newy.com.au – Hunter Community Legal Centre has secured more than $2.5 million in government funding to expand free legal help across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Upper Hunter.
The centre will receive $2,578,096 over four years through the NSW and federal governments’ National Access to Justice Partnership, giving it funding certainty through to 2030.
The money will support additional outreach in regional courts and communities, earlier legal intervention and services that combine legal advice with social work and migration assistance. The centre says distance, cost and limited local services can prevent people in parts of the Hunter from obtaining timely help.
Managing solicitor and chief executive Toobah Choudhari said the funding would allow the centre to reach more people outside Newcastle.
“This funding recognises the clear and growing need for accessible legal assistance across the Hunter,” Ms Choudhari said.
“It will help us take free legal services directly into regional courts and communities, including Lake Macquarie and the Upper Hunter, where distance, cost and limited local services can prevent people from obtaining timely help.”
The centre provides free legal advice and assistance to vulnerable and disadvantaged people, including those experiencing domestic and family violence, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and people facing financial or social disadvantage.
Ms Choudhari said combining legal assistance with other support could help prevent problems escalating into homelessness, job or driver licence loss, family breakdown and lengthy court involvement.
Hunter Community Legal Centre was among 12 community legal centres to receive increased funding through a competitive tender. Its application pointed to the Hunter’s growing population and a corresponding rise in demand for legal services.
The centre has operated in the region for 35 years, providing family violence and court-based advocacy as well as other legal assistance.
Newcastle state MP Tim Crakanthorp said community legal centres made advice more affordable and accessible for people who might otherwise struggle to navigate the legal system.
“This is a much-needed investment to protect and support our most vulnerable Novocastrians who deserve to live with dignity and have access to appropriate legal advice and representation,” he said.
Federal Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon said the four-year allocation would give the centre greater capacity to meet increasing demand.
“As our region continues to grow, so too does the demand for these vital services,” she said. “This funding will help ensure people can access the legal support they need when they need it.”
