Illawarra Legal Centre Celebrates 40 Years

40 Years of Justice & Community

Illawarra Legal Centre (ILC) is proud to mark 40 years of service to the Illawarra and South Coast community, celebrating four decades of providing free legal services, advocacy, and support to people facing social and economic disadvantage.

Founded in 1985 after years of determined campaigning by local community activists, ILC began with little more than a bare lino floor and a big commitment to justice. From those humble beginnings, the service has grown into one of the region’s most trusted voices for fairness, human rights, and community empowerment.

Over the past four decades, Illawarra Legal Centre has assisted tens of thousands of people through programs spanning General Legal, Welfare Rights, Tenants Service, Financial Counselling, Child Support, Children’s Court Assistance, Aboriginal Legal Access Program, Community Legal Education, and Law Reform.

ILC Chairperson Michael McGrath said the milestone reflects the centre’s longstanding commitment to reducing barriers to justice.

“For forty years, Illawarra Legal Centre has stood beside people who would otherwise have nowhere to turn. We work with people facing discrimination, unfair debts, family breakdown, homelessness, family violence, financial hardship and many other challenges. Our goal has always been simple — to help people realise their rights and ensure that justice is not just for those who can afford it.”

ILC Coordinator Louise Farroway highlighted the power of the organisation’s integrated approach.
“Our clients rarely have just one issue. Many people have a range of complex and intersecting issues. Someone seeking help with a tenancy problem may also be managing Centrelink disputes, financial stress, or family issues. We’ve built a multidisciplinary service so people can get meaningful, holistic support in one place, from people who understand their circumstances.”

The 40-year celebration will place a key focus on honouring the hundreds of volunteers who have bolstered the Centre from its inception. This esteemed group encompasses a wide range of roles, from volunteer solicitors and law students to community advocates and board members. Their commitment spans decades, with many having volunteered for over 20, 30, or even the full 40 years of the Centre’s history.

“Our volunteers are the heart of our organisation,” Ms Farroway said. “We rely on them. For decades, they have freely given their time, skills, and compassion to make sure people in our community have access to justice. Their support is essential to our service and community.

“From bold campaigns challenging unfair government decisions, to supporting young people at the Children’s Court, to working alongside people facing disadvantage and discrimination, ILC’s commitment has never wavered.”

“Across four decades, what has remained constant is our belief that everyone deserves fairness,” Ms Farroway said. “This celebration is not only about looking back — it’s about renewing our commitment to justice for the next 40 years.”