Thursday 15 October 2015 Strangers’ Dining Room Parliament House Macquarie Street, Welcome to the 2015 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 2015 Law and Justice Address by the Hon. Catherine Branson QC Dessert 9.00pm Presentation of the Pro Bono Partnership Award Presentation of the Aboriginal Justice Award Presentation of the Justice Medal 10.20pm Closing remarks

b 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 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 environmental law, administrative law and consumer law, as well as on human rights and discrimination.

The 2015 Law and Justice Address The Hon. Catherine Branson QC The Hon. Catherine Branson has made a significant contribution to law in as an educator, barrister, Federal Court judge and human rights advocate. Catherine graduated from the University of Adelaide and taught at the Adelaide Law School for two years before entering private practice. In 1976, she joined the public service, and in 1984 Catherine held the positions of Crown Solicitor of South Australia and Secretary of the Attorney General’s Department simultaneously. Catherine was made a Queen’s Counsel in 1992. She was appointed to the Federal Court bench in 1994 where she served until 2008. Catherine was the President of the Australian Human Rights Commission until her retirement in 2012. Catherine is a board member of the Human Rights Law Centre, the Public Law and Policy Research Unit at the Adelaide Law School and the South Australian Cancer Council.

Your MC this evening Richard Glover Richard Glover presents the top rating Drive show on 702 ABC Radio in Sydney and he has published a weekly column in the Sydney Morning Herald for more than 20 years. Richard has been with 702 ABC Sydney since January 1996, before which he worked for 12 years as a print journalist at the Sydney Morning Herald including stints as news editor, arts editor and European correspondent. Richard is the author of over a dozen books including George Clooney’s Haircut and Other Cries for Help, the bestseller Desperate Husbands and most recently his memoirs entitled Flesh Wounds. Richard has been associated with the Justice Awards since 2008.

1 LIAC Centre of Excellence Award

The winners are:

Gunnedah Shire Library Sutherland Shire Libraries Gunnedah Shire is a regional local Serving a local government area of government area with a population of more than 220,000 people, Sutherland Presented by: 12,000. Gunnedah Shire Library’s Law Shire Libraries has brought high quality, Dr Alex Byrne Week 2015 outreach to non-library plain language legal information to the NSW State Librarian and members achieved great success in community through two strategies: a Chief Executive raising awareness of plain language partnership with the Sutherland Local legal information. The program Court and a Law Week initiative. State Library of NSW targeted, among others, people who are Sutherland Shire Libraries participates in unable to visit the library. the local courts / public libraries project Sponsored by: Gunnedah Shire Library distributed run by Courts and Tribunal Services, Legal Information Access packages of plain language legal Department of Justice and LIAC. This information to housebound people, project promotes public libraries Centre (LIAC) local community groups and clubs, and the Find Legal Answers website State Library of NSW and youth and Indigenous groups. In a as sources of legal information and unique initiative, the library distributed encourages court staff to make referrals. information to ‘shop-bound’ people – Sutherland Library communicates LIAC manages the Find Legal those who run small businesses which regularly with Sutherland Local Court, Answers service, which they are unable to leave to visit the sharing new legal resources, providing provides free access to legal library. The program succeeded in promotional material and arranging information online, in NSW increasing knowledge and driving use of legal information training for court staff. public libraries and through the Find Legal Answers service. Sutherland Library’s commitment to partnerships. It is a joint Fulfilling their commitment to the project has seen an improvement in initiative of the State Library providing access to legal information client service for people attending court. of NSW and the Law and to all segments of the community, In a second strategy to improve access Justice Foundation of New the library’s Toddler Time had a focus to plain language legal information, South Wales. on the law, with books and activities Sutherland Library used Law Week to about the role the police play in society. raise awareness of the legal resources The Centre of Excellence Gunnedah Shire Library also partnered available in the library among non- Award recognises innovative with Gunnedah Shire Council to send library members including people from and creative projects packages of plain language legal CALD backgrounds at a local community that increase community information to 1,000 local residents. centre. awareness of and access to the Find Legal Answers service. legalanswers.sl.nsw.gov.au

2 Community Legal Centres NSW Award

The nominees are:

Presented by: Sherif Alam Lynn Flanagan Law student Sherif Alam has been Since 2014, Lynn Flanagan has been Nassim Arrage volunteering at Mount Druitt and Area volunteering as a solicitor at Hunter Chairperson Community Legal Centre for nearly three Community Legal Centre, dedicating Community Legal years. Sherif’s regular duties include many hours of her time to providing Centres NSW drafting legal documents, researching telephone advice, conducting research complex areas of law and providing and drafting documents. information services to clients. He also Lynn assists with the Hunter Community Sponsored by: helped write factsheets to inform the Legal Centre’s AVO Duty Service, community about their legal rights and Community Legal accompanying duty solicitors when the practical steps they can take to solve they attend Newcastle Local Court Centres NSW their legal problems. and providing help to law students Sherif’s exceptional attention to completing their practical legal The Community Legal detail, his strong research skills and training. She identifies clients that need Centres NSW Award this his initiative make him an outstanding assistance, carries out conflict checks, year is presented to an volunteer. His practical approach to takes the client’s instructions and makes individual or a group providing assistance significantly appearances when needed. Thanks of individuals who, in a improves access to justice for to Lynn’s involvement, students gain disadvantaged people in the local experience in dealing with clients and voluntary capacity in a NSW community. learn about the court system, and clients community legal centre, has have a greater understanding of how demonstrated outstanding Criminal Justice Support their matters will be dealt with in court. commitment to improving Network volunteers, access to justice in NSW, Intellectual Disability Rights Tom Hakkinen particularly for socially and Service A volunteer at the Arts Law Centre since 2013, Tom Hakkinen devoted many economically disadvantaged The Intellectual Disability Rights Service hours of his time to improving access people. This may have been (IDRS) has recruited and trained more to justice for Australian artists, often demonstrated in a range of than 100 volunteers to provide support working 40 hours a week. Starting at activities over an extended for people with intellectual disability the centre as a student volunteer, Tom through its Criminal Justice Support period, or in a single liaised with clients, drafted instructions Network (CJSN). At police stations, significant activity. and file notes, undertook conflict checks volunteers provide support for people and observed advice sessions. Community Legal Centres with intellectually disability who are NSW provides secretariat victims or witnesses of crimes or who When he became an intern in February support to NSW community are suspected of a crime, assisting with 2014, Tom took on responsibility for legal centres working for the communication with the police, and coordinating the pro bono lawyer panel. public interest, particularly organising referrals or follow-up support Tom also coordinated the Document for disadvantaged and at court if required. Review Service, prepared content for the website, wrote numerous case studies marginalised people and CJSN volunteers also support parents and contributed to the development of communities. with intellectual disabilities at court in the Disability Action Plan. www.clcnsw.org.au care and protection matters, attending meetings with solicitors beforehand, explaining what to expect in court, liaising with court staff and explaining the implications of outcomes. It is thanks to the commitment of the volunteers that people with disability are heard and can exercise their civil rights to participate in the justice system as victims, witnesses or defendants.

3 Community Legal Centres NSW Award nominees (continued)

Inner City Legal Centre front Peter Uniacke Volunteer program, desk student volunteers A volunteer for the Hume Riverina Australian Centre for Since 2010, a weekly roster of 25 Community Legal Service (HRCLS) Disability Law student volunteers has managed for the past 15 years, Peter Uniacke The volunteer solicitor, paralegal and the Inner City Legal Centre (ICLC) is experienced in NSW, Victorian and law student program at the Australian front desk. Providing the first point Commonwealth law, and is a keen Centre for Disability Law has been of contact for clients with ICLC, these teacher, guide and mentor to new running since 1994. Currently there volunteers have attended to more solicitors. are eight members of the program than 30,000 enquiries over the past Despite the demands of his private who perform a variety of tasks such five years. practice and a young family, Peter as conducting client interviews, Without the front desk student continues to volunteer at HRCLS. Peter undertaking research, providing legal volunteers, ICLC’s capacity to deliver holds a regular place on the roster, fills in advice, filing court documents and legal advice and casework services to when other lawyers are unable to attend attending conciliations. its communities would be reduced and mentors law students during advice Around 90 per cent of the legal and many people would be turned sessions. Peter has extensive knowledge work undertaken in the disability away. The volunteers also provide of other services where clients can be discrimination practice and the human paralegal and administrative support, referred, enabling HRCLS to provide a rights practice is performed by the and assist with projects such as the holistic service. participants in the volunteer program. Sex Workers Legal Service, the Family During the 2014/15 financial year, Relationships Centre Service and the volunteers provided 4,600 hours of Safe Relationships Project. legal work to 199 clients. This included legal representation in ongoing Redfern Legal Centre court cases and conciliations in the volunteers Australian Human Rights Commission The 300-strong team of volunteers at and Anti-Discrimination Board. Redfern Legal Centre (RLC) is a vital resource for the centre. Volunteers attend to clients, make appointments with solicitors, handle administrative and research duties, contribute to community legal education and make referrals to government and community agencies. Volunteers also help prepare and deliver RLC’s legal training workshops for community workers. RLC volunteers play a key role in community engagement by staffing stalls at community events to distribute legal information, advice and materials to the public. This is an integral part of RLC’s strategy to improve access to justice for disadvantaged people in the community.

4 Law Society President’s Award

The nominees are:

Eric Butler Paul Francis Taylor McGirr Armstrong Legal McGirr Lawyers Admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Paul Francis Taylor McGirr was admitted Court of NSW in 1968, Eric Butler is in 1971, and is the principal at McGirr Presented by: a member of the Law Societies of Lawyers, a boutique law firm in Sydney NSW, Victoria and Queensland. He is specialising in litigation, commercial law, Michael Tidball head of the wills and estates division criminal law and property law. Paul has Chief Executive Officer at Armstrong Legal. A long-standing been a member of the Law Society’s Pro The Law Society of supporter of the Law Society’s Pro Bono Scheme since1997. Paul readily New South Wales Bono Scheme, Eric’s dedication to takes on complex and challenging pro bono work is evidenced by his matters, often at the last minute, willingness to take on matters at short including debt and credit matters, Sponsored by: notice. Eric readily assists with matters and employment law matters. Paul’s affecting vulnerable and disadvantaged extensive legal experience coupled The Law Society of groups, consistently demonstrating with his professionalism has secured New South Wales professionalism and compassion. outcomes for applicants they may not have otherwise achieved. . The Law Society President’s Gerard Haffner Award is presented to Haffner Legal an individual solicitor for The principal at Haffner Legal, Gerard pro bono work through Haffner was admitted in 2007 and the Law Society Pro Bono specialises in family law, criminal law, Scheme. The Scheme aims to conveyancing and litigation. Working increase access to justice by in the Orange area where there are few solictiors, Gerard registered with the accepting applications from Law Society Pro Bono Scheme in 2013. disadvantaged people and Gerard has assisted with a number of referring them to solicitors challenging cases including criminal law prepared to act on a pro bono matters involving domestic violence and basis. has achieved excellent results for many clients. The Law Society of NSW is the

professional association for the solicitors’ branch of the Sarah Hendry legal profession, representing Foulsham & Geddes more than 27,000 lawyers After graduating from ANU with a in New South Wales. The BA LLB (Hons), Sarah Hendry was Law Society encourages its admitted in 2013 and joined Foulsham & Geddes. Her practice areas are family members to undertake pro law, civil litigation and commercial bono legal assignments law. A strong supporter of the Pro as part of their wider Bono Scheme since she joined in early community responsibility 2014, Sarah has assisted with difficult as legal practitioners, and to and ongoing family law matters and demonstrate that pro bono care and protection matters. Sarah work continues to be part of has demonstrated great patience and legal practice. understanding when providing advice and representation to applicants. www.lawsociety.com.au

5 Law and Justice Volunteer Award

The nominees are:

Leonie Duroux problems. Barry is also involved in the Nominated by Helen Duroux delivery of the traffic offenders program Moombahlene Local Aboriginal Land in Sydney’s western suburbs. Council Barry is one of the founders of Western Presented by: Leonie Duroux has been nominated Sydney Homeless Connect, a volunteer- Jane Needham SC for her 23 year-long fight for justice for run annual event that brings together the Aboriginal community following President 50 organisations to help homeless or the murders of three Aboriginal at risk people by providing information The New South Wales children in Bowraville on the Mid and advice on food, mental health Bar Association North Coast in the early 1990s. It and community housing. Drawing on culminated in a Committee of Inquiry his many years of experience working and the subsequent report tabled in Sponsored by: for the ambulance service, Barry also parliament in December last year made provides medical assistance at The The New South Wales recommendations for improving access Blue House, a support service for Bar Association to justice for Indigenous people. the homeless and rough sleepers in Leonie took on the fight on behalf of Parramatta. her partner Marbuck, whose brother The Law and Justice Volunteer was one of the children murdered and Tom Puffett Nominated by Ella Hogan Award is presented to who has since died of motor neurone St Vincent de Paul Society an individual or group of disease. Her efforts contributed to the Tom Puffett has been nominated individuals who, in a voluntary creation of a taskforce to continue for his advocacy on behalf of the capacity, has demonstrated the investigation into the unsolved residents of the Rosemeadow housing murders, and she also influenced the an outstanding commitment estate in Sydney’s Campbelltown area decision to amend the ‘double jeopardy’ to improving access to justice, including his key role in the formation legislation in 2006. Leonie’s lobbying particularly for socially and of the Rosemeadow Seniors Group in led to a parliamentary inquiry and economically disadvantaged 2012, and for his work supporting an the subsequent report published in people. This may have Indigenous youth mentoring program December 2014 recommended reforms set up by Aboriginal elder Uncle Dave occurred in a range of activities to policing policy, procedures and Bell. over an extended period, or training in relation to Aboriginal people in a single significant activity. and culture. For the last six years, Tom has been a Nominees must not be current mentor with the Young Spirit Mentoring legal practitioners. Barry Gobbe JP Program, which is similar to the Clean Nominated by Max Caddis ASM The New South Wales Bar Slate without Prejudice Program in NSW Ambulance Service (retired) Redfern. Targeting young Indigenous Association is a voluntary Barry Gobbe has been nominated for people who are at risk of offending, association of practising his more than 20 years of voluntary awaiting sentencing or have been barristers. Its aims include community work to improve access to released back into the community, the promoting the administration justice, including participation in the program focuses on building life skills of justice and making support program for young people run and promoting education as the path to recommendations with by the Parramatta and Castle Hill Police employment. Local Area Command, and his extensive respect to legislation, law Tom also supports the Campbelltown work with the homeless including the reform, rules of court, and Animation Project, the long-running establishment of the charity Western court business and procedure. innovative community development Sydney Homeless Connect. It has a strong commitment and education project auspiced by to pro bono work through Since 1994, Barry has volunteered his St Vincent de Paul. He is the resident its Legal Assistance Referral services at the Parramatta and Castle Hill bus driver for many social activities, Scheme, and through the Police Local Area Command, providing including the Midnight Basketball pro bono work carried out support and assistance to young tournament, which is a national social informally by members. people and adults, many of whom inclusion program for at risk youth. are Indigenous or have mental health www.nswbar.asn.au

6 Jeanette Suttie OAM Victims and Witnesses of Women In Prison Advocacy Nominated by Greg Piper MP Crime Court Support Network Member for Lake Macquarie Nominated by Pieta Thornton OAM Nominated by Lana Hutchison A remarkable 83-year-old woman, Victims and Witnesses of Crime Court Women In Prison Advocacy Network Jeanette Suttie has been nominated Support The 62 volunteer mentors from the for nearly 30 years of work in The Victims and Witnesses of Crime Women In Prison Advocacy Network the community, in particular her Court Support (VWCCS) team of (WIPAN) have been nominated for coordination of the Westlakes Youth volunteers has been nominated for their dedication to and work with Action Committee (Toronto West Youth providing information and support disadvantaged women who are making Group) and her membership of the at four main locations across NSW to the difficult transition to the community Toronto Aboriginal Community Justice around 2,000 people per year who following their release from prison. Group. Frequently asked by members attend court to give evidence, and Since it began in May 2010, WIPAN of the community and the police for members of the public who attend has attracted volunteers from many advice, or to attend police interviews court. Many VWCCS clients are different professional backgrounds, or court appearances, Jeanette is unfamiliar with the court environment who commit to provide one-on-one highly regarded for her knowledge and and come from disadvantaged mentoring for a minimum of 12 months. experience. backgrounds. The volunteer mentors seek to build Jeanette is often called upon to provide VWCCS was founded in 2007 in relationships with the women based on cell support to Aboriginal people, response to the need for help to trust and encourage them to engage many of whom who have low literacy navigate the court process. From its with key agencies. Having a mentor or mental health issues and no one to early days with six volunteers, VWCCS lessens the feeling of isolation that turn to. She is available any hour of the has grown to a team of more than many women experience after being day or night to go to the police station, 140 today, providing services in the released from prison. and she often attends court to support Parramatta Justice Centre, the Downing The vast majority of participants in the community members. Jeanette mentors Centre and Supreme Court, and Orange program have had a minimum of three people under community service orders Local Court. Court support volunteers to five previous custodial sentences. or on probation or parole, and supports attend court with clients, explaining Recent data reveals that 93 per cent family and friends of people who are in court terminology and procedures in of the women who were matched to prison. plain English, and their entitlements a WIPAN mentor did not re-offend or An active member of the West Lakes under the Charter of Victims’ Rights. return to custody. Domestic Violence Committee, Jeanette Reception and information volunteers has been a strong advocate for victims assist about 20,000 people annually, of domestic violence over many years. providing general information to She set up a women’s refuge and is members of the public, and a referral currently involved in Sister Speak, service for victims and witnesses. Toronto High School’s leadership program for Aboriginal girls.

7 Pro Bono Partnership Award

The nominees are:

Hunter Community Legal Marrickville Legal Centre with Centre with McCullough Corrs Chambers Westgarth Robertson In 2006, Corrs Chambers Westgarth Presented by: Established in 2012, the partnership was providing ad hoc assistance to John Corker between Hunter Community Legal Marrickville Legal Centre when it became clear that the centre needed Director Centre and McCullough Robertson provides advice on employment assistance with its youth law practice. Australian Pro Bono law matters such as unfair dismissal, They set about establishing the Youth Centre discrimination in the workplace and Legal Service partnership, which each unpaid entitlements. The partnership year helps more than 500 children and young people aged up to 24 across a Sponsored by: was driven by high demand for employment law advice in the Hunter wide range of areas including fines, Australian Pro Bono Centre area, with many of the workers seeking victim support and family law. help being young and employed in low- Two Corrs Chambers Westgarth paid jobs in hospitality, health services, solicitors work one day a week for a retail, construction and mining. This award is presented to six-month period, providing advice and private law firms, community McCullough Robertson provides two representation as well as assistance with outreach services. The secondee organisations and/or employment law specialists who travel program has improved access to justice community legal centres that to the Hunter Community Legal Centre each week to provide advice face-to- for young people, increasing their have developed an outstanding face and over the phone. Since the knowledge of the legal system and pro bono legal assistance partnership began, 163 people have improving their ability to seek help for relationship resulting in received direct individual assistance legal problems. improved access to justice for with legal advice about their matter, disadvantaged people in the and a further 103 people have received community. information and referral to another The Australian Pro Bono Centre service. is an independent, non-profit organisation committed to supporting and promoting pro bono legal services in Australia. The centre plays a unique leadership and coordination role as advocate, broker, coordinator, researcher and resource provider. www.nationalprobono.org.au

8 Redfern Legal Centre and Refugee Advice & Casework Salvos Legal Humanitarian Marrickville Legal Centre with Service and Asylum Seekers with Salvos Legal Clayton Utz Centre with Gilbert + Tobin This partnership, which started in Established in 2011, the partnership The partnership between Gilbert + 2010, features a unique model where between Redfern Legal Centre (RLC) and Tobin, the Refugee Advice & Casework income from the corporate firm (Salvos Clayton Utz through their Employment Service (RACS) and the Asylum Seekers Legal) funds a free legal service for Law Advocacy Scheme provides Centre (ASC) began in May 2014, disadvantaged and marginalised people advice and representation at Fair Work and provides a weekly legal clinic for (Salvos Legal Humanitarian). In 2012 Commission conciliations to low-income asylum seekers in NSW. The partnership the partnership became financially self- people who are not eligible for legal aid. recognises the interconnected nature sustaining. The scheme was expanded to include of legal, social, health and financial Annually, Salvos Legal Humanitarian clients with general protections claims problems experienced by asylum provides more than 32,000 hours of pro in 2014. Marrickville Legal Centre (MLC) seekers and draws on the strengths bono services in eight locations across joined the scheme at the start of 2015. of each partner to provide a holistic Sydney and via telephone for people Clients are referred to the scheme by RLC service. living in rural and remote communities. and MLC and they meet with a Clayton ASC workers refer clients to the ASC Besides offering free advice and Utz lawyer who offers a comprehensive Legal Service. The ASC Legal Service, assistance, Salvos Legal Humanitarian service through to the resolution of the which is managed by a lawyer seconded also provides full-time representation, matter. A joint training program has been from RACS, provides referrals to the running around 300 cases at any one developed for the lawyers, who gain clinic. Eighteen Gilbert + Tobin lawyers time. The service is holistic, with clients invaluable experience in negotiation, are on the roster, with two attending the offered referrals to counselling, drug advocacy and client management. clinic each week. All work undertaken and alcohol programs, and employment There are 15 lawyers on the roster who by Gilbert + Tobin is overseen by RACS services. participate in the scheme. lawyers who are experienced in refugee This partnership has similar objectives law, policy and practice. to its predecessor Courtyard Legal, The clinic benefits asylum seekers by which sought to help people who providing them with access to lawyers are on low incomes, ineligible for who understand their needs, and legal aid and unable to afford legal they are able to combine their legal representation. appointment with other ASC services such as English classes.

9 Aboriginal Justice Award

The nominees are:

Alistair Ferguson Barry Hoskins Nominated by Joanna Lunzer Nominated by Michelle Flanders Just Reinvest NSW Coffs Harbour Local Aboriginal Land Alistair Ferguson, a proud Ngemba Council Presented by: man, has been nominated for his work A Gumbaynggirr elder, Barry Hoskins Andrew Cappie-Wood of more than 20 years in the Bourke has been nominated for his work Secretary community. More specifically, his of more than 26 years supporting nomination relates to his decade-long Aboriginal community members who Department of Justice NSW contribution as chair of the Bourke come into contact with the police on the Aboriginal Community Working Party North Coast of NSW, and in particular Sponsored by: (BACWP) and his leadership of the his work with young people who are Maranguka Justice Reinvestment Project at risk of imprisonment or reoffending. Department of Justice NSW in Bourke, which seeks to bring about Uncle Barry has not only helped to steer systemic change to achieve a reduction many young people away from jail, but The Aboriginal Justice in Aboriginal youth offending and has also provided advice and training to Award is presented to an incarceration rates. many Aboriginal liaison officers. Aboriginal individual or Established in April 2014, the Bourke As Aboriginal Police Liaison Officer for group of individuals who has Justice Reinvestment Project focuses Coffs Harbour, Uncle Barry maintains demonstrated outstanding on building cross-sector partnerships strong communication between police commitment to improving to build a new framework to address and the Aboriginal community by sitting Aboriginal disadvantage. Alistair has on the community sentencing board, access to justice for Aboriginal been the driving force behind creative coordinating Aboriginal community people in NSW. This may have collaboration between government and liaison meetings and providing advice occurred in a range of activities NGOs including Father Chris O’Reilly’s on cultural protocols. over a long period, or in a Youth Off The Streets, Eternity Aid, single significant activity. Uncle Barry’s work with young people Bourke Aboriginal Health Service, St at risk of reoffending extends beyond The Foundation acknowledges Vincent de Paul, Jesuit Social Services his work – he and his wife having been the support of the Department and the National Adult Literacy foster carers for more than 25 years. of Justice NSW. Campaign ‘Yes I Can’ Bourke. Alistair also started the Wangkumarra www.justice.nsw.gov.au language program, which paved the way for the first Aboriginal language program in the NSW high school curriculum.

10 Terry McGivern Phil Naden Arthur Wellington Nominated by Amanda Josling Nominated by Kane Ellis Nominated by Kerry Wright Corrective Services NSW Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Shoalcoast Community Legal Centre Terry McGivern has been nominated A Wiradjuri man, Phil Naden has been Well-respected elder and Aboriginal for teaching Aboriginal men at the nominated for his work over more than Legal Service (ALS) worker Arthur John Morony Correctional Centre at 20 years in the Aboriginal community, Wellington has been nominated for Windsor in north-west Sydney. Since particularly his role in improving access helping community members with their 2007, Aunty Terry has worked with more to justice during his 10-year tenure legal issues for more than 22 years, and than 330 Aboriginal men, teaching with the Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS). in particular for the impact of his work literacy and instilling in them pride in Throughout his career, Phil has been a with young people and Aboriginal men. their culture, with the aim of improving passionate advocate for the Indigenous Uncle Arthur is a positive Aboriginal their employment opportunities and community, from his early years as a male role model and a father figure to reducing recidivism. Aunty Terry is police liaison officer working in Mount many in the Shoalhaven community. committed to developing her students Isa through to his time at Barnados Uncle Arthur played a major role along into the Aboriginal elders of the future. Australia working with homeless with the late Uncle Keith Smith and Through her focus on adult teaching Aboriginal youth, and also serving Edward Newman in establishing the first methods, Aunty Terry creates a two- as the chair of the Dubbo Aboriginal regional ALS on the south coast. Today, way learning environment, where the Community Justice Group. Uncle Arthur continues to work closely students’ histories, knowledge and Phil started at the ALS as a senior field with the ALS as their Aboriginal field experiences are welcomed. Coupled officer before becoming the manager officer in Nowra. with the ‘unlearning’ of negative of the Prisoner ThroughCare unit. As part of his work with Aboriginal men attitudes stemming from poor Appointed the CEO in 2012, Phil secured and youth, Uncle Arthur participates in educational experiences, Aunty Terry the delivery of additional ALS services in two mentoring programs: one through has been successful in engaging many the ACT and lobbied for justice targets the Doonooch Self Healing Indigenous young Aboriginal men in education. to be included in the Closing the Gap Corporation which mentors men While not all students stay long enough strategy. released from prison with an emphasis to gain certification, they leave the Phil was named CEO of the Bourke on Aboriginal culture, and the other correctional centre with a stronger Aboriginal Health Service in February through the Nimbal Program, which sense of culture, better literacy skills and 2015 and was recently appointed chair provides mentoring for Aboriginal inspiration to continue learning. of the State Aboriginal Advisory Council children aged 10 to 17. with Corrective Services NSW.

11 Justice Medal

The nominees are:

Robyn Cotterell-Jones Area Command and now at The Hills LAW AND JUSTICE Nominated by Ariel Marguin Local Area Command. An important OF NEW Justice for Children Australia link between the NSW Elder Abuse FOUNDATION SOUTH WALES Robyn Cotterell-Jones has been Helpline and the police, Rob supports nominated for her 20-year commitment the helpline’s activities by providing Presented by: to the Victims of Crime Assistance advice and policing support to older The Hon. Gabrielle Upton League (VOCAL) where she has led a people, many of whom are from CALD MP needs-based, positive victim support backgrounds. Rob devised the Vulnerable Community Attorney General program, while also seeking to address systemic issues affecting victims of Support Officer (VCSO) role to better of New South Wales crimes and the community. support people such as those with age-related problems or mental health A publican until she became a victim issues. Focusing on ensuring people of an attempted murder, Robyn joined Sponsored by: receive the services they need, the VOCAL in 1994 which at the time was a officer employs a case management Law and Justice little known, unfunded support group. model with an emphasis on linkages Foundation of NSW Robyn’s perseverance, hard work and between police, health, housing and commitment transformed VOCAL into NGO services. a community support organisation that provides a vast range of services Rob is also committed to reducing The Justice Medal is presented domestic violence in the community. to an individual for outstanding to victims of serious crime. Over time, Robyn developed a holistic, inclusive His work has increased the number achievement in improving access program which culminated in the of arrests for assaults and improved to justice in NSW, particularly opening of the Victim Support Centre in reporting. The rate of domestic violence for socially and economically Newcastle. has fallen by 10 per cent in the two disadvantaged people. This years since he has been at The Hills. Rob Robyn’s contribution to improving may have been demonstrated helped secure a house to be used as a access to justice for victims includes refuge for domestic violence victims, in a range of activities over an advocating for The Charter of Victims’ filling a major gap in service provision in extended period or work over a Rights and Victim Impact Statements. The Hills. shorter period but of exceptional She has been active in law reform, impact. lobbying for the changes introduced by Sarah Dale www.lawfoundation.net.au the Family Law Legislation Amendment Nominated by Heather Sare (Family Violence and Other Measures) NSW Bar Association Act 2011 among other legislative Sarah Dale has been nominated for changes. Robyn instigated the Reclaim providing unaccompanied minors the Night march in Newcastle, part seeking asylum in Australia with legal of the international movement to advice and representation. As a direct raise awareness of sexual assault and result of her work, some 130 boys domestic violence against women. whom Sarah represents are living in Superintendent Robert the Australian community while she continues working to secure temporary Critchlow protection visas for them. Nominated by the Hon. David Elliott MP After joining the Refugee Advice and Member for Baulkham Hills Casework Service (RACS) in 2013, Sarah A NSW Police officer of 25 years’ began working with a group of boys standing, Robert Critchlow has been on Christmas Island, where they were nominated for his work protecting detained pending transfer to Nauru. vulnerable people in Sydney’s Hills Sarah managed to defer the transfer District area, in particular older people, by lobbying, advocating and lodging women and youth. For many years Rob a complaint to the UN Human Rights has championed the cause of elder Council. Prior to that, Sarah worked for abuse, first at the North Shore Local the Public Interest Law Clearing House (PILCH) where she was the driving force 12 in the development of the Offshore Committees. An active member of the Dr Ghena Krayem Asylum Seekers Project, coordinating Greater Sydney and Albury-Wodonga Nominated by Maha Abdo OAM the judicial review assistance for asylum Family Pathways Networks, in 2013 United Muslim Women Association seekers. Joe established the Aboriginal Family Dr Ghena Krayem has been nominated In addition to her legal representation Pathways Sub-Committee. He has been for her work over the last 15 years to work, Sarah has established guidelines working with the Aboriginal Legal improve access to legal information and co-authored a draft handbook on Service since 2013, providing training, and services for the Australian working with refugee children, and participating in community education Muslim community, and to increase spends time coordinating the RACS programs and championing the service. understanding of Islam, Muslim families and Muslim women in Australia. community legal education program, Detective Inspector Gary which involves liaising with Settlement Jubelin Ghena developed a mediation model Services International and the Red specific to Muslim families which is Nominated by the Hon. Catherine Cross to roll out information sessions used by the United Muslim Women Cusack MLC for vulnerable unrepresented asylum Association and is the first of its kind. NSW Legislative Council seekers. This model has been vital in ensuring Detective Inspector Gary Jubelin has that women experiencing domestic and been nominated for his transformational Judge Joe Harman family violence can obtain a solution in Nominated by Helen Miedzinski role in the 18-year investigation into a culturally and religiously appropriate H A Miedzinski Lawyers the deaths of three Aboriginal children manner. Judge Joe Harman has been nominated in Bowraville on the North Coast of for his 30-year commitment as a NSW. Gary’s work contributed to the Launched in May 2014, Ghena’s book lawyer and judge to ensuring that establishment of a parliamentary inquiry Islamic Family Law in Australia: to disadvantaged people can gain access and set new standards in dealing with recognise or not to recognise addresses to justice and have their voice heard. A Indigenous Australians and Aboriginal the place of sharia law in the Australian strong advocate for Aboriginal rights, cultural issues. legal context. Previously President of the United Muslim Women Association, Joe has helped thousands of people Gary led the police reinvestigation of the Ghena is also a certified Family Dispute directly through his family law work, and murders of three Aboriginal children who Resolution Practitioner. indirectly through training, mentoring were murdered in Bowraville in 1990 and teaching. and 1991. The trauma of the families’ Jenny Lovric loss was compounded by the lack of In 1990, Joe helped establish Barnardos Nominated by Karen Bowley cultural sensitivity during the original Legal Service in Penrith, which gives Hume Riverina Community Legal investigation and led to mistrust of the free legal advice to disadvantaged Service justice system. community members. He also helped Jenny Lovric has been nominated in establish a volunteer duty solicitor Gary’s work culminated in a recognition of her 25-year commitment service at Penrith Local Court to parliamentary inquiry which resulted to improving access to justice for represent women in ADVO matters. Both in a report that recommended reforms disadvantaged people in NSW, but of these services still exist today. to policies, procedures and training particularly for her work since 2007 For more than 10 years, Joe was engaged programs for police about Aboriginal managing and driving the Cooperative with the Burnside Father’s Support people and culture. He also succeeded Legal Service Delivery (CLSD) Program Service as well as working with Western in restoring trust in the police and the and Regional Outreach Clinic Program Sydney Refuges and Court Support justice system among the Bowraville (ROCP) at Legal Aid NSW. community. Services assisting separated parents Jenny manages 11 CLSD Program to navigate the court process. Joe also regional partnerships and 13 ROCP worked as a trainer for Independent clinics, significantly increasing the Children’s Lawyers and Family Dispute availability of legal services for people in Resolution Practitioners. rural, regional and remote areas through Since joining the Federal Court Circuit in improved coordination. Using data 2010, Joe has continued his commitment collected through the CLSD Program, to improving access to justice as a Jenny has advocated for services where member of the Court’s Aboriginal they are lacking and has instigated new Access and Community Welfare Liaison programs in Legal Aid NSW such as using

13 Justice Medal nominees (continued)

local solicitors as outreach solicitors to Dr Belinda Russon violence at the Camden, Picton and provide legal aid clinics. Nominated by Kim Naden Campbelltown courts. Under Jenny’s leadership, the CLSD Tranby Aboriginal College Tanya works extensively with the Program has secured extra funding Dr Belinda Russon has been police, the Benevolent Society, for expansion and has consistently nominated for her 16-year-long WILMA Women’s Health Centre and addressed the legal needs of commitment to improving access other NGOs that support women disadvantaged people in a range of to justice for Aboriginal people and experiencing domestic violence. Tanya innovative ways. their families. As a duty solicitor at has been instrumental in establishing Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s relationships with the Aboriginal Lee Purches Legal Centre for six years, Belinda and Torres Strait Islander community Nominated by Johanna Pheils advocated for women experiencing supporting Indigenous women Office of the Director of Public domestic violence. A passionate adult experiencing domestic violence. Prosecutions education activist, Belinda joined Tanya has served over 15 years on the Lee Purches has been nominated Tranby Aboriginal College in 2007 Campbelltown Domestic Violence for her work over the last 17 years in where she has employed creative and Committee and as the convenor of improving access to justice for victims new ways to empower Indigenous the Camden Wollondilly Domestic and witnesses in NSW courts, and in people through education. Violence Committee. Tanya instigated particular her commitment to the Belinda was responsible for the introduction of domestic violence Witness Assistance Service (WAS). She managing the National Indigenous policies in local government and has received national recognition for Legal Advocacy (NILA) Diploma for businesses, and played a key role in developing best practice policies and nearly seven years. The only course the development of the new NSW procedures to support people giving of its kind in Australia, it has been Government domestic and family evidence in court, such as children, demonstrated to improve Indigenous violence framework for reform. women who have experienced people’s access to and understanding domestic violence and/or sexual of the justice system. More than 300 violence, Aboriginal people and Indigenous people have graduated people from CALD backgrounds. with the diploma, returning to their From 1998 to 2015, Lee managed communities with legal knowledge to the WAS which is the human face help themselves and others. Belinda is of prosecution in NSW. NSW was currently advocating for the University the first state to develop a WAS that of Sydney to introduce a pre-law was integrated into the prosecution program specifically for Indigenous service. Following her submission students seeking to study law. to the Samuels Inquiry in 2003, WAS underwent significant expansion Tanya Whitehouse growing to 33 officers across NSW Nominated by Robert Pelletier who assist more than 5,500 witnesses Macarthur Legal Centre Inc a year. Tanya Whitehouse has been nominated for her work in improving Lee has developed a practice access to justice for women and and policy for social workers children who are victims of domestic and psychologists working in a and family violence in the Macarthur legal environment, and shares region over the past 20 years, in her knowledge through training particular those from Indigenous and and consulting to other agencies, CALD backgrounds. The coordinator prosecution services and government of the Macarthur Women’s Domestic departments nationally and Violence Court Advocacy Service internationally. (MWDVCAS) for the last decade, Tanya joined the service 22 years ago. Under Tanya’s leadership, the MWDVCAS team has grown to one of the largest in the state, supporting women and children with issues of domestic 14 Acknowledgements

Maha Abdo OAM Dianne Day United Muslim Women Association Shoalcoast Community Legal Centre Bronwyn Ambrogetti Catherine Dornan Hunter Community Legal Centre Marrickville Legal Centre Maria Elena Ang Helen Duroux Marrickville Legal Centre Moombahlene Local Aboriginal Land Council Nassim Arrage John Eades Community Legal Centres NSW Law Society of NSW Lloyd Babb SC The Hon. David Elliott MP Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Member for Baulkham Hills Annette Bain Kane Ellis AM Bain Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Jasmina Bajraktarevic Michelle Flanders NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Coffs Harbour Local Aboriginal Land Council Trauma Survivors Richard Funston Professor Eileen Baldry Legal Aid NSW University of NSW Lisa Giacomelli Anita Barker Canterbury City Council Department of Justice NSW Steven Glass Kylie Beckhouse Gilbert + Tobin Legal Aid NSW Elsie Gordon Jason Behrendt Murrawarri woman and community advocate Chalk & Fitzgerald Jo Heasman Uncle Dave Bell Department of Justice NSW Young Spirit Mentoring Program Ella Hogan Cathy Birchall St Vincent de Paul Society Bidwell Uniting Sarah Hopkins Karen Bowley Just Reinvest NSW Hume Riverina Community Legal Service Lana Hutchison Steve Butel Women In Prison Advocacy Network Western Sydney Homeless Connect Ron Jacks Max Caddis ASM Department of Justice NSW Caryn Carpenter Tanya Jackson-Vaughan Illawarra & Shoalcoast Community Legal Centres Refugee Advice & Casework Service Sergeant Kingsley Chapman The Hon. Greg James AM QC NSW Police Sue Jefferies Terry Chenery Drug Court of NSW Link Up NSW Cr. Andrew Jefferies Krista Christenson The Hills Shire Council Corrective Services NSW The Hon. Judge Peter Johnstone Keith Cochrane Children’s Court of NSW Department of Justice NSW Michelle Jones John Corker Legal Aid NSW Australian Pro Bono Centre Amanda Josling Anne Cregan Corrective Services NSW Gilbert + Tobin Detective Inspector Gary Jubelin Alison Croall NSW Police Housing NSW Coralie Kenny The Hon. Catherine Cusack MLC Suncorp Group Member NSW Legislative Council Anne Kirkpatrick Lynne Dalton Tranby Aboriginal College Lynne Dalton Consulting Mahashini Krishna Judy Davis Department of Justice NSW Albury Family Pathways Suzie Leask McCullough Robertson

15 AcknowledgementsJustice Medal (continued) cont.

Janet Loughman Professor Joellen Riley Women’s Legal Services NSW Joanna Lunzer Heather Sare Just Reinvest NSW NSW Bar Association Ariel Marguin Adam Schreiber Justice for Children Australia Corrective Services NSW Kristy Masella John Sheahan QC Aboriginal Employment Strategy Wentworth Chambers Garry Matthews David Shoebridge MLC Abcare Member NSW Legislative Council Tony McAvoy SC Jo Shulman Frederick Jordan Chambers Redfern Legal Centre Helen Miedzinski Gemma Slack-Smith H A Miedzinski Lawyers Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Superintendent Greg Moore Chris Spencer NSW Police Coffs Harbour Local Aboriginal Land Council Arthur Moses SC The Hon. Paul Stein AM QC NSW Bar Association Lesley Sutton Professor Andrew Mowbray Herbert Smith Freehills University of Technology Sydney Lisa Sykes Kim Naden NSW Police Tranby Aboriginal College Maureen Tangney Steven O’Connor Department of Justice NSW Legal Aid NSW Kate Thomson Greg Peel McCullough Robertson Community Sector Banking Pieta Thornton OAM Robert Pelletier Victims and Witnesses of Crime Court Support Macarthur Legal Centre Barry Toohey Georgina Perry Darrimba Maarra Aboriginal Medical Service Ashurst Annette van Gent Johanna Pheils Marrickville Legal Centre Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Julie Vitnell Greg Piper MP Hunter Community Legal Centre Member for Lake Macquarie Amy Watts Rachael Pliner Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions knowmore Roger West The Hon. MLC Westwood Spice Consultancy Member NSW Legislative Council Ray Williams MP Dan Proudman Member for Castle Hill Newcastle Herald Detective Superintendent Michael Willing Gary Pudney NSW Police Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Kerry Wright Gary Raymond Shoalcoast Community Legal Centre Abbey Richards Caxton Legal Centre

16 Sponsors

Premium sponsors

The focus of Herbert Smith Freehills’ King & Wood Mallesons is a leading Minter Ellison has a longstanding longstanding pro bono practice is to commercial law firm with a focus on commitment to pro bono legal services increase access to justice and opportunity, Asia Pacific; we are recognised for — the cornerstone of our Community prioritising reconciliation, homelessness, our ability to combine consistently Investment Program. We are proud disability and health, and global rule rigorous analysis with astute of our leadership role in establishing of law. The work includes transactional judgment. Our vision for community the Homeless Persons’ Legal Service and litigious matters for charities and involvement is to provide support in in 2004 in partnership with the Public individuals, solicitor secondments, diverse, complementary ways. The Interest Advocacy Centre. Our aim is to systemic advocacy and community legal depth of the King & Wood Mallesons target our assistance to communities education. In 1993, the firm established in the Community Program is reflected in greatest need, with a focus on the Shopfront Youth Legal Centre which in its three key components: pro bono breaking the cycles of homelessness and is operated with Mission Australia and the advice and representation, workplace disadvantage. Minter Ellison regards Salvation Army. It offers legal services to giving, and volunteering. The pro bono legal work as an essential homeless people aged 25 and under. In program is underpinned by a number element of professional responsibility 1992, Herbert Smith Freehills established of significant partnerships with and one of the defining features of the its first pro bono solicitor secondment organisations including the National legal profession. In the year ended 30 in NSW to Kingsford Legal Centre, which Children’s and Youth Law Centre. June 2015 Minter Ellison exceeded the continues to this day. National Pro Bono Aspirational Target. www.mallesons.com www.herbertsmithfreehills.com www.minterellison.com

Distinguished sponsors

At Ashurst we accept and take seriously Chalk & Fitzgerald is a specialist practice Gilbert + Tobin believes pro bono our responsibility to make legal services focused on serving Indigenous clients, work is an important part of the available to all. Through our extensive especially in relation to their lands legal profession’s contribution to the pro bono program we act for individuals and water. Over the years we have betterment of our community. We and not-for-profit organisations in a wide established a national reputation, acting share a responsibility to ensure that range of matters. in many landmark cases and assisting our legal system is just and equitable, Our work includes providing legal in the development of key legislation, and that everyone in our society has opinions and advice, drafting and including the Native Title Act 1993 and access to legal representation and negotiation, litigation, law and policy the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 advice. Law firms are in the privileged reform and community legal education. (NSW). Based in Sydney, we act for position of having the resources to We send our lawyers and other staff on communities from La Perouse to the assist people who cannot afford legal secondment to work with community Kimberley. The firm also has a substantial services. We are committed to working legal and welfare organisations from the pro bono practice, especially on behalf with all lawyers to build a successful inner-cities to remote northern Australia. of clients facing powerful and well- and sustainable pro bono culture We also use the wider resources of the resourced opponents. throughout Australia that improves access to our legal system. firm to support community legal and www.chalkfitzgerald.com.au welfare organisations. www.gtlaw.com.au www.ashurst.com

17 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, and to improve access to justice for socially and economically disadvantaged people.

Law and Justice Foundation of New South Wales Level 13, 222 Pitt Street Sydney NSW 2000 Phone: +61 2 8227 3200 Email: [email protected] www.lawfoundation.net.au