LEGAL advice will become more accessible to the Limestone Coast community from next year with a new solicitor and administration worker set to begin at the Limestone Coast Community Justice Centre (LCCJC).
The Mount Gambier-based office took over from the South East Community Legal Service (SECLS) earlier this year after funding was cut, prompting a community and political campaign to save the organisation.
SECLS replacement has now received additional Commonwealth funding for family law/family violence related matters and will soon employ an additional full-time solicitor and part-time administration worker.
Based on Commercial Street West, the LCCJC currently employs one solicitor, Fei Su, and one administration worker, Sandra Becham, with Mr Su also travelling to surrounding towns throughout the week.
The appointment of further staff will mean the Mount Gambier office will remain open Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm, increasing opportunities for clients to receive services.
The SECLS previously employed two full-time solicitors, along with one full-time and two part-time administration workers.
“We have been very busy here since opening and have had more people coming in for appointments recently,” Mr Su said.
“To have another solicitor and administration worker here will be a great help to keep up with demand.”
A strong advocate for legal services in the region since the closure of the SECLS was announced, Grant District Mayor Richard Sage has been in regular contact with Attorney General John Rau to ensure adequate services are provided.
Meeting recently with Mr Rau, Mr Sage said it seemed clients were satisfied with the services currently provided, but “you do not know who is falling through the gaps”.
“The Attorney General is open to suggestions and we will continue to meet with him with updates on how things are progressing,” he said.
Although no longer providing legal advice, the SECLS is still assisting clients through education on relevant matters.
“The service did receive funding for education mainly focusing on the refugee community, which is an essential service,” Mr Sage said.
“However, next council meeting they will do a presentation, explaining what they do not cover and what they think we need, such as an education officer to visit schools in the community.
“It is a win at this stage with services being provided, but there is still a lot of work to do.”
The Limestone Coast Community Justice Centre will celebrate its grand opening on Friday from 12.30pm at 8a Commercial Street West.
