Return to normal view

Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria

The Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria (DSCV) helps people to resolve their own disputes. Many disputes can be resolved through communication and negotiation, which can help to reduce costs, delays and legal action. The Dispute Settlement Centre provides a free service and can offer advice and tips for dealing with matters yourself. The Centre also provides neutral, objective mediators to help you resolve disputes of any size or complexity.

DSCV can assist with many types of disputes, for example:

• fences
• trees and gardens
• clubs and organisations
• noise
• body corporate issues
• drainage and water runoff
• family conflicts (but not family law)
• air pollution and smoke
• workplace conflicts
• animal behaviour
• planning and environmental issues
• problems with people's behaviour
• vehicle property damage (car accidents)
• parking and other issues relating to entry to your land
• shared households.

Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria services

The Dispute Resolution Advisory Service offers advice over the phone about how to resolve disputes, or prevent them from occurring.

DSCV mediation services can help disputing parties to talk through their issues and develop options for reaching an agreement.

DSCV also provide community education, providing speakers to explain the service, or hiring out skilled trainers to train organisations in skills and strategies for dealing with people in conflict.

DSCV mediator panel also has trained and authorised Koori mediators who meet the cultural needs of the Koori community.

The 'disputeinfo' website has step-by-step guides to common dispute situations, and practical advice for resolving them.

Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria clients

DSCV assists both individuals and groups, either small or large. They can meet the cultural and communication needs of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds: mediators come from a range of cultural backgrounds, and Multi Lingual Publications are available in over 20 community languages.

Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria Koori services

The DSCV is committed to providing services which meet the cultural needs of Koori people and their communities through a range of initiatives including the Koori Project Officer.

The Koori Project Officer promotes DSCV services and is available to confidentially discuss any issue of dispute and mediation options.

The DSCV mediation panel also has trained and gazetted Koori mediators who meet the cultural needs of the Koori community, and conducts training for Koori Communities and organisations. For more information on DSCV mediation and training initiatives, visit the Disputes area of this site. 

 

4/456 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000