New community program improves access to legal services
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The City of Fremantle is launching a new community program to improve access to legal assistance for local residents.
Legal Series, headed by the Fremantle Community Legal Centre, will offer initial legal information to members of the community though bi-monthly, drop-in sessions at Fremantle Library and The Meeting Place.
City of Fremantle Director of Community Development Michelle Brennand said the free information sessions would educate people about their legal rights, responsibilities and where to get further help.
“Over the next five months, solicitors and advocates from the Fremantle Community Legal Centre will cover topics on Centrelink, family law, tenancy rights, financial support and other legal issues,” Ms Brennand said.
“The aim of the program is to offer a valuable service to the people of Fremantle, as well as empower and support those who are financially disadvantaged, scared or unsure about the first steps in accessing legal services.”
Legal Series will be held twice a month, at Fremantle Library and The Meeting Place, and kicks off next week. No bookings are required to protect the privacy of people attending; they can simply drop-in to their preferred session.
The City of Fremantle funds and manages the Fremantle Community Legal Centre, which provides legal and non-legal services including general tenancy advocacy, family law and family domestic violence to low income members of the community.
For more information about the Fremantle Community Legal Centre, visit fremantle.wa.gov.au/fclc
LEGAL SERIES INFORMATION SESSIONS
Financial support
Fremantle Library 2pm, 16 February & The Meeting Place 10am, 17 June
Come along to this session to hear about the financial support options available to you in times of struggle.
Tenancy rights
Fremantle Library 2pm, 23 March & The Meeting Place 10am, 20 May
Not sure what your rights are as a property tenant? Hear from a Tenancy Advocate all about what your landlord can and can’t do with your rental agreements.
Centrelink
The Meeting Place 10am, 18 February & Fremantle Library 2pm, 20 April
Get the lowdown on all things Centrelink with Antonio, our Centrelink guru. Learn some tips and tricks to dealing with the rejection and appeals processes.
Legal issues for boomers and beyond
The Meeting Place 10am, 25 March & Fremantle Library 2pm, 18 May
Learn to navigate the multiple legal issues facing boomers and seniors at this session with the Principal Solicitor from the Fremantle Community Legal Centre.
Family law
The Meeting Place 10am, 22 April & Fremantle Library 2pm, 15 June
Get current and expert legal information on various aspects of family law, including parenting, financial, property and divorce.
For more information, visit fremantle.wa.gov.au/legalseries
Image: Fremantle Community Legal Centre Principal Solicitor Judy McLean, the City’s Lifelong Learning Coordinator Steve McQuade, Legal Assistant Laura Sirolli and the City’s Community Connections and Learning Team Leader Jayne Cleave look forward to launching Legal Series to the community.