LIFELINE employees in Mount Gambier have warned the loss of the South East Community Legal Service will be devastating for the community and have serious effects on the well-being of people throughout the region.
Working closely with the service over the years, chief executive office Eve Barratt said she was saddened by the recent decision by the State Government to cut funding to the local service.
“They are a fantastic resource for the workers at Lifeline – their willingness to help us has been incredible,” she said.
“I just feel real grief that another service will be lost in Mount Gambier and think the State Government is disrespectful in assuming that pulling the service here is okay.”
Lifeline South East financial and gambling counsellor Sonia Dickeson said the SECLS always provided immediate legal assistance for clients.
“If we have people in crisis they are dealt with in a timely matter with the help of the service – to get quick advice makes all the difference,” she said.
“They have also helped with training in professional development in legal matters, which has been very beneficial to us.
“The communication between the two services is excellent and they readily approach us asking if there are any topics that we would be interested in learning more about.”
Ms Dickeson said she could stress the importance of the SECLS enough, not only with its assistance to Lifeline, but many other organisations in the region.
“I couldn’t believe it when I heard the news,” she said.
“It is a great loss to the whole community and we are concerned how things will be managed without them.”
SECLS senior administration officer Dianne Altus said the closure will impact on a range of people, services and organisations such ac.care, the Salvation Army and the Limestone Coast Migrant Resource Centre.
“We have spent years building these relationships and doing all we can to help the disadvantaged and ensure they are not left homeless,” she said.
“Many people don’t have access to technology and without that local face-to-face contact they won’t get the assistance they need.
“Clients can print forms, write letters, use our phone, fax machine and photocopier here as often as they like.
“It’s very worrying for the community, the stress on families usually increases during these times and getting legal advice early on can help to prevent this.”
