarra Shire, including maternal and child health, aged and disability services, youth support, family violence programs, and homelessness and housing.

“Mallee District Aboriginal Services provides vital support to their local community, and as the Regulator, I’m committed to listening, learning and working in genuine partnership to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” says Kaplan.

Mr Kaplan also met with the CEO of Mallee Sexual Assault Unit, Leigh Rhode, to hear about the work this organisation does to support victims of sexual assault, including 24-hour crisis care, medical care, crisis counselling, community education and support groups.

Visiting regional services helps the Regulator ensure these organisations have the information and support they need to meet the Social Services(opens in a new window) and Child Safe Standards(opens in a new window).

The Regulator is committed to supporting providers across regional Victoria and has previously met with other services in Mildura as well as Bendigo, Shepparton, Echuca, Wangaratta, Ballarat, Warrnambool, Geelong, Warragul, Morwell, Sale and Lakes Entrance. Visiting service providers across the state is part of the Social Services Regulator’s approach to strengthening protections for social services users and safeguarding vulnerable Victorians from harm, abuse and neglect.

“Hearing directly from local service providers Mallee District Aboriginal Services and Mallee Sexual Assault Unit has been insightful. Both organisations provide important services to the local community and they’re working hard to provide the care, dignity and support their clients deserve.”

For information about the Social Services Regulator, please visit www.ssr.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window).