Author: Kerri

National Reconciliation Week – All In

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to reflect on how each of us can contribute to reconciliation in Australia.

The theme for NRW 2026 is “All In” – it is a powerful call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day.  It reminds us that reconciliation is not a spectator sport — it requires all of us to step forward, take action, and work together to create meaningful change.

 Reconciliation is an ongoing journey and there is still much work to do. 

By listening, learning, standing against racism, and supporting the voices and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, we can help build a fairer and more reconciled Australia.

We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation.

Together, we can:

• Stand up against racism and injustice

• Support and elevate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices

• Strengthen respectful relationships and understanding

• Take meaningful action toward truth, equity and justice

• Commit to reconciliation not only during NRW, but every day of the year

Real progress requires collective action, respectful relationships, and a shared commitment to equity and justice.

For the work of generations past, and the benefit of generations future, let’s be All In for reconciliation.

#NRW2026

#AllIn

To find out more about a just, equitable and reconciled Australia visit:

Reconciliation Australia

Reconciliation NSW

 From Sorry to Action

National Sorry Day, also known as the National Day of Healing, is held each year on 26 May to acknowledge and remember the Stolen Generations — Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families, communities, culture and Country under past government policies.

This date marks the anniversary of the tabling of the Bringing Them Home report in 1997, which exposed the devastating impacts of forced child removal policies and made recommendations to address the ongoing harm caused to Stolen Generations survivors, their families and communities.

National Sorry Day is a time for reflection, truth-telling, remembrance and healing. It is an opportunity for all Australians to acknowledge the pain and injustice experienced by the Stolen Generations and to recognise the ongoing intergenerational trauma that continues to affect many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

The 2026 theme, “From Sorry to Action”, reminds us that acknowledgment alone is not enough. Nearly three decades after the Bringing Them Home report was tabled, many of its recommendations remain unfinished. This year calls on governments, organisations and individuals to move beyond words and commit to meaningful action, accountability, justice and healing.

National Sorry Day asks each of us to reflect on our shared history, listen to the voices of survivors, and consider how we can contribute to reconciliation and positive change.

We extend our respect to the Stolen Generations and acknowledge the strength, resilience and courage of survivors, their families and communities. We honour those who continue to share their stories and advocate for truth, healing and justice.

 #NationalSorryDay

#SorryDay

#NationalDayOfHealing

#FromSorryToAction 

https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/projects/bringing-them-home-report-1997

https://bth.humanrights.gov.au/the-report/bringing-them-home-report

https://healingfoundation.org.au

National Volunteer Week – Your Year to Volunteer

National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering and recognises the incredible contribution millions of volunteers make across the country.

This year’s theme, ‘Your Year to Volunteer’, celebrates the people who generously give their time, skills and knowledge to support others, while also encouraging more people to discover the connection, purpose and positive change that volunteering can create.

At Illawarra Legal Centre (ILC), we see firsthand the impact volunteers make in our community every day. Whether serving on our Board, providing legal expertise, supporting events and projects, assisting as students, or contributing in countless other ways, our volunteers help us reach more people and strengthen the services we provide.

To all of our volunteers — thank you!

Thank you for your generosity, dedication, compassion and ongoing commitment to social justice and our community. Your contribution makes a genuine difference and we are incredibly grateful for the time and care you give to ILC.

If you’re interested in volunteering or would like to learn more about opportunities with ILC, we’d love to hear from you.

Happy National Volunteer Week!

#NVW2026

#VolunteerYear

#volunteers

#volunteering

Law Week – demystifying the law and empowering people!

A while ago we arranged for University of Wollongong law students to interview homeless people at Warrawong Residents’ Forum as part of the Criminalisation of Homelessness project. Researchers also interviewed our staff and the staff of Warrawong Residents’ Forum. Highlights of the interviews have now been published

Are you building, renovating or dealing with a tradie dispute?

Join us for a FREE legal talk presented by HoBAS –the Home Building Advocacy Service.

This workshop aims to assist people to:

• know their rights,
• resolve disputes sooner, and
• know when & where to ask for help and advice.

HoBAS is a NSW statewide legal service supporting homeowners and consumers who are experiencing problems with builders, tradespeople, or owner-builders. The service is independent, free, and available to anyone in NSW.

Celebrating Our People

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.

“Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials”

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