Each Family Pathways Network seeks to meet the challenge of developing strong relationships between all members of the broader family law system. These include family relationship service providers, family courts, legal services, private legal practitioners, the Child Support Agency, Centrelink, and other related community-based organisations such as family violence services and men’s and women’s behaviour change groups. A primary objective is to break down some of the barriers in the family law system and to do what is necessary to achieve greater integration.

Centacare Catholic Family Services is the auspice body for Vic Family Pathways Network (Melbourne). Community Connections Vic Ltd has that role for the Barwon region and for the Gippsland region, the auspice body is the Family Mediation Centre.

Family Pathways Networks are an initiative of the Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department.

These three Victorian networks are in their start-up phase. The networks share more than a common brand. The common objectives are:

• to develop an integrated family law system that makes sense to all – be they service provider or client
• to improve ways of working together to assist families to manage separation in ways that minimise conflict – particularly the impact it has on children, and
• to establish and maintain links between the various service providers such that information, training and referrals can be meaningfully shared and exchanged.

Soon Vic Family Pathways Network (Melbourne) will provide regular networking opportunities, inter-organisation training and professional development opportunities.

Further information from the Vic Family Pathways Network (Melbourne) can be obtained by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it    

Alternatively, contact Vic Family Pathways Network (Barwon South West) on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or Vic Family Pathways Network (Gippsland) on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Further information available from Family Relationship Services Australia .