Regional Manager, Wodonga

About this role

Shape the Future of Legal Aid in North-East Victoria

• Ongoing, full-time role
• Salary range: $138,909 - $162,060, plus super plus salary packaging
• Build strong partnerships across north-east Victoria and Riverina
• Shape vital legal services in child protection, crime and family violence
• Relocation support available, and up to $15,900 in salary packaging.

Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) is establishing in-house services across the Ovens Murray region – and we're seeking a dynamic leader to guide this exciting new chapter. Based in Wodonga on Wiradjuri and Dhudhuroa Country, the Regional Manager – Ovens Murray will lead a dedicated team of lawyers and administrative staff, working to expand services across north-east Victoria.

This is a rare opportunity to take on a leadership role with genuine impact – building services from the ground up, strengthening partnerships and ensuring communities in the Ovens Murray and Riverina region have access to the legal support, family dispute resolution and non-legal advocacy services that they need.

To hear more about our newly established Wodonga office and the services we provide, click on this short video.

In this role, you will:

• Lead and inspire a growing team through VLA's Ovens-Murray office “start-up”, shaping how services are delivered in Wodonga and beyond.
• Partner with key VLA stakeholders, Hume Riverina Community Legal Service (HRCLS), New South Wales Legal Aid, panel practitioners and community stakeholders to coordinate responsive, holistic services.
• Oversee delivery of legal services in key areas of need, including child protection, summary and indictable crime, and family violence.
• Build and maintain strong community relationships that recognise the interconnected nature of legal issues and support cross-referrals.
• Manage regional operations, budgets and resources, while contributing to statewide strategies and reforms.
• Act as a senior lawyer and advocate – providing legal supervision, complex casework, duty lawyer services, and high-quality representation across courts and tribunals in the region.

About you
You are a proven leader who thrives on building and motivating teams. You bring a strong legal practice background (or substantial exposure to practice), combined with the ability to:

• Establish and grow services in partnership with community stakeholders.
• Navigate complex legal and community environments and identify emerging needs.
• Deliver effective operational management while maintaining focus on people and service quality.
• Champion social justice and work respectfully and effectively with First Nations communities.

Don't meet every requirement? At VLA, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If you're excited about this role but your CV doesn't align perfectly with our job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or one of our many other opportunities. 

About Victoria Legal Aid 
We offer legal representation, family dispute resolution and non-legal advocacy to those who need it most. With over 1400 staff employed in 16 offices across Victoria, we help people with their legal problems by providing information, advice and education with a focus on the prevention and early resolution of legal problems.  

Our clients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds and foster a work culture that's inclusive as well as diverse. Your unique ideas and perspectives are valued so that we best represent the people we serve. 

Our employee benefits include:

• Focus on work-life balance including flexible working arrangements in a supportive team 
• Hybrid work from home & office model 
• Generous leave provisions, including three days' paid seasonal leave between Boxing Day and New Years' Day public holidays,
• Excellent salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 and Novated Leasing 
• Supportive team environment in modern offices
• Access to discounted Private Health Insurance and subsidised eyewear

Why join us
This is more than a management role – it's a chance to create lasting impact by shaping VLA's presence in the Ovens Murray region. You'll have the autonomy to lead local services, backed by the support of a statewide organisation committed to fairness and justice.

Join us to lead a passionate team, strengthen community partnerships, and ensure access to justice across north-east Victoria.

Why relocate to Albury/Wodonga
Albury and Wodonga are vibrant twin cities on the Murray River, at the heart of the Riverina region. Just over three hours from Melbourne and surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, the region offers an enviable lifestyle with affordable housing, quality schools, cultural and sporting opportunities, and easy access to snowfields, wine country and national parks.

This role is not only a chance to take on a career-defining leadership project – it's also an opportunity to enjoy a thriving community and an outstanding work–life balance.

How to apply 
To be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a brief cover letter about why you will be an amazing Regional Manager at our Wodonga office. 

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process or need an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team.  

For further information, please review the attached position description or contact Lauren Galvin, Regional Associate Director, North on (03) 9269 0481 or recruitment@vla.vic.gov.au.  

Applications close by 11.59pm on Tuesday 30 September 2025.

Other relevant information 

It is a requirement that staff attend for office-based days at their primary work location. In line with this requirement, interstate applications will be considered only where the candidate is able and willing to relocate to Victoria, unless part of a border community.   

VLA is committed to putting the safety and wellbeing of children first.