Bold new work of art celebrates 30 years of Victoria Legal Aid

29 June 2011

MEDIA RELEASE FROM VICTORIA LEGAL AID

A bold new work of art by Moonee Valley artist Sue E. Armstrong has been unveiled to mark the 30th anniversary of Victoria Legal Aid.

The work, Access to Justice for all, was unveiled at a function attended by State and Federal Attorneys-General, Robert Clark and Robert McClelland, and members of Melbourne’s legal and community sectors. Ms Armstrong is a mental health consumer consultant and a strong advocate for women’s-only psychiatric wards. She is also co-convenor of the community art group Penguin Artists.

Victoria Legal Aid Managing Director Bevan Warner said Ms Armstrong’s work reflected Victoria Legal Aid’s community involvement and work in protecting the legal rights of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged members of our community.

The painting depicts cartoon-like characters – representing the broad range of community members with whom Victoria Legal Aid works – progressing towards the central figure of Blind Justice. It will be seen by thousands of people who visit VLA’s city headquarters each year.

Mr Warner said Victoria Legal Aid’s 30th anniversary was an opportunity to reflect on the role the organisation had played in upholding the Victorian community’s right to justice. ‘We have funded well over a million cases and greatly expanded our role in educating the community about its legal rights. ‘We have also strengthened our focus on helping people stay out of court through mediation services which help them solve their own problems.’

Ms Armstrong said her work promoting the rights of people with a mental illness inspired her painting. ‘My vision for the artwork was to focus on the general themes of social justice and the part Victoria Legal Aid has played and continues to play in supporting the oppressed.’

Access to Justice for all was painted at Common Ground at Doutta Galla Community Health Service in April and May this year.