2017

Thursday 19 October 2017 Strangers’ Dining Room Parliament House Macquarie Street, A message from the Chair

Welcome to the 2017 Justice Awards in the 50th anniversary year of the Law and Justice Foundation of . The Justice Awards is an important event because it provides a public forum to acknowledge the extraordinary work done by people and organisations across the state to improve access to justice for the community. The Justice Awards form only a small part of the work of the Foundation. Over the last five decades, the Foundation has made a vital contribution to shaping the legal landscape in NSW and beyond. From assisting in the establishment of the College of Law and AustLII through to creating the Public Interest Advocacy Centre and the Legal Information Access Centre, the Foundation has been at the forefront of improving access to justice. Our research identifying legal needs and what strategies work to address those needs, including the landmark LAW Survey, inform policy and practice across the sector. The Foundation’s strategic research capabilities and the innovation facilitated through our grants and other work consistently demonstrates the value of an independent, statutory organisation such as the Foundation. Investment in the Foundation’s work builds an evidence base to support present and future justice system reform and effective legal assistance service delivery. But tonight is the Justice Awards! I would like to acknowledge and thank our sponsors who have supported our 50th anniversary events including tonight’s Justice Awards. Finally, may I sincerely congratulate all of our nominees this year and wish you a wonderful evening.

The Hon. Paul Stein AM QC Chair, Board of Governors Law and Justice Foundation of New South Wales 5 5 YEARS YEARS

Smaller ‘man’ logo - Square shape Larger ‘man’ logo - Square shape w/ dark orange line w/ lighter orange line

5 5 YEARS YEARS

Smaller ‘man’ logo - Rectangle shape Larger ‘man’ logo - Rectangle shape w/ dark orange line w/ lighter orange line Welcome to the 2017 Justice Awards

The Law and Justice Foundation’s annual Justice Awards recognise the contributions of individuals and organisations to improving access to justice in NSW, particularly for socially and economically disadvantaged people. The Awards presentation is a unique opportunity for the Foundation to highlight the achievements of so many, and for our guests to celebrate and congratulate them.

Program for the evening 6.30pm Welcome Welcome to Country by Aunty Norma Ingram Entrée Presentation of the LIAC Centre of Excellence Award Presentation of the Community Legal Centres NSW Award Presentation of the Law Society President’s Award Presentation of the Law and Justice Volunteer Award 7.45pm Dinner

8.15pm 2017 Law and Justice Address by Sir Anthony Mason AC KBE GBM Dessert 9pm Presentation of the Pro Bono Partnership Award Presentation of the Aboriginal Justice Award Presentation of the Justice Medal 10.15pm Closing remarks

1 Your host this evening The Hon. Paul Stein AM QC Chair, Board of Governors, Law and Justice Foundation of NSW The Hon. Paul Stein has been the chair of the Law and Justice Foundation of New South Wales since 2005. He became a judge in 1983 and was appointed to the Land and Environment Court in 1985. In 1997, he was appointed to the Court of Appeal where he remained until his retirement in 2004. Paul has undertaken a number of reports and reviews for the NSW government and is the former chair of the board of the Environmental Protection Authority. He has chaired numerous committees and associations, in particular the Council of the Community Justice Centres and the National Consumer Affairs Advisory Council. He has written extensively on , administrative law and consumer law, as well as on human rights and discrimination.

The 2017 Law and Justice Address Sir Anthony Mason AC KBE GBM The Hon. Sir Anthony Mason AC KBE GBM was a Justice of the High Court of from 1972 to 1987 and Chief Justice from 1987 to 1995. He was Commonwealth Solicitor General from 1964 to 1969 and a Judge of the NSW Court of Appeal from 1969 to 1972. He has been Chancellor of UNSW, National Fellow at the Research School of Social Sciences at the ANU, a Judge of the Supreme Court of and President of the Solomon Islands Court of Appeal. In 1996-1997 he was Arthur Goodhart Professor in Legal Science at Cambridge University. Since 2001 he has been a Distinguished Visiting Fellow at the ANU College of Law and in 2016 he was appointed as a Distinguished Honorary Professor. Sir Anthony was a non-permanent Judge of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal from 1997 until 2015. In July 2013, the Hong Kong Government awarded Sir Anthony the Grand Bauhinia Medal (GBM), Hong Kong’s highest civil award. Sir Anthony holds honorary doctorates from the Australian National University and Sydney, Melbourne, Monash, Griffith and Deakin universities, UNSW and the universities of Oxford and Hong Kong. Your MC this evening Richard Glover Richard Glover is a radio presenter, journalist and author. He has written more than a dozen books, most recently the bestselling Flesh Wounds. He presents the Drive show on ABC Radio Sydney and writes regularly for the Sydney Morning Herald and the Washington Post. Richard has been shortlisted for the Walkley Awards three times – once for his radio interviews and twice for his newspaper journalism. He has a Bachelor of Arts with first class honours from the and is secretary of the NSW Journalists’ Benevolent Fund.

2 LIAC Centre of Excellence Award

The winners are:

Blacktown City Libraries Campbelltown City Library Blacktown City Libraries delivered Campbelltown City Library collaborated a 12-month program to promote with Macarthur Legal Centre to deliver free legal information to the local the Let’s talk legal program in 2017, community. The program included Law a series of free talks presented by Presented by: Week talks on financial hardship and lawyers from Macarthur Legal Centre wills, the display of brochures, staff for the community. During the Richard Fisher AM training and a new partnership with talks, resources from the Find Legal Chair Blacktown Police Station. Answers Tool Kit are displayed as well Legal Information Access The new partnership with the police as brochures. The program features topics such as elder law, debt, wills and Centre Advisory Board station is an extension of the Library’s existing successful partnership with legal issues for carers for people with the Blacktown Local Court. The Chief disability and mental health problems. Sponsored by: Inspector at Blacktown Police Station Campbelltown City Library provides Legal Information recognised the importance of providing a friendly and relaxed setting, while free legal information at the station to the program highlights the valuable Access Centre, help people to understand the legal resources available online and in the State Library of NSW system or prepare for going to court. library branches via the Find Legal Library staff provide training and Answers service. It also raises awareness The Legal Information Access tours for the police, and Find Legal of the services provided by Macarthur Centre (LIAC) manages the Answers promotional material is on Legal Centre. Find Legal Answers service, display at Blacktown Police Station. which provides free access The promotional material has proved popular with the community and to legal information online, has led to an increase in referrals to in NSW public libraries and the Library. through partnerships. The Find Legal Answers service originated as a joint initiative of the State Library of NSW and the Law and Justice Foundation of New South Wales.

The Centre of Excellence Award recognises innovative and creative projects that increase community awareness of and access to the Find Legal Answers service. legalanswers.sl.nsw.gov.au @statelibrarynsw @legalanswersnsw

3 Community Legal Centres NSW Award

The nominees are:

Elise Briggs ‘Group of 6’ volunteer A longstanding social justice advocate, solicitors: Robert Davidson, Elise Briggs put her hand up to Mick Davies, James Isabella, Presented by: coordinate the Hunter Community Kerry Kyriakoudes, Legal Centre Asylum Seeker Project Michael McGrath, in 2015. She succeeded in bringing Polly Porteous Linda Wright Executive Director together two Newcastle settlement services, the University of Newcastle, the Illawarra Legal Centre (ILC) has Community Legal Refugee Advice and Casework Service conducted a free weekly face-to-face Centres NSW and 20 pro bono lawyers to process the appointment service since the centre visa claims of 40 asylum seekers from opened in 1985. The ‘group of 6’ eight countries who spoke 11 different volunteer solicitors from local law Sponsored by: languages. Elise was also on hand firms have volunteered their time on Community Legal to personally welcome all 40 asylum the centre’s roster, quietly supporting seekers to their appointments, with her ILC for more than 30 years without Centres NSW warmth and compassion putting them any need for recognition. One was at ease as they recounted their stories instrumental in setting up ILC, while The Community Legal of escape from their homeland and others have spent many years on the Centres NSW Award this travel to Australia. management committee. Recruiting year is presented to an volunteers for ‘vol-sol’ rosters in a individual or a group Julie Deane regional area is more difficult than of individuals who, in a Passionate about supporting people in metropolitan areas, making the voluntary capacity in a NSW with disability, people living with commitment of these six solicitors even more extraordinary. community legal centre, has mental illness and women experiencing domestic violence, Julie Deane has been demonstrated outstanding a member of the Macarthur Legal Centre commitment to improving management committee since 1991. access to justice in NSW, Serving as chair from 2008 to 2016, particularly for socially and Julie brought both vision and economically disadvantaged professionalism to her role which people. This may have been saw the centre thrive in a challenging demonstrated in a range of environment. With a strong focus on governance and best practice, her activities over an extended work with the management committee period, or in a single and staff in recent years has turned significant activity. the centre around. Julie has made a significant contribution to access to Community Legal Centres justice in a voluntary capacity during NSW provides secretariat her 18 years at Macarthur Legal Centre. support to NSW community legal centres working for the public interest, particularly for disadvantaged and marginalised people and communities. www.clcnsw.org.au @clcnsw

4 HIV/AIDS Legal Centre Petrina Slaytor volunteers Petrina has been a dedicated volunteer The HIV/AIDS Legal Centre (HALC) at the Welfare Rights Centre for almost volunteers work in partnership with the 10 years and is a strong advocate for staff at the centre to improve access to disadvantaged people. Her experience justice for vulnerable people living with as a social worker means she engages HIV and/or hepatitis. In 2016–17, there with clients as whole people, not as a were 26 volunteers who worked for a mere ‘legal problem’, demonstrating minimum of three days per week for a rare sensitivity and understanding. three months. On any given day, there Over the past decade, Petrina has taken are seven volunteers in the office who instructions for and provided legal may be law students (in the latter information and service referrals to part of their degree), PLT students countless clients, assisted the Welfare or solicitors (usually immediately Rights Centre with administrative work, post-admission seeking experience). assisted with the training of volunteers, The HALC volunteers more than double contributed to social justice campaigns, the capacity of the centre to provide and helped to maintain staff and legal services to clients from diverse volunteer morale with her bright yet cultural and linguistic backgrounds humble demeanour. and the LGBTIQ community. Sue Whitehead Tom Lynch Sue Whitehead has been volunteering In 2015, Tom began volunteering at at the Refugee Advice and Casework the Arts Law Centre of Australia as a Service (RACS) since October 2015. student, quickly building a reputation She performs essential coordination for preparing outstanding legal briefs. work for the Fast Track clinic run by The following year, Tom joined the RACS which has assisted more than fundraising committee, Hearts for 3,000 people with protection visa Arts Law, and was elected as the application lodgements as at June chair. In this role, Tom has produced 2017. Volunteering two days every a number of successful fundraising week, Sue has worked more than events, succeeding in raising the profile 840 hours. Sue has taken statements of Arts Law among artists in NSW from people seeking asylum (under and generating funds for programs supervision) and linked refugees including Artists in the Black, which with community organisations who provides legal advice to Aboriginal provide form filling advice. She has and Torres Strait Islander artists. Tom also assisted vulnerable young people is a solicitor at Kay & Hughes Arts seeking asylum to secure university fee & Entertainment Lawyers and, as a waivers so they can study in Australia. musician himself, is passionate about the creative arts.

5 Law Society President’s Award

The nominees are:

Jyoti (Joy) Jadeja Joanne Sharah Jyoti (Joy) Jadeja was admitted in 2015 Joanne Sharah is the principal of and is a solicitor at Westside Legal in Sharah & Associates in the Sydney Presented by: Pendle Hill, western Sydney. Joy has a inner west. She was admitted in 1990 passion for social justice and provides and joined the Pro Bono Scheme in Pauline Wright her clients high quality legal assistance 2009. Joanne brings expertise in President and representation. She also volunteers family law, wills and estates as well her legal services in the Macarthur as in criminal law and litigation. The Law Society of New region and willingly assists applicants A qualified mediator, Joanne focuses South Wales through the Pro Bono Scheme. Over on helping people achieve speedy, the last 12 months, Joy has accepted efficient and cost-effective resolution referrals for immigration, employment, of their legal issues. Applicants to the Sponsored by: family and criminal law matters. Scheme appreciate Joanne’s approach, The Law Society of especially for those with complex John Capsanis family law matters. New South Wales John Capsanis is the principal of J P Capsanis & Co Lawyers in the Peter Livers The Law Society President’s Sydney CBD. He was admitted in 1974 Peter Livers was admitted in 1974 and Award is presented to and has expertise in administrative, is the principal of Slattery Thompson an individual solicitor for employment and discrimination law. in the St George-Sutherland region. pro bono work through John has supported the Pro Bono Peter offers expertise in AVO and the Law Society Pro Bono Scheme since it was established in 1992, wills and estates matters, as well as Scheme. The Scheme aims to providing advice and representation family, criminal, employment and increase access to justice by as well as drafting of documents. In discrimination law. Peter has been a particular, John is known for assisting member of the Pro Bono Scheme since accepting applications from members of the Greek community with it was established in 1992 and is known disadvantaged people and the provision of advice, representation for his willingness to provide assistance referring them to solicitors or the translation of documents in Greek at short notice. In the last year Peter has prepared to act on a to English. taken referrals in employment, wills and pro bono basis. estates and immigration law, achieving excellent results for applicants. The Law Society of New South Wales is the professional association for the solicitors’ branch of the legal profession, representing more than 32,000 lawyers in NSW. The Law Society encourages its members to undertake pro bono legal assignments as part of their wider community responsibility as legal practitioners, and to demonstrate that pro bono work continues to be part of legal practice. www.lawsociety.com.au @NSWLawSociety

6 Law and Justice Volunteer Award

The nominees are:

Linda Callaghan Barry Gobbe OAM Nominated by Paula Abram Nominated by Meredith Knight Mission Australia Court Support Granville Train Disaster Association Inc Service Barry Gobbe has been nominated for Linda Callaghan has been a volunteer his more than 20 years of voluntary Presented by: with Mission Australia Court Support community work in western Sydney. Service for eight years, working up to Since 1994, Barry has acted as a Arthur Moses SC five days a week and often spending support person for juveniles, Indigenous President long days in the courtroom helping people and people with mental health New South Wales Bar many socially and economically issues while in custody at Parramatta, Merrylands, Rosehill and Castle Hill Association disadvantaged people. Initially a regular duty worker at Burwood Local Court, Local Area Commands. At the age of Linda also accepts District and Supreme 70, Barry will complete his Bachelor of Sponsored by: Courts referrals. She works closely Social Science in Criminology in 2018. with the Witness Assistance Service Currently chairman of the Granville New South Wales at the Office of the Director of Public Train Disaster Association, Barry was Bar Association Prosecutions assisting in cases involving instrumental in seeking a formal sexual assault, child abuse, domestic parliamentary apology from the NSW The Law and Justice Volunteer violence and homicide. Travelling government to the victims’ families long distances at her own expense, and survivors delivered by the Premier Award is presented to an Linda supports victims while they give individual or group who, on 4 May 2017. He is evidence and in some cases has been the co-founder of the charity Western in a voluntary capacity, has called upon to read out Victim Impact Sydney Homeless Connect and initiated demonstrated an outstanding Statements. the Western Sydney Homeless Connect commitment to improving Linda is also actively involved in the event which is now in its fifth year and access to justice, particularly recruitment, training and mentoring brings together 50 services attracting for socially and economically of new court support workers and 1,000 participants. In 2010 Barry began disadvantaged people. This has contributed significantly to the fundraising for Swags for the Homeless may have occurred in a range development, expansion and delivery and in 2014 he became a director of the of activities over an extended of the Court Support Service. Far Blue House, a charity for homeless youth in Parramatta. period, or in a single significant exceeding her job description, Linda practices in a client-centred, trauma activity. Nominees must not be informed, non-judgemental, current legal practitioners. non-discriminatory, and culturally sensitive manner. The New South Wales Bar Association is a voluntary association of practising barristers. Its aims include promoting the administration of justice and making recommendations with respect to legislation, law reform, rules of court, and court business and procedure. It has a strong commitment to pro bono work through its Legal Assistance Referral Scheme, and through the pro bono work carried out informally by members. www.nswbar.asn.au @NSWBar

7 Law and Justice Volunteer Award nominees (continued)

Nowra and Batemans Bay Women’s Justice Network Court Support volunteer team Mentoring Program volunteers Nominated by Emma Wood (formerly WIPAN) Shoalhaven Community Legal Centre Nominated by Catherine Brennan The Volunteer Court Support program Women’s Justice Network at Nowra Local Court began in July Established in 2010, the Women’s 2013 and was expanded to the Justice Network (WJN) runs a Mentoring Batemans Bay Local Court in June 2015. Program which matches trained Five volunteers work at Batemans Bay volunteer mentors from the community Local Court, which has one list day per with women who are in the criminal week, while there are 21 volunteers at justice system. The Mentoring Program Nowra Local Court, which has two list currently comprises 75 mentors and days per week. Two volunteers work 69 mentees. Mentors commit to a each court list day, equating to more minimum of 12 months and engage than 720 hours annually. The volunteers weekly with mentees. provide assistance and information to Mentors and mentees initially court users and work closely with duty correspond by letter. The role of solicitors. Each volunteer commits to the mentors is to provide practical, a minimum period of 12 months and emotional and social support to help undertakes comprehensive training. the mentee reintegrate into society on In 2015–16, Nowra and Batemans Bay release from prison. As a result of support Court Support volunteers provided from mentors, mentees are better able general information to 2,410 people to access support systems and adhere to and assisted 736 people to complete probation and parole periods. Mentors applications for legal aid and obtain also assist mentees to access legal aid access to the duty solicitor. Court users, and pro bono solicitors, regain care of court staff, duty solicitors and other their children, find safe housing and service providers at the Nowra and enhance their employment skills. Batemans Bay Local Courts all report that the volunteers contribute significantly to list days running smoothly.

8 Pro Bono Partnership Award

The nominees are:

Arts Law Centre of Australia Dharriwaa Elders Group Presented by: with Colin Biggers & Paisley and ALS (Moree office) with The Arts Law Centre of Australia is Gilbert + Tobin Associate Professor the only community legal centre that Stemming from a relationship going Michael Legg provides legal advice on a wide range of back to 2003 and reinforced more Board member arts-related legal and business matters. recently with the establishment of the Through its Artists in the Black (AITB) Australian Pro Bono Cooperative Legal Service Delivery program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait partnership in the Moree region in 2015, Centre Islander artists, communities and arts the Dharriwaa Elders Group, the organisations, the centre offers targeted Aboriginal Legal Service Moree office Sponsored by: legal advice, runs an education program (ALS Moree) and Gilbert + Tobin (G+T) about arts law issues and engages in formed a partnership to deliver the Australian Pro Bono advocacy. Housing Repairs Project. Centre Arts Law and Colin Biggers & Paisley The Dharriwaa Elders Group and the (CBP) entered into a partnership three ALS Moree identify tenants who have This award is presented to years ago, with outreach in regional and housing repair issues, and G+T lawyers remote Aboriginal communities in NSW private law firms, community travel to the communities to meet with a key component. In 2016, CBP lawyers organisations and/or them, take instructions and gather participated in workshops for artists in evidence. G+T then notifies the housing community legal centres that Coonamble, Walgett and Dubbo. CBP provider of the repairs required, and have developed an outstanding also provides pro bono legal advice acting on behalf of a group, is able to pro bono legal assistance and casework, with 24 open cases negotiate much more effectively than relationship resulting in currently in the Sydney office. CBP also could a single tenant. If negotiations are improved access to justice for assisted with the Fake Art Harms Culture unsuccessful, G+T acts for the tenants disadvantaged people in the advocacy campaign (aimed at tackling in proceedings before NCAT. In the the problem of fake Indigenous arts and community. past 12 months, 38 tenants have been craft). A recent trek held by CBP raised assisted, with three housing providers more than $80,000 enabling Arts Law The Australian Pro Bono Centre in Moree and Walgett completing large to employ a solicitor to help run the scale repair and maintenance work. is an independent, non-profit AITB program. Rental arrears totalling $127,604.35 organisation committed to have been written off and many tenancy supporting and promoting pro arrangements have been formalised. bono legal services in Australia. The centre plays a unique leadership and coordination role as advocate, broker, coordinator, researcher and resource provider. www.probonocentre.org.au @AusPBC

9 Pro Bono Partnership Award nominees (continued)

Justice Connect with Clayton Public Interest Advocacy Utz, Hall & Wilcox, K&L Gates, Centre with Allens King & Wood Mallesons, In 2001, the Public Interest Advocacy Lander & Rogers, Sparke Centre (PIAC) and international law firm Helmore, Wotton & Kearney Allens entered into a partnership and the Indigenous Justice Project (IJP) was In 2014, Justice Connect entered into established to ensure that access to a partnership with a number of law justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait firms to provide a Self Representation Islander communities had a permanent Service for litigants and potential place in PIAC’s work. Allens funds a litigants at the Federal Courts building in full-time solicitor to lead the work of the Sydney CBD. Today, the partnership the IJP, which works to identify systemic comprises Justice Connect and seven issues and gaps in access to justice and law firms: Clayton Utz, Hall & Wilcox, to develop effective projects to meet K&L Gates, King & Wood Mallesons, legal need. Lander & Rogers, Sparke Helmore, Wotton & Kearney and is supported Thanks to the IJP, more than 300 by funding from the Commonwealth applicants received help under the Attorney-General’s Department. Stolen Wages Referral Scheme. In 2012, the IJP established the Police The Self Representation Service targets Accountability Project aimed at reducing a legal need that was previously the number of Aboriginal and Torres under-served – the growing number Strait Islander people in detention. of self-represented people in the The IJP has also campaigned to secure Federal Court and Federal Circuit Court reparations for members of the Stolen with particular types of matters such Generations, and in 2016 was appointed as bankruptcy, Fair Work, human to represent the First Peoples Disability rights/discrimination and judicial review Network (FPDN) before the Royal proceedings. The service is staffed by a Commission into the Protection roster of more than 70 pro bono lawyers and Detention of Children in the who undergo training in areas of law in Northern Territory. which they may have had no previous experience. Litigants receive help to understand their rights and duties, prepare court documents, and conduct their case.

10 Aboriginal Justice Award

The nominees are:

Raylene Ballangarry Don Craigie and Allan Clarke Nominated by Melanie Kallmier Nominated by David Shoebridge MLC Presented by: Mid North Coast Community Parliament of NSW Legal Centre Don Craigie and Allan Clarke have been Tony McAvoy SC Raylene Ballangarry is a Gumbayngirr nominated for their work in seeking Barrister woman from Macksville/Nambucca who justice in relation to the unsolved has been nominated for working for murder case of 17-year-old Mark more than 20 years to improve access Haines, an Aboriginal boy who was Sponsored by: to justice for Aboriginal people, and in found dead on a railway line south of particular for her work with inmates. For Tamworth in 1988. A Gomeroi elder, Department of Justice NSW the past seven years, she has provided Don Craigie is Mark’s uncle and one of guidance and mentoring to more his last remaining relatives. Allan Clarke The Aboriginal Justice than 200 male and female Aboriginal is an NITV journalist who has been Award is presented to an inmates at the Mid North Coast investigating the Mark Haines story for Aboriginal individual or Correctional Centre, assisting them to more than four years. group of individuals who has attend funerals, engage with Family and Don has never given up on demanding demonstrated outstanding Community Services and access legal a new police investigation into Mark’s commitment to improving assistance services. Raylene is proactive death. In January 2017, after many in seeking opportunities for cultural years of campaigning, the NSW Police access to justice for Aboriginal support and enrichment for inmates, people in NSW. This may have announced that the case would including advocating for the teaching of be independently reviewed and occurred in a range of activities the Gumbayngirr language. Earlier this oversighted by the NSW State Crime over a long period, or in a single year, she presented at the Community Command. significant activity. Legal Centres NSW’s RRR roadshow in Port Macquarie, promoting cultural In May 2017, Allan Clarke’s three-part documentary series Cold Justice, which The Department of Justice awareness and safety when working with Aboriginal inmates. tells the story of Mark Haines’ death and NSW delivers legal, court and the family’s subsequent fight for justice, supervision services to the Raylene is also Chair of the Gaagal aired on NITV. As a result of the series, people of NSW by managing Wanaggaan (South Beach) National new leads were uncovered and people courts and justice services, Park, a park managed under the came forward with evidence after implementing programs to Aboriginal Joint Management Custody 29 years. Allan’s investigative journalism model. Since 2004, Raylene has served has given a voice to the Haines-Craigie reduce crime and re‑offending, as a volunteer and chairperson for and managing custodial and family and contributed to the reopening the MiiMi Mothers in Bowraville, of the case. In working together in the community-based correctional a referral agency for Aboriginal young fight for justice for Mark, Don and Allan services. The Department is also people to appropriate support services. have raised awareness of the need for responsible for protecting rights Between 1997 and 2004, Raylene was culturally responsive policing, especially and community standards, and on the Board of the Cairns & District in regional NSW. advising on law reform and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Corporation. She helped legal matters. The Department establish the Aboriginal & Torres Strait supports the community of Islander Women’s Legal Service North NSW at the point in their lives Queensland, serving as the Vice Chair in where they come into contact the late 1990s. with either the criminal or civil justice system. www.justice.nsw.gov.au @NSWJustice

11 Aboriginal Justice Award nominees (continued)

Melissa Merritt Bobbi Murray Aunty Virginia Robinson Nominated by Siobhan Bryson Nominated by Olenka Motyka Nominated by Sue Higginson Weave Youth and Community Services Central Coast Community Legal Centre EDO NSW Melissa Merritt was born in Redfern and Bobbi Murray is a Barkandji and Wiradjuri Aunty Virginia Robinson is nominated is a strong, proud Wiradjuri woman. woman from Wilcannia and she has for her work giving Aboriginal elders She has worked at grass roots level in been nominated for her Aboriginal in the Walgett community a voice. On various roles for 17 years. Melissa has community leadership since 2001, her retirement in 2012, Aunty Virginia been employed by Weave Youth and when as chairperson she launched the became secretary of the Dharriwaa Elders Community Services for the past first Aboriginal Youth Justice Advisory Group (DEG) which supports Aboriginal three years, most recently as team Network at Parliament House in Sydney. elders to resume community leadership leader of the Creating Futures Justice Bobbi has worked as a guardian ad litem roles, and educates community members Program which provides bail, pre and with the Department of Justice NSW, and on Aboriginal culture and knowledge. post release support to Aboriginal and had roles with Central Coast Community Aunty Virginia had a successful career non-Aboriginal men and women Legal Centre, Community Legal Centres across the state in both the health aged 18-30 in the City of Sydney NSW and National Association of and legal fields. She has worked as a Local Government Area as well as Community Legal Centres. family violence prevention coordinator Maroubra/La Perouse, the Inner West Bobbi was the NSW Youth Specialist on and holds a law degree from Monash and Woolloomooloo. the NSW Aboriginal Justice Advisory University. Aunty Virginia is a strong Melissa works across the prison network Council from 2005 until 2008. In 2010, advocate for the revitalisation of providing holistic, client-centred Bobbi became a member of the board Aboriginal languages in NSW. casework and counselling support of Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Aunty Virginia first began working programs to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Legal Service. In 2013, Bobbi founded with the DEG on culture and language Islander offenders. Passionate about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander projects around 2000. Particularly reducing the over-representation of Financial Counsellors Network NSW. notable is Aunty Virginia’s recent Aboriginal people in the justice system, Since Bobbi joined Central Coast work with local farmers in response Melissa is a key participant in Aboriginal Community Legal Centre in August to prospective opal mining around interagency forums and a longstanding 2015, the number of Aboriginal Walgett and Lightning Ridge. In 2016, participant in Redfern Local Area people accessing legal help has more Aunty Virginia spearheaded the DEG’s Command Police and Community than doubled. At a national level, as work in engaging with the farming meetings. Prior to joining Weave, Melissa convenor of the National Association of community to conduct cultural heritage spent three years as a family support Community Legal Centres’ Aboriginal surveys of properties. Working with EDO worker at Barnardos. She began her and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Legal NSW and NSW Farmers, Aunty Virginia career at Mulawa Correctional Centre Network, Bobbi has played a key role in provided evidence on cultural heritage and has worked at the Department of developing resources on cultural safety significance in land access proceedings Community Services and Aboriginal and employment of Aboriginal and in the Land and Environment Court. foster care agency KARI. Melissa has Torres Strait Islander people that are Previously such evidence would normally a strong focus on cultural safety and used by community legal centres have been given by a non-Indigenous cultural competence. across Australia. anthropologist, so Aunty Virginia’s contribution set an important precedent. The Court ruled against access to a traditional quarry on the property in question.

12 Rick Welsh Dr Megan Williams Nominated by Magistrate Fiona Toose Nominated by Dr Melissa Sweet NSW Local Court Croakey.org Rick Welsh is a Murrawarra man of north Megan Williams is a Wiradjuri woman west NSW and has been nominated of central NSW and she has been for his outstanding commitment to nominated for her work over the past building new relationships between 25 years to reduce the risks faced by Aboriginal people and the legal system. Aboriginal people who are in or have As coordinator of The Shed, an onsite, been released from correctional facilities. in-community therapeutic service in Megan works at the nexus of health and Mt Druitt, Rick has worked with justice, blending academic research Aboriginal people to address their and teaching with hands-on, grassroots health and legal needs since 2010. community-based mentoring. He is a founding member of the Megan is Senior Lecturer in Aboriginal Sydney Regional Koori Men’s Network Health and Wellbeing at the Graduate and sits on the NSW Men’s Health School of Health at UTS and a research Representative Committee. partner of the First Peoples Disability Rick is a pioneer in preparing and Network and Mibbinbah, Australia’s only delivering legal literacy courses in Indigenous health promotion charity. family law and care and protection She contributes to several justice-related law to the Aboriginal community. research projects including the NHMRC- Co-chair of the Aboriginal Family Law funded Centre for Research Excellence on Pathways Network, Rick works to connect Offender Health at UNSW. legal services, health services, cultural Megan is leading a Justice Health organisations and mainstream agencies. Working Party as part of the Aboriginal Rick is a supporter of Aboriginal elders Health and Wellbeing Stream of and maintains close ties to the Kinchela the Sydney Partnerships for Health, Boys Home and the Baabayn Aboriginal Education and Research Enterprise Women’s Corporation. (SPHERE). Throughout 2016, In 2014, Rick was appointed to the Megan contributed to #JustJustice, Federal Circuit Court of Australia’s a multidisciplinary social media Indigenous Access Committee and he campaign which saw more than is the only non-judicial member and 90 articles on reducing Aboriginal only Aboriginal community member. incarceration published. Alongside her In 2015, Rick assisted and supported academic research, Megan continues Judge Robyn Sexton to establish the to support and mentor individuals in first specialist Indigenous families list in court, in prison and post release. the Federal Circuit Court at Sydney. Rick helps clients to make applications to the court, and provides support at court and referrals to therapeutic services.

13 Justice Medal

The nominees are:

LAW AND JUSTICE Sidonie Gnauck Prue Gregory OF NEW FOUNDATION SOUTH WALES Nominated by Glenda Morris Nominated by Warren Strange Central Coast Tenants’ Advice and knowmore Advocacy Service Presented by: Prue Gregory is nominated for her work Sidonie Gnauck has been nominated as principal solicitor of knowmore, The Hon. for her work spanning 17 years at the a legal assistance service for people Central Coast Tenants’ Advice and engaging with the Royal Commission SC MP Advocacy Service, a not-for-profit into Institutional Responses to Child NSW Attorney General organisation that provides information Sexual Abuse. Since 2013, Prue has led to assist tenants. After working as a a multidisciplinary team of lawyers, Sponsored by: tenants’ advocate for seven years, she social workers and Aboriginal and Torres was appointed the manager. Sidonie Strait Islander engagement advisers to Law and Justice Foundation has served in that role for the last provide trauma informed and culturally of New South Wales decade, exhibiting dedication and safe services to knowmore’s clients. Prue professionalism. Passionate about social has also led an extensive program of justice, Sidonie is held in high regard community engagement and outreach The Justice Medal is presented by other social services providers. She across NSW and led knowmore’s prison to an individual for outstanding has an extensive knowledge of tenants’ outreach. achievement in improving rights, the issues associated with renting A pioneer of providing legal access to justice in NSW, and pathways to get matters resolved. assistance services to disadvantaged particularly for socially and In late 2016, the Office of Fair Trading and marginalised people, Prue was economically disadvantaged terminated its lease at the Gosford instrumental in the establishment of a people. This may have been Gateway Centre where NCAT hearings drop-in clinic on Monday evenings at demonstrated in a range of were also held. As a result, NCAT St John’s Church in Darlinghurst in hearings were transferred to Gosford 1995. Established in response to the activities over an extended courthouse (where space was limited) issues relating to homeless people and period or work over a shorter and lengthier matters had to be heard in their interaction with the law, this Legal period but of exceptional Newcastle. The impact on tenants, many Counselling and Referral Centre (LCRC) impact. of whom are disadvantaged and may provided legal assistance to refugees, have a disability or be caring for young sex workers and former inmates www.lawfoundation.net.au children was significant. Sidonie actively among others. In early 2004, Prue @NSWLawFound campaigned for the reinstatement of secured support from Minter Ellison to a dedicated NCAT venue in Gosford, establish two LCRCs, one in Claymore lobbying politicians, working with real and another in Macquarie Fields, estate agents and driving coverage of successfully transferring the model from the issue in the local media. On 30 May Darlinghurst to large public housing 2017, Attorney General Mark Speakman estates. From 2009 to 2013, Prue was announced that NCAT would move principal solicitor at Macarthur Legal back to the Gosford Gateway Centre Centre in Campbelltown. to deliver improved services for the In December 2016, Prue was Central Coast and hearings would appointed by the Prime Minister to begin in mid-July. the Independent Advisory Council on Redress which will provide expert advice to the government on the design and implementation of the Commonwealth redress scheme following the Royal Commission.

14 Rosemary Kayess Dixie Link-Gordon Peter Multari Nominated by Theresa Sands Nominated by Helen Campbell OAM Nominated by Dr Susan Armstrong Disabled People’s Organisations Women’s Legal Service NSW South West Sydney Legal Centre Australia Dixie Link-Gordon is a Gurang Gurang Peter Multari is nominated for his more Rosemary Kayess is nominated for her woman from south east Queensland than 20 years’ work as principal solicitor extensive range of work to improve who has lived in Redfern for nearly at South West Sydney Legal Centre the rights of people with disability 40 years. Dixie has been nominated for (SWSLC) in Liverpool. Under Peter’s over the last 25 years. Rosemary’s work her more than 20 years’ work in both leadership, SWSLC has become a lead has influenced law reform and policy voluntary and paid positions supporting agency working to improve access to development at the local, NSW, national Indigenous women and advocating for justice through advocacy, education and and international level. safe and respectful communities. Dixie innovative programs of legal support In NSW, Rosemary has been the chair of established the Mudgin-Gal Aboriginal for disadvantaged people. Originally the Australian Centre for Disability Law Women’s Corporation in 1991, serving as employing a single solicitor in one office, (ACDL) since 1992 providing firm and its CEO for many years. Dixie developed today SWSLC has a staff of 25 across steady guidance with a strong strategic and implemented the Blackout Violence three sites and assists more than 5,000 focus. Rosemary supported the ACDL campaign launched in 2004 which led people per year. to the Tackling Violence program that in the fight with the AEC to allow vision Serving the Canterbury-Bankstown, was rolled out across NSW. From 2004 to impaired people to vote at polling Liverpool, Fairfield, Campbelltown 2007, Dixie was the Aboriginal Specialist booths. An admitted lawyer, Rosemary and Camden Local Government worker at Redfern Legal Centre Women’s is also a Senior Research Fellow at the Areas, some of the most culturally and Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Social Policy Research Centre at UNSW. linguistically diverse parts of Sydney, Program. Internationally, Rosemary has won Peter is committed to helping vulnerable respect for her human rights law From 2014 to 2015, Dixie was a project community members, including expertise and has participated in a officer with Rape and Domestic Violence young people, refugees, migrants and number of delegations to the United Services Australia, implementing Hey international students. With a strong Nations to progress the rights of all Sis, we’ve got your back, a network of focus on domestic violence, Peter people with disability in Australia. She Aboriginal women across NSW that has overseen the implementation of made significant contributions to the provides a framework for educating programs to support families, with drafting of the Convention on the and supporting people who have SWSLC providing casework services Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). been impacted by sexual violence, through the Liverpool Fairfield Staying Australia’s ratification of the CRPD led and the prevention of sexual assault. Home Leaving Violence service and the directly to the development of the Currently, Dixie is the leader of the Bankstown Domestic Violence Service. Indigenous Women’s Legal Program National Disability Strategy 2010-2020 Peter also pioneered a legal at Women’s Legal Service NSW where and the National Disability Strategy education program in partnership she leads a team of three Indigenous NSW implementation plan 2012-2014. with Western Sydney University, staff and works closely with the legal Rosemary’s work takes a cross-disability Women’s Legal Service NSW, Macarthur team to ensure services are provided perspective, focusing on the experiences Community Legal Centre, local in a culturally safe and accessible way. of all people, and how barriers in law, courts, magistrates and police, to Recently, Dixie represented Australian policy and practice prevent or limit help law students better understand Aboriginal women at the United Nations access to justice for those with disability. domestic violence. Commission on the Status of Women on behalf of the Australian Women Against Violence Alliance.

15 Justice Medal nominees (continued)

Maithri Panagoda Elly Raffo Nominated by Howard Harrison Nominated by Farah Assafiri Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers South West Sydney Legal Centre Maithri Panagoda is nominated for his Elly (Eleanora) Raffo has been nominated work over 35 years to improve access to for her commitment to working with justice, particularly for Indigenous people women and children experiencing and people in the Sri Lankan community. domestic and family violence. For the last Maithri has championed the rights of 15 years, Elly has worked at South West Indigenous Australians to compensation, Sydney Legal Centre (SWSLC) providing in particular for members of the Stolen casework support to women across the Generations. Early in his career, Maithri Bankstown, Liverpool and Fairfield Local spent nearly 10 years in Dubbo working Government Areas which are among the as a lawyer at the Western Aboriginal most ethnically diverse communities in Legal Service. NSW. Elly has initiated positive change In 1991, he joined Carroll & O’Dea in service provision and lobbied for the Lawyers where he has maintained his provision of new services, driving the commitment to representing Aboriginal establishment of the Liverpool Fairfield people. Maithri has led the fight for Staying Home Leaving Violence service, as justice and compensation for many in the well as the Bankstown Domestic Violence Stolen Generations in NSW. Since 2015, Service. Maithri has successfully brought 175 claims and through his work has fostered In 2014, Elly jointly coordinated a strong relationships with Aboriginal training series on DV services for workers Affairs, Family and Community Services, across the south west Sydney region, the NSW Crown Solicitor’s Office, training around 400 workers. She also knowmore and the Public Interest co-implemented the MATE Bystander Advocacy Centre, Kinchela Boys Home Program with Fairfield City Council, and Cootamundra Girls Home. managed the Coordinated Family Passionate about pro bono work, Maithri Dispute Resolution pilot project and is known as the go-to lawyer in the helped establish the Student Connect Sri Lankan community. His successes project with Western Sydney University include Haridra De Silva v Department of Elly has influenced policy and planning at Finance and Services, an important case state level, appearing before the Inquiry about workers’ rights. He represented the into domestic violence trends and issues plaintiff in the High Court case of Kuru v in NSW conducted by the Parliamentary State of NSW, which shaped the definition Committee on Social Issues in 2012 of police powers in relation to entering (which led to the development of the private premises in NSW. It Stops Here framework). Elly also played an instrumental role in the expansion of WDVCAS services funded by Legal Aid NSW.

16 Sponsors

The focus of Herbert Smith Freehills’ longstanding Minter Ellison has a longstanding commitment to pro bono practice is to increase access to justice pro bono legal services – the cornerstone of our and opportunity, prioritising reconciliation, Community Investment Program. We are proud of homelessness, disability and health, and building our leadership role in establishing the Homeless the rule of law. The work includes transactional Persons’ Legal Service in 2004 in partnership with the and litigious matters for charities and individuals, Public Interest Advocacy Centre. Our aim is to target secondments, legal clinics, systemic advocacy our assistance to communities in greatest need, and community legal education. In 1993, Freehills with a focus on breaking the cycles of homelessness established the Shopfront Youth Legal Centre which and disadvantage. Minter Ellison regards pro bono is operated with Mission Australia and the Salvation legal work as an essential element of professional Army. It offers legal services to homeless people responsibility and one of the defining features of aged 25 and under. In 1992, Freehills established the legal profession. We seek to combine our legal our first pro bono solicitor secondment in NSW to skills with the deep knowledge of community Kingsford Legal Centre, which continues to this day. organisations in identifying unmet legal need and creating greater access to justice in NSW and beyond. www.herbertsmithfreehills.com www.minterellison.com

At Ashurst we accept and take seriously our Gilbert + Tobin believes pro bono work is an responsibility to make legal services available to all. important part of the legal profession’s contribution Through our extensive pro bono program we act to the betterment of our community. We share a for individuals and not-for-profit organisations in a responsibility to ensure that our legal system is just wide range of matters. Our work includes providing and equitable, and that everyone in our society has legal opinions and advice, drafting and negotiation, access to legal representation and advice. Law firms litigation, law and policy reform and community are in the privileged position of having the resources legal education. We send our lawyers and other to assist people who cannot afford legal services. staff on secondment to work with community legal We are committed to working with all lawyers to and welfare organisations from the inner-cities to build a successful and sustainable pro bono culture remote northern Australia. We also use the wider throughout Australia that improves access to our resources of the firm to support community legal legal system. and welfare organisations. www.gtlaw.com.au www.ashurst.com

17 Acknowledgements

Salwa Albaz Craig Cockburn Cumberland Women’s Health Service Department of Justice NSW

Bronwyn Ambrogetti Ian Coleman SC Hunter Community Legal Centre Culwulla Chambers, Sydney

Dr Susan Armstrong Alyson Colquitt South West Sydney Legal Centre Kate Connors Zachary Armytage Department of Justice NSW Community Legal Centres NSW John Corker Nassim Arrage Australian Pro Bono Centre National Association of Community Legal Centres Liz Cruikshank Farah Assafiri The Salvation Army, Australian Eastern Territory South West Sydney Legal Centre Catherine Cusack MLC Scott Avery Parliament of NSW First Peoples Disability Network Lynne Dalton AM Robyn Ayres Lynne Dalton Consulting Arts Law Centre of Australia Judy Duncan Professor Eileen Baldry Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT University of NSW Nicola Ellis Jason Behrendt Ellis Legal Chalk & Behrendt Therese Findlay-Barnes Phillip Boulten SC Central Coast Tenants’ Advice and Advocacy Service Forbes Chambers Nicky Friedman Sean Bowes Allens Welfare Rights Centre Rob Garner Catherine Brennan WJN Mary Gleeson Siobhan Bryson Legal Aid NSW Weave Youth and Community Services Truda Gray Jack Bulman Illawarra Legal Centre Mibbinbah Men’s Spaces Ltd Claudia Guajardo Steve Butel Fairfield City Council

Helen Campbell OAM Howard Harrison Women’s Legal Service NSW Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers

Mike Casey Professor Melissa Haswell NITV QUT

Yasmin Catley Sue Higginson Parliament of NSW EDO NSW

Terry Chenery David Hillard Link-Up Clayton Utz

18 Aunty Millie Ingram Susan Murphy Empowering Communities Mark Patrick Tanya Jackson-Vaughan Australian Centre for Disability Law Refugee Advice and Casework Service Robert Pelletier Diana Jazic Macarthur Legal Centre Mission Australia Barry Penfold Michelle Jones Shoalcoast Community Legal Centre Legal Aid NSW Polly Porteous Melanie Kallmier Community Legal Centres NSW Mid North Coast Community Legal Centre Christine Robinson Meredith Knight JP Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Legal Centre Granville Train Disaster Association Inc Violet Roumeliotis Stacey Levell Settlement Services International Red Cross

Jenny Lovric Kevin Rozzoli AM Legal Aid NSW Therese Sands Charles Lynch Disabled People’s Organisations Australia NSW Aboriginal Land Council Dr Chrischona Schmidt MP Ikuntji Artists Parliament of NSW Deborah Scott Brooke Massender Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions NSW Herbert Smith Freehills The Hon. Justice Robyn Sexton Tony McAvoy SC Federal Court Circuit of Australia Frederick Jordan Chambers John Sheahan QC Robyn McCarter Wentworth Chambers Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet David Shoebridge MLC Alastair McEwin Parliament of NSW Australian Human Rights Commission Wendy Spencer John McKenzie Dharriwaa Elders Group Office of the Legal Services Commissioner Glenn Storrie Fiona McLeay NSW Parks and Wildlife Service (formerly) Justice Connect Warren Strange MP knowmore Parliament of NSW

Nadine Miles Professor Julie Stubbs Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT UNSW

Glenda Morris Dr Melissa Sweet Central Coast Tenants’ Advice and Advocacy Service Croakey.org

Arthur Moses SC Mareese Terare NSW Bar Association University of Sydney

Olenka Motyka Brendan Thomas Central Coast Community Legal Centre Legal Aid NSW

19 Acknowledgements (cont.)

Garth Tinsley John Williams AM Ashurst Stolen Generations Council NSW/ACT

Magistrate Fiona Toose Karen Willis NSW Local Court Rape and Domestic Violence Services Australia

Dr Linda Tucker Emma Wood Community Legal Centres NSW Shoalcoast Community Legal Centre

Prasan Ulluwishewa Sue Woodward University of Notre Dame Justice Connect

Michael Wall Pauline Wright Federal Court of Australia Law Society of NSW

20 The Justice Awards are part of the Foundation’s 2017 Anniversary Program marking 50 years of improving access to justice. We would like to acknowledge and thank our sponsors. 5 5 YEARS YEARS Anniversary Program Sponsors Smaller ‘man’ logo - Square shape Larger ‘man’ logo - Square shape w/ dark orange line w/ lighter orange line

5 5 YEARS YEARS

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Justice Awards Sponsors The Law and Justice Foundation of NSW is an independent, statutory, not-for-profit organisation established in 1967 to improve access to justice for the people of NSW. It is incorporated by the Law and Justice Foundation Act 2000 (NSW). The Foundation’s purpose is to advance the fairness and equity of the justice system to meet the needs of the community, and to improve access to justice, particularly for socially and economically disadvantaged people.

Law and Justice Foundation of NSW Level 13, 222 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000 +61 2 8227 3200 @NSWLawFound #justiceawards2017