Legal service gets new leader

BENDIGO’s community legal service provider, ARC Justice, announced its new CEO last week.

Currently the CEO of Inner Melbourne Community Legal, Damian Stock will head the organisation, which includes Loddon Campaspe Community Legal Centre, Goulburn Valley Community Legal Centra and Housing Justice.

Chair of ARC Justice, Andrew Chittenden, welcomed the appointment.

“The Board of ARC Justice is delighted to have secured Damian in the role as his experience and values will provide outstanding leadership as we continue to deliver legal and tenancy services for Central and Northern Victorian communities,” he said.

“Damian’s vast experience integrating legal services with partner organisations, particularly in health, education, housing and homelessness, and to deliver early intervention services, will enable our organisation to have a greater impact on those who need it most.”

Mr Stock recently led IMCL through its merger with Flemington Kensington Community Legal Centre and oversaw the organisation’s support of public housing tower residents during the Victorian COVID-19 lockdown in July 2020.

Mr Chittenden said Mr Stock brings a wealth of knowledge in homelessness and housing areas.

“With considerable experience in policy development and law reform as the former chief of staff at homelessness and housing organisation Launch Housing, Damian will enable ARC Justice to seek real change, advocating for greater government support and funding,” he said.

Mr Stock will commence his role in August, taking over from interim CEO Annika Kearton and former CEO Hayley Mansfield.

“We applaud the exceptional work by Ms Mansfield and Ms Kearton guiding the organisation through the pandemic which saw need for support increase dramatically,” Mr Chittenden said.

“ARC Justice has provided safe, responsive services to communities in regional Victoria through extremely difficult periods and looks forward to building further on this with new leadership.”