Message from our CEO

I was honoured to join the team at Justice Support Centre in March this year. It is wonderful to see the unwavering commitment and dedication that the team shows daily towards enabling equitable access to justice for all and ensuring that women and children are free from family violence. This is evident in the following recent feedback we received from a client about one of the team:

“I am thrilled with the outstanding customer service I received from the legal team at the Justice Support Centre. From the moment I reached out, your staff member was attentive, professional, and extremely responsive. They made me feel heard and valued, and always went above and beyond to ensure that my legal needs were met.”

We are continuing to see a high level of demand for our services, particularly in domestic and family violence. This is not surprising given one in three women in Australia have experienced physical violence since the age of 15[1], and with 39% of people presenting as homeless also having experienced domestic family violence[2].

We walk alongside women and their children as they navigate the criminal justice system and gain protection through the courts. We also provide casework service with a focus on keeping women and children safe in their home and connected to their local community.

The support we receive reinforces the positive impact that our work is making. I'm pleased to share that funding has been extended for our Co-location Pilot Program and for our Financial Counselling Program.

I’d like to thank the community for your ongoing donations. Your support means that we can provide material aid to our clients, including supermarket vouchers, school supply backpacks and emergency accommodation. You will find a link at the bottom of the newsletter if you are able to donate at the end of the financial year.

Melanie Noden, CEO of Justice Support Centre

[1] Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). 2017. Personal Safety Survey, Australia, 2016 (ABS cat. no. 4906.0). Canberra, ACT: ABS.
[2] Specialist Homelessness Services Annual Report 2021 2022

Successful Co-location Pilot secures ongoing funding

Justice Support Centre was proud to be one of just five centres chosen to participate in a Co-location Pilot. In the first six months our Fairfield site alone provided support to over 100 women who are victim survivors of domestic and family violence. This positive outcome has resulted in a decision by the Premier to further extend funding.

A dedicated Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS) worker presence is now ongoing at Fairfield Police station Monday to Friday. Their presence provides support and advocacy to women at the crucial moment when they attend the police station.

The collaborative nature of the pilot project has helped build a stronger working relationship between NSW Police and WDVCAS workers, which in turn has facilitated better outcomes. 

Family and Domestic Violence Leave now PAID

As of 1 February 2023, all employees of non-small businesses are now entitled to 10 days of paid domestic violence leave each year. For small businesses, paid family and domestic violence leave starts from 1 August 2023. This includes part-time and casual employees. A small business is one which employs less than 15 employees.

Employees can take paid leave if they need to do something to deal with the impact of family and domestic violence and it’s not practical for them to do so outside of their work hours. This is a timely reminder that Justice Support Centre’s legal team can provide employment advice about DV leave. Clients might have questions such as:

• I don’t want to disclose the details of the violence to my employer – what can I do?
• What kind of activities can I take the leave for? Can I take it for my counselling sessions?
• I’m a casual worker – what days can I take the leave?
• I experienced violence last year, but the Court hearing is later this year – can I take domestic violence leave on that day?

The best way to refer is through our online referral form or through WAS for those outside of our catchment area.

We also give advice about employment conditions and entitlements, unfair dismissal, underpayment of wages, discrimination, and general protections.  

Welcome to our newest Board Member, Nana Sylaprany

We are very pleased to announce Nana Sylaprany, Executive Director, Head of Business Monitoring and Controls, Financial Markets At Westpac Institutional Bank, as our newest member of the Justice Support Centre Board. Nana works as Executive Director, Head of Business Monitoring and Controls, Financial Markets with Westpac Institutional Bank, and will add to our Board's extensive background in risk and compliance. A warm welcome to Nana.

NAIDOC Week 2-9 July

The theme for 2023 National NAIDOC Week is “For Our Elders”. Elders play a vital and pertinent role in communities and families of First Nations Peoples. Elders are the foundation of cultural knowledge, the educators, and the leaders for generations still to come. Justice Support Centre acknowledges the traditional owners of the land and pays our respects to Elders past and present.

Donate today!

Everyone deserves to be safe. Everyone deserves support.

When you donate to Justice Support Centre, your funds go to services that support women and children experiencing domestic and family violence and people with legal problems in South West Sydney. 

This winter your donation will greatly support women and children with financial support for food, petrol, and accommodation. We appreciate your ongoing support.