Celebrate National Volunteer Week with us.

Celebrate National Volunteer Week with us as we honour the remarkable contributions volunteers make and extend our heartfelt thanks. Though often unnoticed, their impact reverberates through the communities they serve, enriching our society economically, socially, and culturally.

Under the theme ‘Something for Everyone‘, this week recognises the vital support that millions of volunteers offer nationwide, while also inspiring others to consider joining the ranks of volunteers. At Illawarra Legal Centre (ILC), we witness first hand the transformative power of volunteerism, as individuals generously give their time to a cause they believe in.

So, a resounding “Thank You!” to our outstanding volunteers—whether they serve on our Board, provide legal expertise, assist as students, or lend their support in various capacities. Your contributions enable ILC to expand its reach and enhance its services, touching the lives of more people.

We deeply appreciate your unwavering dedication and commitment!

If you’re interested in volunteering or wish to explore opportunities with ILC, please reach out to us.

Wishing everyone a Happy National Volunteer Week!

#NVW2024

#SomethingForEveryone

#volunteers

#volunteering

Law Week – A week to learn more about the law

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

Legal services across NSW will be putting on a series of information sessions, 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 demystifying the law and empowering people.

The law affects each of our daily lives and we all need information about our legal rights and responsibilities. Many problems in our lives can have legal answers and understanding whether your problem has a legal aspect could help you resolve it.

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 Facebook page 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.

#LawWeek2024

International Women’s Day (IWD) 2024

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day to raise the awareness about the issues that women still face today, such as gender inequality, violence, and abuse.

On this day we also celebrate! We celebrate and recognise the economic, political, and social achievements of women past and present.

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. 

While important progress has been made, women face significant obstacles to achieving equal participation in the economy.  Women’s economic empowerment is central to a gender equal world. When women are given equal opportunities to earn, learn and lead – entire communities thrive.

Two important messages being shared this year are:

‘Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress’.  – UN Women

‘Inspire Inclusion’. – International Women’s Day website

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

When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world.  And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.

By working together to break down barriers and foster diversity, we can build a more equitable and inclusive society for generations to come.

So, on this day we ask you to;

Celebrate women’s achievement.

Raise awareness about discrimination

Take action to drive gender parity.

#CountHerIn

#InspireInclusion

Illawarra Legal Centre (ILC) provides free legal advice and services, so if you or anyone you know is being impacted by gender discrimination, violence or abuse, contact us on 4276 1939.

Happy International Women’s Day!

#IWD2024

To find out more visit: 

https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

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

“Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All”

On 10 December 2023, the world commemorates the 75th anniversary of 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 other status.

Human rights violations have far-reaching consequences across borders and generations.  Over the past 75 years since the UDHR’s proclamation, significant strides have been made in advancing human rights.  However, progress does not mean the fight for rights and equality ever ends.

The theme for this year is “Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All”.

As the world faces challenges new and ongoing; pandemics, conflicts, inequalities, racism, climate change, the values, and rights enshrined in the UDHR provide guideposts for our collective actions that do not leave anyone behind.

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, gender equity, homelessness, poverty and justice for all.

We need to stand up for our rights and those of others.  We all have a role to play.

To find out more visit:

https://www.un.org/en/observances/human-rights-day

#HumanRightsDay

#IDPwD

International Day of People with Disability is held on 3 December each year.

It is a day to raise community awareness, understanding, and acceptance of the 4.4 million people with disability in Australia.

Be part of creating an inclusive and diverse community.

Learn more at www.idpwd.com.au

#IDPwD #IDPwD2023

For Our Elders

Celebrated every July, NAIDOC week is an opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history and heritage.

2023’s NAIDOC Week theme is ‘For Our Elders’. 

This year’s theme is about honouring, celebrating and paying respect to Elders; for their wisdom, knowledge, resilience and unwavering strength.  They are the cultural knowledge holders, trailblazers, nurturers, teachers, survivors, leaders, advocates and activists.  They are the custodians of their culture and have paved the way for future generations.

You can support NAIDOC Week and get to know your local Aboriginal and/or 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 3/7/22 11am-2pm – Shellharbour City Council NAIDOC Event at Shellharbour Civic Centre

Tuesday 4/7/22 10am-1pm – NAIDOC Family Fun Day at Darcy Wentworth Park Warrawong

Thursday 6/7/22 10am-2pm – CareWays NAIDOC Event at Koonawarra Community Centre

#NAIDOC2023

#ForOurElders

#NAIDOCWeek

#NAIDOC

Celebrate NAIDOC week with us!

June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Elder abuse is the mistreatment of an older person that is committed by someone with whom the older person has a relationship of trust; such as a partner, family member, friend or carer.  Elder abuse can take various forms, including: physical, social, financial, psychological (emotional) and sexual abuse, or neglect.

No older person should be subjected to any form of abuse.  Older people have the right to choose how they want to spend their money, when they can see their family, and where they want to live.

In Australia, the incidence of abuse towards older people is predicted to increase as the 65 and over age group is expected to more than double, from 3.8 million to 8.8 million in the next 25 years.

Illawarra Legal Centre is committed to safeguarding the rights, dignity and independence of older Australians.  If you need legal help, call us on 4276 1939. The staff at ILC can provide you with free legal advice.

This day, and every day, we must remind ourselves that older people are valued members of our community.

#WEAAD

#WEAAD2023