Peacemaking and Dispute Resolution
The Neighbourhood Justice Centre offers a free, voluntary, confidential, and impartial conflict resolution service for people who live or work in the City of Yarra. We work with individuals, families, neighbours, groups, and organisations to help resolve conflict, repair harm, and improve relationships.
We can help with:
- noise complaints
- interpersonal or intergenerational conflict
- antisocial behaviour
- property damage
- harm from crime
- use of shared or communal areas
- Personal Safety Intervention Orders
- other difficult or long-running disputes
Our services include:
Conflict Coaching - Working one-on-one with people in conflict to explore options and develop practical strategies to manage or resolve it.
Shuttle Negotiations - A process that helps people sort out issues without needing to meet face to face.
Facilitated Meetings - Bringing people together in a safe, supportive space to talk things through.
Peacemaking
Peacemaking brings together people affected by conflict or crime. It provides a chance for everyone involved to:
- talk about what’s happened
- share how they’ve been affected
- explore if things can be made better—and how
Meetings are guided by an experienced facilitator. The facilitator does not judge, take sides, or make decisions. Their role is to ensure the conversation is respectful, safe, and productive. Participation is voluntary. You can bring a support person if you like, and you can stop at any time. If not everyone agrees to take part, we’ll talk to you about other ways we might be able to help.
Peacemaking can also bring together those harmed by crime and those responsible for the harm. The Peacemaking process here:
- allows everyone affected an opportunity to play a part in repairing the harm and finding a way forward
- enables victims of crime to have their say, get answers to questions, regain control over their lives and help to prevent further crime
- provides those that have caused the harm an opportunity to tell their story, accept responsibility for and acknowledge the harm caused, hear how their behaviour affected others, and participate in determining how to repair the harm.
To get in touch or make a referral:
Anita De Blasio
Peacemaking Program Manager
anita.deblasio@courts.vic.gov.au (External link)
(03) 9087 5739
Serge Loode
Dispute Resolution Officer
serge.loode@courts.vic.gov.au (External link)
0448 009 713