Hidden Voices
The Eastern Community Legal Centre (ECLC) led and celebrated the ‘Hidden Voices’ project which included four major events held at Lilydale Community House, Yarra Ranges Museum and Box Hill Institute.
The project ran from May to June 2022 and provided a safe space for local community members to talk about their lived experience stories on a range of topics in small group settings.
The topics included:
- family violence
- volunteering in indigenous services
- sexual assault
- identifying community gaps and establishing services
- experiencing language barriers and accessing disability services
- ageism, and
- women in local business.
Members of the community listened eagerly and were given the opportunity to ask story tellers questions which allowed for thought provoking conversation and insight into lived experiences that are authentic, vulnerable and empowering.
I have become more confident telling my story…I have also developed a better understanding of myself…I have been able to reflect on all the things that have shaped me to become the adult I am today with a firm sense of social justice and a need to help others.
- Hidden Voices Storyteller
The project was supported by the Lilydale Revitalisation Board, Victorian Government and project partners as a unique space to foster inclusion in the Lilydale area. Partners included Anchor, Box Hill Institute, Cire Services, Eastern Regional Libraries, Inspiro, Yarra Ranges Council and Melba Support Services.
Resource: Hidden Voices
