Firm’s equal pathway to justice chalks up 30 years

A Bunbury business has celebrated 30 years of providing equal access to justice for vulnerable people in the community.

South West Community Legal Centre started in 1988 when a group of local practitioners and legal aid lawyers saw a need for more legal support in the region.

In its first year of operating it helped 250 clients. Last year the company helped 1163 clients.

The business services people in financial crisis or experiencing family and domestic violence who cannot access the funds for legal advice.

Managing principal solicitor Eleanor Yates has been with the company for six of its 30 years and said without their services many in the community would go without help and representation in court.

“Unfortunately, both our centre and the local legal aid office are so busy that many times people can access these services so they go without,” Ms Yates said.

“It’s really important to ensure equal access to justice, without this our rule of law really doesn’t work.

“We’re here to help the most disadvantaged people.”