May 19, 2025It was great to have our DFV Casework and Legal teams collaborating this year at Fairfield Conversations.
We were thrilled to be selected as one of only eight organisations to present on the day about key social issues impacting Fairfield residents. Our presentation covered our research into the significant unmet legal need in Fairfield, and the strategies proposed to meet that need, including through local partnerships.
Our Head Solicitor, Liz Simpson presented to a record crowd of 130 participants at the Hub Bonnyrigg. Liz shared some of our preliminary findings about the disproportionate and intersectional disadvantage experienced by our clients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. She also covered the main strategies we are developing, including strengthening local partnerships and leveraging effective models such as a new Fairfield Family Law outreach in partnerships with Fairfield’s Women’s Health Service in Cabramatta and Uniting FRC in Fairfield.
We also heard from other service providers including Bonnie Support Services, South West Sydney Local Health District, Woodville Alliance, Uniting Fairfield Family Relationship Centre about some other research projects and pilots such as 2024 School Expos.
Following the speakers’ presentations attendees participated in workshops to discuss emerging challenges, strengths and opportunities to address these issues. The event was a great opportunity for us all to strengthen our partnerships and referral pathways. Many service providers were eager to hear about the work of Justice Support Centre and shared their observations on the legal and non-legal issues their clients are presenting with. We also encouraged attendees to complete our Community Workers Survey to have a direct say about the legal issues their Fairfield clients face accessing legal services.
The papers from the event have been published in a dedicated magazine including a JSC legal article written by Martin Ha.
This community engagement will continue to guide our commitment to identifying the unique barriers experienced by our clients and how we can work towards creating a more responsive and culturally sensitive community service.