40 years this financial year since Justice Support Centre (JSC) opened our doors in South Western Sydney (SWS)
Over the last 40 years South West Sydney (SWS CLC) expanded its reach significantly, now reaching far beyond South West Sydney, to the Inner West, City of Sydney and to the East of Sydney.
As we mark 40 years, thank you to our staff, funders, partners and community.
It is 40 years this financial year since Justice Support Centre (JSC) opened our doors in South Western Sydney (SWS). It started with a small group of five members organising free legal education and referral services in the Liverpool Neighbourhood Centre. In 1986, the volunteers secured a $30,000 grant to open the Liverpool Neighbourhood Law Centre, with one full-time solicitor and a part-time secretary. Tim Leach, our equal second lawyer and now CEO of Community Legal Centres (CLC) Australia, recently told us: "Community legal centres help people, and its every employee's job to make sure the centre continues beyond their tenure."
Our reach has since grown from SWS to the Inner West, City of Sydney and Eastern Sydney, and our vision has expanded from equal access to justice to also keeping women and children free from domestic and family violence, which is why we became Justice Support Centre four years ago.
In FY26 we reached 24,204 people. Our SWS Womens Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS) ongoing client base grew 35%, our First Nations Focused Casework Service grew 12%, and our Disability Focus Casework Service grew 48%, proof that targeted, specialist casework works. Imagine how proud the original five members would be of the reach and impact of JSC today!
Demand keeps outpacing funding. After years of advocating to State MPs, we were thrilled to learn our Staying Home Leaving Violence (SHLV) services will receive a 50% funding increase, phased in over four years, starting at 20% in FY27 and rising 10% each year. This comes from the NSW Government's $184.1 million DFV investment. We look forward to hearing about how the SWS and Sydney WDVCAS and the Bankstown Domestic Violence Service (BDVS) will benefit from the funding committed to those service areas.
On Legal funding, we were disappointed to learn from the Attorney General, Michael Daley, that JSC would not receive an increase, despite serving some of NSW's most disadvantaged, multicultural communities. We are now reducing outreach clinics and tightening client eligibility, and have invited the Attorney General to see the unmet need in SWS first-hand by visiting our Centre in Bankstown.
Thank you to our staff, funders, partners and community as we mark 40 years. Please keep advocating alongside us. The need has never been greater.
Melanie
Celebrating 40 years, together.
This quarter, we marked a truly special milestone: 40 years of Justice Support Centre.
The team gathered at the beautiful Woodstock Community Centre on Wangal Country for a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, held outside in cloudless, picture-perfect Sydney weather, a meaningful and moving way to open our 40th anniversary celebrations.
From there, the day continued with a drumming circle, a wonderfully inclusive way to bring the whole team together and get everyone feeling the buzz. To mark the occasion, our CEO Melanie wrote a poem reflecting on the legacy that has carried us to this milestone:
"Forty years of rhythm, forty years of grace,
Built upon the hands that first shaped this space.
The drum keeps the time, but the pulse is their own,
A legacy deeply planted and grown.
With every deep strike, the past comes alive,
To honor the foundation that helped us to thrive."
The celebrations then moved outdoors in the sunshine, with staff enjoying a tasty BBQ lunch, lawn games including croquet, corn throw, giant Jenga and cards, with plenty of laughter included. And no birthday is complete without cake, ours was beautifully decorated and perfectly on-brand.
Thank you to everyone who helped organise the day, and to every staff member who joined in celebrating this milestone with us. Here's to the next forty years.
Left out again, why isn't the unmet legal need in SWS seen as a priority?
Last year, the Attorney General announced the only additional funding for Community Legal Centres would be a $3.5 million uplift, aimed at meeting unmet need. For Justice Support Centre, that raises an obvious question: what happens when you are the unmet need, and still miss out?
This isn't the first time we've made this case. In April last year, we wrote to the Attorney General setting out how stretched Legal is in South West Sydney (SWS): 14.5% of the NSW population, ranked amongst the highest in the state for socio-economic disadvantage, and ranked 1st, 3rd and 4th in Metropolitan NSW for unmet legal need (NLAS ranking, Law and Justice Foundation). Non-English speaking households run as high as 69.7% across Canterbury Bankstown, Fairfield and Liverpool, and we supported 7,120 women and children experiencing domestic and family violence in SWS that year. Yet we have only ten lawyers plus management to cover it all.
The response was $3 to $3.5 million for legal assistance across all of NSW over five years, not enough, shared equally, to fund even one more lawyer at JSC. This year's Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) package repeats the pattern: real money for frontline programs, nothing for the legal assistance that keeps their clients safe once they leave the caseworker's office.
Despite these constraints JSC has continued to respond to unmet legal need in South West Sydney including expanding our duty lawyer service to Fairfield Local Court, developing a strong health justice partnership with Fairfield Women’s Health Service in Cabramatta providing a weekly face to face outreach clinic and regular community education for their staff and clients; and helping victim survivors obtain over $70, 000 in victims compensation to rebuild their lives. Of the clients we support, 26% are experiencing domestic or family violence and 75% financial disadvantage, up sharply from 59% the year before, a clear sign of how vulnerable our clients are.
Our CEO, Melanie Noden, put it candidly: "South West Sydney deserves the same access to justice as anywhere else in NSW."
This isn't unique to JSC. Community Legal Centres nationally have absorbed indexation increases well behind inflation, in some years as low as 1.5% against inflation of 7%.
Our own funding was indexed at just 2.75% this year, nowhere near enough to keep pace with wages that increased by 4.75% under the Award. That gap isn't administrative, it's the difference between a woman securing a protection order, keeping her tenancy or parenting arrangements, and navigating the legal system alone.
We keep raising this because the need keeps growing. Last month, we made a further submission to the Australian Government's National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children, again calling for dedicated funding for integrated legal, DFV casework and financial counselling models, not one program funded while others catch up.
Despite working in some of the most socio-economically disadvantaged, multicultural (CALD) areas in NSW, we recently received a letter from the Attorney General, Michael Daley, confirming JSC would not receive a funding boost. We are now reducing our outreach clinics and tightening client eligibility, and have invited the Attorney General to visit our centre and hear first-hand about SWS's unmet legal need.
There is a significant, growing gap in providing wrap-around, targeted support to victim-survivors and migrants in South West Sydney, who often need intensive, face-to-face services that other statewide programs can't provide. We're asking government, funders and our community to recognise legal assistance as core domestic violence infrastructure, not a secondary service, and fund it accordingly.
Our case for fair funding for South West Sydney and the City of Sydney
We welcome the State Government recent announcement in the FY27 NSW Budget of an additional $184.1 million in core funding for specialist domestic and family violence programs. We want to in particular acknowledge the courageous leadership of the Hon. Jodie Harrison MP, who has listened to the sector's advocacy and recognised the pressure our services are under.
Our CEO, Melanie Noden recently wrote to the Hon. Jodie Harrison MP, and 22 State MPs from the electorates where we work or who hold relevant portfolios, making the case for why South West Sydney and the City of Sydney should be priority areas in the allocation of the new funding. Here's why.
Our catchment, Fairfield, Liverpool, Canterbury-Bankstown and the City of Sydney, covers some of the most disadvantaged and fastest-growing communities in NSW. Fairfield is the most disadvantaged local government area in the state, with median income barely 60% of the NSW average and unemployment nearly double the state rate. Liverpool is one of the five fastest-growing LGAs in NSW. And while the City of Sydney looks affluent on paper, 64% of households rent, median weekly rent is $550, and the area sits in the same low decile for economic resources as Fairfield, meaning housing insecurity is a constant, hidden barrier for women trying to leave violence and stay safely housed.
We are pleased to announce that our Staying Home Leaving Violence Services across Liverpool, Bankstown, Fairfield, Canterbury Burwood, Inner West, Canada Bay and Sutherland will be receiving an incredible 50% increase in its funding, phased in over 4 years, starting at 20% in financial year 2027 and increasing each year by 10%.
With BDVS and WDVCAS funded under that same $184.1 million package, we look forward to hearing about their allocation soon.
We'll continue to ask the NSW Government to target its funding uplift where the evidence shows it's needed most. We'll keep advocating until it does, and we invite our community, partners and supporters to add their voice too.
Looking after our people together
As we move into September and RU OK Day, I've been reflecting on the incredible work our people do every day. Across our services, staff continue to support clients through some of the most challenging times in their lives. It's meaningful work, but we know it can also be demanding work.
Juliane Scuteri, People & Culture Manager
At JSC, we want wellbeing to be more than a conversation we have once a year. Our aim is to create a workplace where people feel supported, connected and safe every day. Over the past year we've continued to invest in initiatives that support both professional growth and personal wellbeing, including mental health and resilience programs, wellbeing resources, training opportunities, employee benefits, psychological safety initiatives and opportunities for staff to connect with one another.
We've also continued strengthening our learning and development programs. From workplace health and safety, Respect@Work and privacy training through to trauma-informed practice, leadership development and Crucial Conversations, these programs are designed to build capability while supporting a positive and respectful workplace culture.
One thing that consistently stands out to me is the way our people support each other. Whether it's welcoming a new team member, offering help during a busy period, checking in on a colleague, or sharing knowledge and experience, these everyday actions help make JSC a place where people genuinely care for one another. Recent feedback from new starters has reinforced what many of us already know, that our team is welcoming, inclusive and committed to helping others succeed.
“My induction was warm, welcoming and comprehensive. The regular check-ins and support from colleagues made a real difference in helping me settle into the team.”
As R U OK? Day approaches on 10 September, I'd encourage everyone to take a moment to check in with someone. Sometimes a simple conversation can make a real difference. Looking after ourselves and each other is an important part of maintaining a healthy workplace and ensuring we can continue doing this important work sustainably.
16 Days of Activism: Why technology-facilitated abuse is part of our fight
From 25 November to 10 December, we will join the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. This year's international campaign is calling for a world where technology is a force for equality, not harm, spotlighting how digital tools are increasingly used to perpetrate and enable violence against women.
We see this reality in our casework every day. Perpetrators use tracking apps, shared accounts, smart home devices and social media to monitor, threaten and control our clients, a pattern our WDVCAS and DFV Casework teams increasingly build into safety planning. In FY26, our combined WDVCAS and Casework services supported 21,242 people, and matters referred to South West Sydney WDVCAS assessed as a serious threat to life, health or safety rose 5545%, to 2,362, a sign of how dangerous, and how digitally enabled, these situations have become.
This 16 Days, we're highlighting practical technology-safety guidance for clients and community, backing calls for stronger regulation of stalkerware and image-based abuse, and reminding our community that ending gender-based violence means addressing it wherever it happens, online and off.
Join us this 16 Days by learning the signs of technology-facilitated abuse, sharing safety resources with people in your life, and adding your voice to calls for a safer, more equal community for women and girls.
A story of courage and new beginnings
This family was referred to our Bankstown Domestic Violence Service (BDVS) in mid-May by a social worker from the Children's Hospital. The client and her partner had been in a relationship for more than 15 years. Both were originally from Iraq and had arrived in Australia in 2013, where they went on to have two children together.
The client stated that she had experienced domestic violence since her first pregnancy, shortly after arriving in Australia.
She had never previously reported the abuse, due to a lack of awareness of available supports and a cultural belief that it was something to be accepted.
In early May 2026, the client disclosed the domestic violence during one of her young child's medical appointments. This child had experienced ongoing medical issues since birth and required frequent medical attention. Feeling increasingly overwhelmed by the impact of the violence on her children, who were witnessing the abuse at home, the client made the decision to speak with the social worker.
At the time of referral, the client was still living in the family home with her husband. However, through JSC’s Bankstown Domestic Violence Service's ongoing support, including psychoeducation, referrals and advocacy, the client made the decision to end the relationship and move out of the mortgaged property with her two children.
The client subsequently moved in with her parents, together with her two children, and secured long-term accommodation near the children's school. Both parties agreed to mediation, reaching a private agreement regarding visitation, with the client granted sole parental responsibility.
The client's email
Subject: Deepest Gratitude for Your Compassionate Support
Dear S,
I am writing to express my heartfelt appreciation for the extraordinary support, kindness, and dedication you show to women, children, and families walking through some of their darkest moments.
Leaving a violent relationship requires immense courage, but navigating the aftermath can feel overwhelming. Your presence in those moments makes all the difference. Thank you for standing alongside those with broken hearts and souls as they weather these severe storms. Where there was once pain, confusion, and a sense of feeling lost, your guidance and advocacy offer a genuine chance for a new beginning in life.
I also want to extend my sincere thanks to the entire team at the Bankstown Domestic Violence Service. By opening your doors to women who have suffered through the hardships of domestic violence, your service provides a vital haven of safety, hope, and healing. The work you do restores dignity and empowers families to rebuild their lives with confidence.
NAIDOC Week in Glebe, a community celebration
A note from our Sydney First Nations WDVCAS worker...
I attended a deadly NAIDOC event held in Glebe on Friday the 3rd of July.The event took place at Glebe Public School and like all NAIDOC events community came out and celebrated with pride.
There was lots of culture to be had in the form of the Jarjums dancing, smoking ceremony and painting.
There was a hairdresser, OZ harvest, and lots of stalls.
This year was 50 years of Deadly. Me and my kids love NAIDOC week more than we do Christmas, this was the only event we got to attend this year as we left for Europe the following week… (lesson learnt never again will I plan a trip in NAIDOC week; my ten-year-old reminded me for every day that we were missing NAIDOC).
In a time where more than ever right-wing fascist movements are trying to erase intersectional folks safe spaces and well-earned well fought for cultural activities NAIDOC cannot be more important.
A big shout out to all of Allys who showed up this year, we need you now as much as we ever did to ensure that they can't erase us and all that our elders fought for.
In spirit of solidarity, I am committed also to ensure I am showing up this year as an Ally for other marginalised groups and ensuring that with respect, love, and kindness we are all holding one another up.
Images used with permission.
South West Sydney Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (SWS WDVCAS)
As we look ahead to the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the work happening every fortnight at the Love and Hope DFV Hub in Lakemba is a powerful reminder that creating safer communities requires ongoing collaboration, accessible support and a commitment to ensuring every woman can reach help when she needs it.
SWS WDVCAS's Multicultural Focus Worker attends the Love and Hope DFV Hub each month as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting women experiencing domestic and family violence. SWS WDVCAS has been a partner of the Hub since it was established by Metro Assist in 2024.
Held fortnightly at Lakemba Senior Citizens Centre, the Hub brings together specialist and community services including SWS WDVCAS, Burwood WDVCAS, Staying Home Leaving Violence/Bankstown Domestic Violence Service, Service NSW, Services Australia and Metro Assist services including SETS DV case management, financial counselling and family support.
The Hub provides a safe and welcoming place where victim-survivors from diverse cultural backgrounds can access one-on-one support including safety planning, crisis intervention, court support, case management, assistance with forms and applications, connections to resources, warm referrals and post-DFV activities.
In just one year, more than 1,900 clients accessed services through the Hub. This included 126 instances of DFV case management, advocacy and warm referrals, as well as 38 post-DFV activities supporting 119 victim-survivors.
Importantly, the Hub helps address gaps in culturally appropriate service delivery by bringing specialist DFV support into a trusted and accessible community setting. Its partnership approach recognises that the impacts of domestic and family violence are interconnected, and that women may need support across safety, legal matters, housing, financial stress, settlement, family wellbeing and longer-term community connection.
The 16 Days of Activism calls on all of us to help create a world free from gender-based violence. Initiatives such as the Love and Hope DFV Hub show what that commitment looks like in practice: organisations working together, removing barriers to support and ensuring victim-survivors are met with safety, dignity and hope.
Acknowledgement of Country
Justice Support Centre proudly acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we operate, the Cabrogal Peoples of the Darug nation, the Gadigal Peoples of the Eora Nation, as well as the Tharawal and Gandangara Nations. We acknowledge their continuing connection to the land, waters and community and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We extend this respect to all Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
