On 16 February 2012, the Victorian Legal Assistance Forum (VLAF) CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) Working Group convened a seminar to examine the issue of culture and cultural competency in relation to delivery of legal services.

Over 80 people attended the VLAF Forum, The Question of Culture – dealing with CALD Communities, to hear Michal Morris, from the Centre for Culture, Ethnicity and Health in Carlton  present the keynote address. The context of culture - how organisations engage with recently arrived and refugee groups is critical to planning programs in this sector.  Her talk addressed this issue and looked at the question of what a culturally competent organisation looks like and what steps can be taken to reach that goal.

The keynote address was followed by a panel discussion on Good Practice Models of CALD Engagement chaired by Angela Costi, Chair of the VLAF CALD Working Group and Victoria Legal Aid CLE worker. Find out more about the VLAF seminar and the keynote address