4 Client Service Officers cover the metropolitan region.

Samuel Gentile:

I was born in Melbourne and my relatives are from the Echuca and Shepparton area. My grandmother’s name was Minnie Atkinson and she introduced me to Aboriginal culture. I did a Certificate in Horticulture at a TAFE for a year and then left to pursue a career at VALS. My first role there was as Support Officer which involved filing, working in reception and taking D24 notifications. I have been a CSO for 4 years now. I enjoy my job, even though it can be demanding at times with night shift and being on call over the weekend. I enjoy my work and knowing that I’m helping the Aboriginal community is a great honour for me. I want to help the Aboriginal community to improve themselves and to educate them about the need for a positive relationship with the police. *

Shaune Austin

I’m a Wiradjuri Yorta Yorta man who has lived in many places all up and down the east coast of Australia from Brisbane to Wollongong, Nowra, down as far as Mount Gambier. I am now settled back in Melbourne where most of my family lives and where I currently play my football in the VFL for the Northern Bullants. I don’t have much community work experience, but in working at the community run Legal Service I hope to gain a lot more experience to help my mob in dealing with the justice system. I have worked in many jobs such as customer service at the ANZ Bank, worked as Security at the 5 Star Langham Hotel and many other smaller type jobs. Working as a CSO at VALS has allowed me to understand the justice system better and with that knowledge I will then pass it onto my community.

Graham Norris

Biography will be available soon

Vacant

Prisoner Support Officer – George Briggs

I am a very proud Bangerang Man. I was born and bred in Shepparton, but have been living in Melbourne since 2003. I love living in Melbourne, but still love getting home to see family & friends in Shepparton as much as possible. During my time in Melbourne I have worked at the Koorie Hertiage Trust for a year (Tour Guide) and at VACCA for 3 ½ Years. I started work at VALS in October 2010 as the Prisoner Support Officer. It’s a bit of a change from my previous employment but I enjoy working with the Guys in prison trying to enforce effective change in their lives for the better.