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Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee

Nine Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committees (RAJACs) have been established throughout Victoria, each of which is serviced by a full-time Executive Officer who manages the day-to-day activities and planning requirements for the committee and reports to the Regional Director.

RAJAC Executive Officers are based in the Regional Justice offices, supporting the Justice regional model to improve government service delivery and accessibility to meet the needs of Victoria’s diverse and growing community.

The RAJAC network is based on recommendation two of the final report of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody (1991).

The role and responsibilities of RAJACs are to:

• advocate for and promote improved justice outcomes and Koori justice initiatives to both Koori communities and government agencies
• develop and implement regional justice plans that address Koori over-representation
• promote and participate in cross agency and partnership forums, such as the Aboriginal Justice Forum, and other initiatives to address Koori disadvantage
• work with other regional Koori advocacy groups
• monitor and comment on Koori contact with the justice system at a regional/state-wide level
• promote and nurture the Local Aboriginal Justice Action Committees, providing advocacy for them at the regional level
• participate in the assessment process for government grant funding applications for Koori justice-related programs
• aiding in the successful delivery of Koori programs under the Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement(AJA)

RAJAC contact details

Barwon South West region (between Portland in the west to Geelong in the east)
John Bell, Executive Officer, Barwon South West RAJAC
Tel: (03) 5564 1003
Mob: 0417 112 779
Email: john.bell@justice.vic.gov.au

Gippsland region (between Warragul in the west to Cann River in the east)
Nicole LeSage, Executive Officer, Gippsland RAJAC
Tel: (03) 5116 5744
Mob: 0400 411 727
Email: nicole.lesage@justice.vic.gov.au

Grampians region (between Dimboola in the west to Ballarat in the east)
Merv Atkinson, Executive Officer, Grampians RAJAC
Tel: (03) 4301 7012
Mob: 0408 574 679
Email: merv.atkinson@justice.vic.gov.au

Hume region (between Seymour in the west to Wodonga in the east)
Narida Vella, Executive Officer, Hume RAJAC
Tel: (03) 5858 7654
Mob: 0408 579 392
Email: narida.vella@justice.vic.gov.au)

Loddon Mallee region (between Mildura in the west to Bendigo in the east)
Paula Murray, Executive Officer, Loddon Mallee RAJAC
Tel: (03) 5440 6100
Mob: 0458 367 019
Email: paula.murray@justice.vic.gov.au

Eastern Metropolitan region (between Monash in the west to Yarra Ranges in the east)
Nerida Sutherland, Executive Officer, Eastern Metropolitan RAJAC
Tel: (03) 8803 8436
Mob: 0417 524 932
Email: nerida.sutherland@justice.vic.gov.au

North Western Metropolitan region (covers Melbourne Central Business District, and between Werribee in the west to Whittlesea in the east).

Troy Austin, Executive Officer, Northern Metropolitan RAJAC
Tel: (03) 9936 9292
Mob: 0418 333 391
Email: troy.austin@justice.vic.gov.au

Simon Flagg, A/Executive Officer, Western Metropolitan RAJAC
Tel: (03) 9094 2011
Mob: 0400 775 004
Email: simon.flagg@justice.vic.gov.au

Southern Metropolitan region (between Port Phillip in the west to Cardinia in the east and Mornington Peninsula in the south)
(Executive Officer position currently vacant - please contact the Koori Justice Unit for enquiries relating to the Southern Metropolitan RAJAC)
Tel: (03) 8684 1766