How to complain effectively and supporting young worker's rights in Warrnambool

The Young Workers Centre visited Southwest TAFE Warrnambool to host a one-stop-shop for young workers who want to learn more about their rights at work or who need assistance in resolving workplace issues.

Making themselves available to the students for the afternoon, the team spoke with young people who may have concerns about employment, wages, bullying and harassment or their rights at work.

For those who couldn’t make it in person, the team were available online via a zoom drop-in to offer free legal information and advice for young apprentices and workers.

The colourful setup certainly attracted its fair share of attention, providing a very easy way for some to take the first step towards securing their rights!

Across town at the Lane Pavilion, locals from the West Warrnambool Neighbourhood House were joined by staff from the Victorian Ombudsman (VO) to learn the ins-and-outs of complaining effectively.

As the place to go for making complaints about government services and departments, the Ombudsman staff gave an overview of their role, how a complaint is handled and what works best to progress your complaint.

“I didn’t realise the Ombudsman were independent of everybody and that they really try to work with everybody to solve the issue, and if they can't solve the issue how they work with the government body to make it a fairer process going forward.”

- Anita, Community Law Talks participant

Following the presentation, community members asked questions at the VO staff and as a group were able to share experiences and learn from real-life examples. People who came along with specific issues were also able to get tailored advice about following up on complaints or the best way to lodge them.

Community Law Talks provide local communities an opportunity to learn more about everyday legal problems that may affect them in a friendly, non-intimidating, social setting.

The free events are run in partnership with local organisations to build capability and knowledge around issues like energy and water bills, complaints, fines, issues at work, and more.