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After the navigation of 2020, “the year like no other”, shifting our service delivery models, and adapting the way in which we supported our clients and communities, we emerged in 2021 feeling that we had overcome these challenges and could move forward in continuing to provide the much-needed services we deliver.
More needs to be done to tackle poverty in Australia. Illawarra Legal Centre supports Anti-Poverty Week’s (APW’s) call to raise income support above the poverty line and invest in social housing.
“Solving the housing crisis and lifting income support will alleviate crushing poverty” – APW
Anti-Poverty Week this year is held 17th – 23rd October.
As a community legal centre, Illawarra Legal Centre, assists some of the most disadvantaged people in our community and our tenancy and welfare rights services know all too well how poverty affects the people of the Illawarra.
The COVID supplement for social security recipients has been cancelled. While the Government has increased the basic rate of job seeker payment by $25 per week, this increase still leaves social security recipients well below the poverty line.
“A single person dependent on social security payments cannot afford to live in private rental accommodation. Their only choices are share accommodation or social housing which is insufficient to meet the demand. Many are compelled to sleep in temporary accommodation or their car. While the rate of taxation paid by high income earners has been reduced, the financial hardship of those dependant on the social security safety net has increased.” said Ian Turton, Welfare Rights Solicitor at Illawarra Legal Centre.
The Illawarra Legal Centre provides a welfare rights service which assists and represents people who are experiencing difficulty in their dealings with Centrelink. Our tenancy service assists people experiencing issues with their tenancy. If you are having problems contact us.
Welfare Rights: 4276 1939
Tenancy: 1800 807 225
To find out more visit:
Anti-Poverty Week #APW21
Raise the Rate for Good campaign #RaiseTheRateForGood
Everybody’s Home campaign #BuildSocialHousing
During this week, NAIDOC celebrations are held across Australia to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This years NAIDOC theme is – Heal Country!
Heal Country! – calls for stronger measures to recognise, protect, and maintain all aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage.
This year ILC is unable to participate in events, as large parts of the NSW are currently in lockdown.
Our Aboriginal Legal Access Worker, Levenia, is still available to take your calls on 4276 1939
You can also still celebrate NAIDOC Week by participating in online events. To find out what is available visit: https://www.naidoc.org.au/get-involved/naidoc-week-events
These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey; the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively. The goal of the reconciliation movement is for a just, equitable and reconciled country.
NRW is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
This year’s NRW theme is #MoreThanAWord
It reminds us to always work towards more impactful action and that we all play an important role in shaping Australia’s journey towards a just, equitable and reconciled nation.
Illawarra Legal Centre (ILC) received 2 Awards at Legal Aid NSW Children’s Court Assistance Scheme (CCAS) 25th Anniversary Celebration . The Awards were announced on Wednesday 9th December at NSW Parliament House.
ILC was recognised for its successful Children’s Court Assistance Scheme (CCAS) service and ILC worker Levenia received an award for her contribution to CCAS through her work with Aboriginal youth and the setting up of the “Heads Up” program.
