In 1993 a group of passionate individuals united under a brave vision: to create a community legal center that would make a difference in the Northern Rivers region. Fuelled by their determination to bring about positive change and offer vital legal services to the community, their collective efforts gave birth to the esteemed Northern Rivers Community Legal Centre (NRCLC).
Today, the NRCLC stands as a pillar of support, with its dedicated staff providing educational sessions on a diverse range of legal matters. From disaster recovery to family law and divorce, traffic offences to victim services, and assistance with small civil claims like debt recovery and credit issues, the centre is an invaluable resource for the community.
For those seeking their assistance, visiting times are held at the Fletcher Street Cottage on the last Tuesday of every month, starting at 8:30 am.
The Journey to Advocacy
The journey began with an unfunded free legal service named the Lismore and District Legal Centre, operating under the auspices of the Lismore Neighbourhood Centre in 1995. A year later, in 1996, NRCLC received its first funding grant, commencing operations with the support of staff and students from Southern Cross University and dedicated volunteers from the legal and general community.
Today, NRCLC stands tall as one of the 39 Community Legal Centres (CLCs) in NSW and is accredited by the National Association of Community Legal Centres (NACLC). The NACLC Accreditation Scheme recognises and supports the delivery of high-quality services by community legal centres across the country.
Providing Crucial Legal Services
NRCLC is committed to ensuring access to justice for individuals throughout the Northern Rivers region. With its central office in Lismore and an outreach office in Murwillumbah, NRCLC serves various communities, working tirelessly to link people with specialist services in the area.
The services provided by NRCLC encompass a wide range of legal issues, including:
- Legal Education: The NRCLC staff offer legal education sessions to community workers, clients and general community members, empowering them with knowledge about their rights and the services available to them.
- Tenancy Help: The Tenants’ Advice and Advocacy Service provides free, independent information, advice, advocacy and referrals to tenants in the Northern Rivers, helping them navigate the complexities of rental agreements and housing disputes.
- Domestic and Family Violence Support: The Women’s Domestic Violence and Court Advocacy Service offers crucial support to women and children experiencing domestic violence, guiding them through legal processes and providing a safe haven.
- Disaster Response and Recovery: In times of calamity, such as floods, NRCLC steps up to provide free, high-quality legal and social support to those displaced and in need of assistance.
A Lead Social Justice Organisation
NRCLC's impact goes beyond just legal services. They work tirelessly as a lead social justice organisation, advocating for those who are socially or economically disadvantaged, ensuring that no-one's inability to navigate the legal system exacerbates their disadvantage.
NRCLC's commitment to cultural competency is evident through its progressive partnerships and relationships with the local community, making them better equipped to serve diverse populations effectively.
Numbers That Speak Volumes
Over the period from July 2021 to June 2022, the NRCLC Legal Team demonstrated its dedication, providing a total of 1,062 pieces of advice. Among them, 202 were related to family law, 100 to criminal law (general), and approximately 760 to civil law issues. The Legal Team completed 1,231 referrals and assisted clients with 307 discrete legal tasks.
The impact of NRCLC extends to various areas of civil law, as showcased by the number of legal advices in significant areas:
- Child Protection: 8
- Consumer Issues: 99
- Credit and Debit: 74
- Discrimination: 11
- Domestic Violence Protection Orders: 36
- Employment: 84
- Housing Issues: 70
- Other Civil Law Matters: 292
- Victim Services: 95
Guided by a Vision
NRCLC's success can be attributed to a well-defined vision and a strong commitment to community development. NRCLC's guiding documents, such as the Community Development Framework and Theory of Change, lay the groundwork for their advocacy efforts across all service areas. From supporting victims of domestic violence to providing tenancy advice, the NRCLC's work reflects a profound dedication to empowering the community and striving for a fair and just society.
From its humble beginnings to the formidable force it is today, NRCLC has transformed a courageous vision into a tangible reality. With an unwavering commitment to delivering vital legal services and championing social justice, NRCLC continues to be a source of empowerment and hope for communities in need. Embracing change and fuelled by an unwavering passion for making a difference, NRCLC remains at the forefront of supporting the Northern Rivers region and its people.
In early 2022, a historic flood wreaked havoc on Lismore, presenting an unprecedented challenge for the community. Despite bearing the brunt of the disaster with the loss of both offices, the Northern Rivers Community Legal Centre emerged as a steadfast frontline responder during the climate catastrophe. Their pivotal role in aiding the local community's recovery in the aftermath of the devastating 2022 floods showcased their resilience and dedication.
In the face of adversity, the Northern Rivers Community Legal Centre hit the ground running, offering free legal and social support to those displaced by the floods at evacuation centres and later at Disaster Recovery Centres. Their unwavering commitment to serving the community during these trying times was truly commendable.
The heartwarming documentary, "Living Under Threat," produced by Community Legal Centres NSW, captures the story of the Northern Rivers Community Legal Centre and its invaluable role in preparing for and responding to the catastrophic floods. Through this documentary, we can witness firsthand the incredible impact this organisation has had, even in the face of disaster.
As NRCLC remains resolute in its mission, providing essential services and hope to the Northern Rivers region, their legacy of dedication and compassion will undoubtedly continue to showcase support for years to come.
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