CLE Projects

Over the past several years, utility retailers have targeted Ministry of Housing areas using door to door sales as part of their ever increasing push to attract customers. In March 2009 the Essendon Community Legal Centre embarked on a community awareness program to combat door-to-door sales. The overall concern expressed form clients was the constant harassment form door knockers. They also were confused when several retailers came to their doors over short periods of time all giving them bewildering and conflicting messages. The awareness campaign was developed to run over 12 weeks. Its aim was to focus on people living on the Ascot Vale housing estate and the community centre in Wingate Ave, to which about 1,000 people attend each week.  Participants in this program were given information packs and sessions addressed people's rights in regard to door knockers. Stickers and brochures were also given to all workers from services and agencies at the community centre and they were encouraged to pass these onto their clients.