Family of Joey Thurston begin their journey towards truth and justice
Joey Thurston was a much-loved father, friend, son and brother. His connections to his family were deep-rooted. His loved ones remember him as a family-oriented person who was always enthusiastic to organise family events to bring everyone together. He was an avid Hawthorn Football Club supporter. Joey was only 37 years old when he passed […]
Two police officers charged following IBAC investigation into arrest of young Aboriginal man
The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) welcomes the announcement this week that IBAC has criminally charged two police officers involved in an arrest of our client, Wade, in August 2025. VALS are proud to be representing Wade, a young Aboriginal man, as he seeks justice and accountability for what happened to him. VALS’ Wirraway Police […]
Family of Kenneth Kelly take first steps toward justice for their father
Kenneth Kelly was a proud Barkandji, Muthi Muthi, and Wemba Wemba man. He was much loved by his 8 children, 17 grandchildren and 7 siblings. His passion was to sit with his guitar and sing, writing his own music and telling his stories through song. His family share that above all, Kenneth was a kind […]
“We deserve real answers about what happened to our boy” – Jeffrey Winmar’s family demand justice and accountability.
Today, the coronial inquest for the death in custody of proud Noongar man Jeffrey Winmar has concluded following two weeks of evidence and hearings at the Coroner’s Court of Victoria. Jeffrey’s family thanks everyone who has supported them through this difficult time, including those who have sent messages of support and to those that have […]
Proud Noongar Maaman Jeffrey Winmar: Coronial Inquest begins
The coronial inquest into the death in custody of Jeffrey Winmar will begin on Monday 30 March 2026 at the Coroner’s Court of Victoria and is scheduled to run for 2 weeks. Jeffrey was a proud Noongar man. He was a beloved son, father, uncle, brother, grandson, and cousin to many. He was a family […]
Heartfelt, moving and impactful: The family of Clinton Austin show strength as they read their coronial impact statements in court.
Quotes Attributable to Shaun Austin, brother of Clinton Austin: “My name is Shaun Austin. I am the elder twin brother of Clinton. I have already given a statement to the court about Clinton, who he was, what it was like growing up together, and what happened in his life leading to his passing. It’s hard […]
Heather Calgaret’s life was precious, and her passing was preventable: Coroner delivers damning findings around prison healthcare and parole systems
After almost four years since the tragic passing of Heather Calgaret, following an incredibly painful and burdensome journey for her family, Coroner Sarah Gebert has delivered the findings and recommendations from the coronial inquest into Heather’s passing. Today the Coroner found that not only was Heather’s passing preventable, but that she should not have passed […]