The Illawarra Legal Centre Inc. opened its doors in Warrawong, south of Wollongong, in 1985 as a direct result of community action and support.
The Centre’s sole staff member, a part-time solicitor, was assisted by a local solicitor to develop our inaugural advice roster. This enabled us to provide free legal advice to the local community, and in particular, to those who had little hope of accessing affordable legal help.
The ILC is now one of around 200 independent, non-profit community organisations across Australia, all of whom are members of the National Association of Community Legal Centres. All offer free legal services including referral, advice and assistance to more than 350,000 people each year.
The Centre has grown substantially since 1985 but its primary focus remains on helping those living with disadvantage and marginalisation.
The Illawarra Legal Centre acknowledges that we work on Aboriginal land, traditionally the home of the Dwaral Nation.
Our Mission Statement
The Illawarra Legal Centre assists people to realise their legal rights. We promote social justice for all, with a particular focus on reaching those who experience social and economic disadvantage in the Illawarra and surrounding areas.
The Illawarra Legal Centre’s broad aims are to:
- maintain services relevant to the diverse community of the Illawarra and surrounding areas
- provide advice, advocacy and/or referral on a full range of legal matters to the Illawarra and surrounding areas
- undertake policy analysis, review existing laws and to lobby in relation to law reform and legal processes which affect the rights of those in our community
- develop and implement community legal education programs which are both proactive, as well as responsive to community needs
Annual Report 2010 - 2011
The ILC gratefully acknowledges the assistance of all our volunteers and pro bono solicitors.
The ILC receives funding from:
- Australian Government Attorney-General's Department
- Department of Justice and Attorney General NSW
- Fair Trading NSW
- Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
- Public Purpose Fund
