For forty years, a vital community organisation in the Illawarra has stood as a beacon of hope, ensuring that financial hardship does not bar anyone from accessing legal support. The Illawarra Legal Centre, a not-for-profit dedicated to social justice, celebrated a significant milestone in 2025, marking four decades of operation driven by the dedication of countless volunteers.
A Lifeline Born from Community Need
The journey to establish the centre began in the early 1980s, born from a clear gap in services. After years of persistent advocacy and groundwork, it finally opened its doors in 1985. Founding member and solicitor Michael McGrath recalls the pressing need that sparked its creation.
"If you were without means in the Illawarra, it was really difficult to access legal services, other than for matters like crime or family law," Mr McGrath explained. He highlighted that everyday issues with landlords, government departments, or financial stress from credit cards and banks left many with nowhere to turn for guidance on their rights or options.
From Humble Beginnings to a Holistic Hub
What started with just one lawyer and a single support worker has blossomed into a robust service. Today, the centre employs almost 20 staff members and is supported by 39 volunteers, including 24 qualified solicitors. Over its history, hundreds of volunteers have contributed, with some dedicating 20, 30, or even 40 years of their time.
"For decades, they have freely given their time, skills and compassion to make sure people in our community have access to justice," said the centre's coordinator, Louise Farroway.
One such volunteer is James Isabella, who began with the centre as a newly admitted solicitor at its inception. He has served on its management committee and remains on the volunteer roster, offering advice during Thursday evening sessions.
"You don't know what you're going to get on a Thursday night," Mr Isabella remarked, noting the wide range of cases from injury compensation and neighbour disputes to deceased estates and Centrelink issues.
Providing a Path Forward in Times of Stress
Ms Farroway emphasised that clients often face multiple, interconnected challenges. In response, the centre has evolved into a multidisciplinary service, providing holistic support in one place from professionals who understand complex circumstances.
For individuals who cannot afford private legal fees, a visit to the centre can be transformative. Mr Isabella observed that it offers them a clear way forward, alleviating significant stress for those who feel lost and unsure where to turn.
Reflecting on the centre's enduring legacy, Michael McGrath framed access to justice as a fundamental resource in a modern, wealthy nation like Australia, akin to health, education, and housing.
James Isabella summarised the centre's impact simply: "Forty years and it still exists - obviously it's very important and very vital for the community." The Illawarra Legal Centre's story is one of sustained community commitment, proving that justice should not be a privilege reserved for the few, but a right accessible to all.
