THE Peninsula Community Legal Centre and the Mornington Peninsula Shire will be hosting a free legal information session on 13 November 2025 in Hastings.
Speakers from the Peninsula Community Legal Centre and Seniors Rights Victoria will share useful information on common legal issues for older people such as wills, powers of attorney, and medical decision-making.
These legal documents are designed to make sure that a person’s wishes are understood and respected, but many people do not understand how they work or why they are so important. For example, if you were critically injured in a car accident tomorrow and could not make decisions for yourself, who would make them for you?
These decisions might be about important issues such as your medical treatment or financial decisions. What if you had family members with different opinions on what would be best? And if you were permanently incapacitated, who should decide where you would live? If you died, what would happen to your house, car or other assets?
If you have not thought or done anything about these issues, then you are not alone. A recent report from the Australian Human Rights Commission found that most Australians (87%) do not have a power of attorney, and that just over a third (35%) know nothing about them. Roughly half of Australians do not have a will.
The session will offer the community an opportunity to learn more about the value and importance of these documents. It will provide information and helpful tips to enable people to take control of how future decisions about their lives will be made. Speakers will also provide information about common pitfalls which can lead to potential abuse and exploitation, so that people can take action to protect themselves.
There will be a chance to ask the experts questions in a Q & A session, as well as the opportunity to pick up take away information and resources.
The free Information Session on Wills and Powers of Attorney will be held at the Hastings Community Hub, 1973 Frankston Flinders Rd, Hastings on Thursday 13 November 2025 from 2:00 – 4:00pm. Morning tea will be provided.
The session is free, but please register by calling PCLC on 9783 3600 or email pclc@pclc.org.au
First published in the Western Port News – 15 October 2025
