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For forty years, the heartbeat of the Illawarra Legal Centre has been its people. ILC has grown because countless individuals have give their time, skill, courage and compassion to the pursuit of justice.
On 10 December, the world marks Human Rights Day and reaffirms its commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This historic document upholds the inherent rights to which every individual is entitled as a human being – regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or any other status.
The theme for this year is “Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials”. It reminds us that human rights are not abstract ideals—they shape and support our daily lives in ways we may not always see. From access to housing, safety, education and healthcare, to the ability to speak freely, participate in community, and live without discrimination.
Human rights underpin the dignity and wellbeing of every person.
As the world faces challenges new and ongoing; climate change, conflicts, pandemics, racism and inequalities, the values, and rights enshrined in the UDHR provide guideposts for our collective actions that do not leave anyone behind.
This year’s theme also reminds us that human rights are positive, essential and attainable (Our Everyday Essentials), and that protecting them is the key to building stronger, fairer and more resilient communities.
ILC actively contributes to the advancement of human rights by providing free legal services to members of our community. We strive to empower individuals to realise their legal rights, with a particular focus on those experiencing social and economic disadvantages in the Illawarra and surrounding areas.
By acknowledging this significant day, we underscore the importance of promoting initiatives to address issues such as exclusion, inequality, gender equity, discrimination, homelessness, poverty and justice for all.
Stand up for your rights. Stand up for the rights of others.
Human rights are our everyday essentials. We all have a role to play.
To find out more visit: https://www.un.org/en/observances/human-rights-day
#HumanRightsDay
#OurEveryDayRights
#UDHR
#HumanRightsForAll
From our humble beginnings in 1985, with just one lawyer and one youth worker, Illawarra Legal Centre has grown into a vital and resilient institution with over 20 dedicated staff. This growth is more than just numbers – it refelects a deepening commitment to access to justice and a community that continues to place its trust in us.
International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is a United Nations (UN) recognised day held on 3 December each year to celebrate the contributions and achievements of people with disability.
The UN theme for IDPwD this year is ‘‘Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress” — reminding us that real social progress depends on ensuring everyone can participate fully, contribute, and belong.
In Australia alone, there are 5.5 million people with disability – neighbours, colleagues, classmates, friends, family. Not all disability is the same, and some disabilities are invisible.
By joining the conversation and listening to the stories and lived experiences of people with disability, we can challenge our own perceptions about disability and help make positive changes in the community.
We encourage everyone to get involved and join the celebration! Together, we can all take action to make our community more accessible, challenge stereotypes, remove barriers, and promote inclusive and respectful attitudes and behaviours in our community.
For more information about IDPwD, visit www.idpwd.com.au or follow @idpwd on Facebook and Twitter.
Today, let’s commit to building a community where everyone belongs, everyone matters, and no one is left behind.
#IDPwD #IDPwD2025 #IDPwD25
Illawarra Legal Centre (ILC) is proud to mark 40 years of service to the Illawarra and South Coast community, celebrating four decades of providing free legal services, advocacy, and support to people facing social and economic disadvantage.
Founded in 1985 after years of determined campaigning by local community activists, ILC began with little more than a bare lino floor and a big commitment to justice. From those humble beginnings, the service has grown into one of the region’s most trusted voices for fairness, human rights, and community empowerment.
Over the past four decades, Illawarra Legal Centre has assisted tens of thousands of people through programs spanning General Legal, Welfare Rights, Tenants Service, Financial Counselling, Child Support, Children’s Court Assistance, Aboriginal Legal Access Program, Community Legal Education, and Law Reform.
ILC Chairperson Michael McGrath said the milestone reflects the centre’s longstanding commitment to reducing barriers to justice.
“For forty years, Illawarra Legal Centre has stood beside people who would otherwise have nowhere to turn. We work with people facing discrimination, unfair debts, family breakdown, homelessness, family violence, financial hardship and many other challenges. Our goal has always been simple — to help people realise their rights and ensure that justice is not just for those who can afford it.”
ILC Coordinator Louise Farroway highlighted the power of the organisation’s integrated approach.
“Our clients rarely have just one issue. Many people have a range of complex and intersecting issues. Someone seeking help with a tenancy problem may also be managing Centrelink disputes, financial stress, or family issues. We’ve built a multidisciplinary service so people can get meaningful, holistic support in one place, from people who understand their circumstances.”
The 40-year celebration will place a key focus on honouring the hundreds of volunteers who have bolstered the Centre from its inception. This esteemed group encompasses a wide range of roles, from volunteer solicitors and law students to community advocates and board members. Their commitment spans decades, with many having volunteered for over 20, 30, or even the full 40 years of the Centre’s history.
“Our volunteers are the heart of our organisation,” Ms Farroway said. “We rely on them. For decades, they have freely given their time, skills, and compassion to make sure people in our community have access to justice. Their support is essential to our service and community.
“From bold campaigns challenging unfair government decisions, to supporting young people at the Children’s Court, to working alongside people facing disadvantage and discrimination, ILC’s commitment has never wavered.”
“Across four decades, what has remained constant is our belief that everyone deserves fairness,” Ms Farroway said. “This celebration is not only about looking back — it’s about renewing our commitment to justice for the next 40 years.”
The Illawarra Legal Centre (ILC), established in 1985, is a non-profit organisation committed to promoting social justice and providing free legal support to individuals experiencing social and economic disadvantage in the Illawarra region.
We are looking for individuals with expertise in the following areas:
By joining our volunteer board, you’ll play an essential role in shaping the future of a vital community resource that has been advocating for access to justice for nearly 40 years. Your involvement will directly contribute to our work in supporting people who are facing systemic barriers to justice.
If you are passionate about social justice, have the relevant skills, and are committed to making a difference, we encourage you to express your interest.
Please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and interest in the role to Louise Farroway at [email protected] by 20 October 2025.
We look forward to hearing from you!
This year’s Warrawong NAIDOC Family Fun Day—held on Tuesday 8 July 2025 at Darcy Wentworth Park (in the southern suburbs of Wollongong) – was an incredible celebration of culture, community, and connection.
As proud members of the Warrawong NAIDOC Organising Committee, we were honoured to play a role in bringing this special event to life—marking 50 years of NAIDOC Week and celebrating the powerful 2025 theme: “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.”
The day was a huge success, filled with music, storytelling, creative workshops, food, children’s activities and cultural pride. Families, Elders, young people and over 60 local organisations came together to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples—their strength, resilience, and achievements.
NAIDOC Week reminds us of the power of community, the strength found in culture, and the responsibility we all share in building a more just and inclusive future. As we look ahead to the next 50 years, let us walk forward with the next generation—stronger, wiser, and more connected.
In addition to supporting the event’s planning and coordination, we also hosted an interactive stall—offering a fun and meaningful activity for kids and connecting with community members throughout the day. We loved seeing children engage with the Children’s Passport activity, excitedly collecting stamps and deepening their understanding of culture and community along the way.
We’d like to extend our deepest thanks to our fellow committee members and collaborators for their dedication and teamwork in delivering such a meaningful day: Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation, Barnardos, Warrawong Residents Forum, Wollongong City Council, Mission Australia and Department of Communities and Justice. Together, we created a space of learning, respect, celebration and hope—walking forward with the next generation, stronger and more united.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make the day such a success, and to all who attended, participated, danced, played and shared. Together, we honoured legacy, championed vision, and celebrated strength. We can’t wait to do it all again next year!
#NAIDOC2025
#WarrawongNAIDOC
#StrengthVisionLegacy
#NAIDOCWeek
#NAIDOC
This year marks the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week—a significant milestone in recognising and celebrating the culture, history, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
NAIDOC Week began as a movement for justice and equality. It was led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities who demanded a future built on truth and respect. Five decades on, NAIDOC Week stands as a national celebration of the oldest continuing cultures on earth—cultures that have survived, adapted and thrived in the face of incredible challenges.
While this moment is one of celebration, it is also a time for reflection. The path has not always been easy—and the work is far from over. We must continue to amplify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, defend rights, and stand together against racism and injustice.
The 2025 theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy”, celebrates not only these achievements of the past but the bright future ahead.
NAIDOC Week reminds us of the power of community, the strength found in culture, and the responsibility we all share in building a more just and inclusive future. As we look ahead to the next 50 years, let us walk forward with the next generation—stronger, wiser and more connected than ever.
You can support NAIDOC Week and get to know your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through activities and events held across the country.
This year you will find Illawarra Legal Centre participating in the following NAIDOC events:
Monday 7/7/25 11am-2pm – Shellharbour City Council NAIDOC Event at Shellharbour Civic Centre
Tuesday 8/7/25 10am-1pm – Warrawong NAIDOC Family Fun Day at Darcy Wentworth Park Warrawong
Thursday 10/7/25 10am-2pm – CareWays NAIDOC Event at Koonawarra Community Centre
Friday 11/7/25 10am-2pm – Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre NAIDOC at their centre
#NAIDOC2025
#NAIDOCWeek
#StrengthVisionLegacy
#NAIDOC
Celebrate NAIDOC week with us!