National Volunteer Week – Connecting Communities

More than six million people in Australia volunteer through organisations across the nation. Millions more volunteer informally in their local communities, helping neighbours and strangers, especially in times of crisis and adversity.

Volunteers are an essential workforce, spanning major sectors, including aged and disability care; sports, the arts; crisis response and recovery; and legal (community legal centres like the Illawarra Legal Centre).

So, join us this National Volunteer Week as we celebrate how giving to others fosters community engagement, connection and belonging in our communities.

This National Volunteer Week we honour the remarkable contributions volunteers make at the Illawarra Legal Centre and extend our heartfelt thanks.  We witness firsthand 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 other 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!

#NVW2025

#ConnectingCommunities

#volunteers

#volunteering

Law Week NSW is back!

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

NSW Law Week is program of community events and activities that are designed to help you understand your rights, the law, the legal system and the legal profession. Law Week is all about demystifying the law and empowering people – something we are very passionate about.

The law affects each of our daily lives. That effect can be in your home, work, relationships, where you are or what you buy. Sometimes it is easy to deal with, or it can be difficult. We all need information about our legal rights and responsibilities. Many problems in our lives have legal answers. Understanding whether your problem has a legal aspect could help you resolve it.

Join us from 19 to 25 May 2025 for a series of events, webinars and activities to help
you understand your rights, the law and the legal system. Find out what’s on at lawweeknsw.org.au

If you are in need of FREE legal advice now, call our office on 4276 1939 to book an appointment.

#LawWeek2025

#LawWeek

Equal Rights. Equal Opportunities. Equal Power.

International Women’s Day (IWD), observed annually on March 8th, is a global call to action for women and girls worldwide. It’s a day to rise, demand change, and work towards a more equal world for everyone.

IWD is an opportunity to address the challenges women continue to face, such as gender inequality, violence, and abuse. It also serves as a day to celebrate and recognize the economic, political, and social achievements of women past and present.

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:

• ‘For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment. – UN Women
• ‘Accelerate Action’. – International Women’s Day website

IWD serves as a reminder to governments, businesses, and communities that women will not be overlooked. We are here, and we are ready 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.

Although significant barriers to gender equality remain, with the right actions and support, we can create positive change. By breaking down obstacles and fostering diversity, we can build a more equitable and inclusive society for generations to come.

So, on this day, we ask you to:

Take action to drive gender parity.

Celebrate women’s achievements.

Raise awareness about discrimination.

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!

#ForAllWomenAndGirls

#AccelerateAction

#IWD2025

To find out more visit: 

https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

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

Over the last 8 months, our First Nations Social Work Cadet Emma has been gaining incredible hands-on experience, working alongside Ji, our identified solicitor. 

Working closely alongside Ji, Emma has been learning how a social worker can work alongside solicitors in the legal sector to ultimately provide strong holistic support for clients. Emma has highlighted how beneficial it has been to be a part of this program from a social work perspective as law underpins many social work core principles. Being in the law sector also allows social workers to provide a more holistic view towards clients. 

Together, Ji and Emma have made a real impact by:

• Supporting community outreaches at the Illawarra Aboriginal Medical Service, Illawarra Women’s Health Centre and Aunty Jean’s Chronic Care Group.
• Actively participating in the Illawarra Aboriginal Community-Based Working Group and attending their annual Reconciliation Lunch.
• Providing compassionate, holistic legal support to clients and connecting them to additional services.
• Observing District, Supreme, and Coroners Court proceedings to deepen her understanding of the justice system.

Emma has had particular interest in the outreaches that ILC does with the community and has learnt the importance of rapport-building in the community and working with client in a space that they are familiar with and feel safe in. The experience has also enabled Emma to network with other community workers and services, experience the ups and downs of the legal practice and ultimately how to ensure the best outcome for the clients we work with.

Emma’s and Ji’s dedication to Indigenous social justice and their community is inspiring and we’re so proud to have had the opportunity to be on this journey, helping Emma to build the skills to make a lasting difference in the community legal sector.ecuring a home.

Ji – Aboriginal Access and Community Engagement Solicitor (left) and Emma – First Nations Cadet (right)

#CLCNSWFirstNationsCadet #FirstNationsCadetshipProgram #FirstNationsCadetship

Landlords, agents, and third party companies will no longer be allowed to charge prospective renters for background checks when applying for a rental property.

This measure aims to address a recent trend of rental application platforms asking renters to pay a fee for a background check to improve their chances of securing a home.

For more, see Tenants’ Union of NSW updated Factsheet 2: Starting a tenancy.

From 31 October 2024, the landlord cannot increase your rent more than once in any 12 month period. The new rules apply to all rent increases that come into effect after 31 October 2024, even if you received notice before this date.

Importantly, these new rules apply to all residential tenancy agreements – including new and existing fixed-term and periodic (ongoing) agreements. The new laws also apply to any new residential tenancy agreement for the same premises (including renewal), as long as the landlord and at least one tenant remains the same.

The rent increases must also come with proper notice, and can still be challenged if it is “excessive”.

For more detail see the Tenants’ Union of NSW updated Factsheet 4: Rent increases