Author: Kerri

National Reconciliation Week – #BeBraveMakeChange

The theme for National Reconciliation Week (NRW) this year is “Be Brave. Make Change.”  and builds on the success of last years – #MoreThanAWord which asked all Australians to take action; not just in NRW but every week of the year.

This year, Reconciliation Australia, is calling for us to continue this good work and is challenging all Australians to Be Brave – and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation, so that we can – Make Change – for the benefit of all Australians.  #BeBraveMakeChange

NRW (27 May to 3 June) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us (individuals, families, communities, organisations and governments) can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Reconciliation is about creating respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians.  It is an ongoing journey that reminds us that while generations of Australians have fought hard for meaningful change, future gains are likely to take just as much, if not more, effort.

This year’s illustrations, by contemporary Torres Strait Islander Illustrator Tori-Jay Mordey, captures this perfectly.  The illustrations show some of the different faces of Australians working for a just and equal society. They are a visual reminder that reconciliation is everybody’s business.

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

#BeBraveMakeChange

#NRW2022

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

Reconciliation Australia

Reconciliation NSW

26th May is National Sorry Day/ National Day of Healing

On this day in 1997 the “Bringing Them Home” Report was tabled in Parliament.

One of the many recommendations of this report was that the Prime Minister apologise to the Stolen Generations.  Then current Prime Minister John Howard refused to do so.

On 26 May 1998, the first National Sorry Day was held to remember and acknowledge the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were, and continue to be, impacted and a part of the Stolen Generations.

Each year the annual commemorations are intended to raise awareness among politicians, policy makers, and the wider public about the forcible removal policies and their impact on the children who were taken, their families and their communities.

In 2005, the National Sorry Day Committee renamed the day as the National Day of Healing, with the motion tabled in Parliament by Senator Aden Ridgeway. In his words, “the day will focus on the healing needed throughout Australian society if we are to achieve reconciliation”.

On 13 February 2008 Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made a formal apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly to the Stolen Generations whose lives had been blighted by past government policies of forced child removal and assimilation.

Today, National Sorry Day/ National Day of Healing is a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations survivors and reflect on how all Australians can play a part in the healing for the people and nation.

We extend our respect to the Stolen Generations and acknowledge the strength and resilience of all survivors, their families and their communities.

There is still much work to be done.

#NationalSorryDay

#SorryDay

#NationalDayOfHealing 

Join us in recognising National Volunteer Week

The theme this year is ‘Better Together’.   Like all organisations that have volunteers, Illawarra Legal Centre can reach more people and provide more services because of the work our volunteers do.  We are, Better Together.

Thank you to our volunteer Management Committee Members, volunteer Solicitors, volunteer Students and all our Centre volunteers.

We are grateful for your hard work, dedication and ongoing commitment, even in the most challenging of times.  We appreciate you, Thank you.

Contact us if you’re keen to volunteer and to learn more about opportunities with ILC.

Happy National Volunteer Week!

#NVW2022

#BetterTogether

Law Week is an annual celebration that is all about creating greater access to justice.

For most people, their first encounter with the law can be a difficult and stressful time.  The law affects each of our daily lives, which is why Law Week is about demystifying the law and empowering people.  It is designed to help people understand their rights, find answers to their questions, know what help is available and how our legal system works.

Law Week is all about making learning about the law easy, and making it easier for people to navigate – it’s for you.

We are big fans of Law Week and as always, Illawarra Legal Centre will be hosting a number of events that are designed to help you find answers to your legal questions and understand your rights – something we are very passionate about.

Check out our FB page and website for the details of these events and if you are in need of FREE legal advice now, call our office on 4276 1939 to book an appointment.

#LawWeek2022

#YHMD

Wednesday 20 April 2022 is Youth Homelessness Matters Day.  On this day we aim to raise awareness about youth homelessness so that we can support the needs and dreams of homeless young people.

Like many, Illawarra Legal Centre believes that every young Australian deserves a safe place to call home.

In the 2016 Australian census, there were 28,000 homeless 12 to 24 year olds.  Last year, 41,700 young people asked for help from homelessness services and these numbers are only for those that asked for help, the true number of homeless young people is much higher.

Homelessness is not a choice for young people.  Not remaining at home is sometimes seen as the safest option for a young person. Since young people are more likely to couch surf than sleep rough, this issue is often hidden from sight, but a couch is not a home.   You do not have to be considered ‘disengaged or disadvantaged’ to be at risk of homelessness.  It can happen to anyone.

Let’s join together and call for a nation where every young person has a safe place – not just a couch – to call home.

Today raise your voices and ask the government to act now to build houses that young people can afford to rent.

#YHMD2022

#YouthHomelessnessMattersDay

#EverybodysHome

Did you know that in Australia, children as young as 10 years old are being sent to prison?

This Youth Week (4-14^th April) the Illawarra Legal Centre would like to raise awareness of the Raise the Age campaign.

In just one year across Australia close to 600 children aged 10 to 13 years were locked up and thousands more were hauled through the criminal legal system.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are disproportionately impacted by these laws and pushed into prison cells at even higher rates, accounting for 65 per cent of these younger children in prisons.

There has been a chorus of calls both nationally and internationally from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, expert United Nations bodies, human rights organisations, medical and legal bodies, and academics for Australia to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility.

Children need to be loved and supported so they can reach their full potential. Not locked up.

You can help to #RaiseTheAge by visiting the website below and signing the petition, sharing a photo of you at 10 and emailing your Local MP.

https://www.raisetheage.org.au/

#RaiseTheAge

#YouthWeek2022

#HarmonyWeek

Harmony Week is an opportunity for Australians to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and identity of our country. It is about inclusiveness, respect, and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background.

From the oldest continuous culture in the world of our First Nations people to the cultures of our newest arrivals from many countries around the world, Australia is a vibrant, multicultural land.  This week reminds us that we should celebrate this and work together to promote the message of harmony

Harmony Week includes 21 March, which is the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This is traditionally called Harmony Day and the world observes this date as the day freedom from racial discrimination should be acknowledged and maintained as a human right.

At Illawarra Legal Centre, we are committed to fostering an environment where “everyone belongs”.  We strive to assist people to realise their legal rights, promoting social justice for all and providing a safe and inclusive environment.

We continue to actively protect the human rights of those who are vulnerable and seek to change the structures that systematically undermine those rights.

The designated colour for Harmony Week is orange.  Orange signifies social communication and meaningful conversations. It also relates to the freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect.

So, this Harmony Week, 15th – 21st March, wear something orange to help promote the message of harmony.

#HarmonyWeek

To find out more visit: 

https://www.harmony.gov.au/about

https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-racism-day

International Women’s Day (IWD) 2022

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past and present.

As well as celebrating brilliant women, IWD is also used as a day to highlight and raise awareness about issues that women still face.  Because we’re not there yet.

More than 100 years ago, that first march was about ending harmful workplace conditions, equal rights, equal pay, and an end to exploitation. Sadly, those aims are still relevant today.  Around the world, women are prevented from reaching their full potential, as basic rights like health and education are still not recognised.

IWD is a once-a-year chance to remind governments, businesses and everyone else watching that women aren’t going anywhere, and we’re prepared to take action to achieve our human rights.

This year the IWD 2022’s campaign theme is #BreakTheBias.  The campaign asks you to cross your arms in solidarity to call out gender bias, discrimination and stereotyping.

Here staff at ILC strike the IWD 2022 pose and share our #BreakTheBias image.

Happy International Women’s Day!

#BreakTheBias           

#IWD2022

To find out more visit: 

https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

https://unwomen.org.au/get-involved/international-womens-day/