A Homeless Persons’ free legal advice clinic was officially launched in Bundaberg this week, offering face-to-face legal services and support.
Bundaberg Street Law’s Official Opening and Community Open Day was held at its premises in Electra Street, next to the Uniting Church.
Director and Principal Practising Solicitor Jo Leveritt said the free clinic served a sector of the community often overlooked.
“Bundaberg Street Law provide free, face-to-face legal services and support to those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Bundaberg,” Jo said.
“Our person-centred approach involves co-locating with wrap-around support services, ensuring that our clients receive holistic care and assistance”.
Those support services include Thread Together, a national charity that collects end-of-line brand new stock from fashion retailers around the country.
“Bundaberg Street Law’s clients can choose clothes, shoes and even bags from the new
stock, not only to wear to court, but then to keep,” Jo said.
Bundaberg Street Law Ltd was approved by the Queensland Law Society as an Independent Legal Practice on 1 July this year.
“This significant milestone marked a new chapter in our ability to serve the Bundaberg
community,” Jo said.
“It has only been made possible due to the invaluable support from the State Government
with seed funding provided under the Investing in Queensland Women (IIQW) grant program, which allowed us to pilot the Bundaberg Street Law program; and funding received under the Keeping Women Safe (KWS) grant program, which has been crucial in our continued growth and development”.
Bundaberg Street Law began as a pilot initiative in January 2022, offering pro bono legal
outreach clinics for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, with a priority focus on
women who are victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.
“The initial six-month pilot was funded under the IIQW grant program,” Jo said.
“The pilot exceeded expectations, leading to our continued operation and expansion over the past two years.
“A major achievement made possible by the KWS grant is the establishment of our dedicated office under a lease, at 11 Electra St, co-located with Andy’s Place.
“This strategic location enhances our accessibility to clients and allows for better integration with other support services.”
The KWS grant funding has enhanced Bundaberg Street Law’s operational capacity and service delivery.
This crucial financial support has enabled Bundaberg Street Law to implement a client management system, significantly improving their ability to track cases, manage client information and measure their impact more effectively.
“The funding has also allowed us to strengthen our partnership with CQU Law Faculty, culminating in hosting our first student who completed their legal practicum placement with Street Law,” Jo said.
“We continue to engage local law students, fostering a pipeline of socially conscious legal professionals familiar with the unique challenges faced by our community.
“These advancements have significantly improved our ability to provide consistent, quality legal support to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in Bundaberg, while also building a
sustainable model for future growth and community impact”.
No appointment is required and walk-ins are welcome at Bundaberg Street Law’s clinics:
Andy’s Place (11 Electra Street)
Wednesdays: 5 pm – 6.30 pm
Angels Community Group (66 Targo St)
Thursdays: 9 am – 11 am
Anglican Soup Kitchen (Cnr Maryborough and Bourbong Streets)
First and third Thursdays: 11.30 am – 1 pm
Saturdays: 3.30 pm – 5 pm
Bundaberg Street Law’s premises were officially opened by State Member for Bundaberg, Tom Smith MP.
“As well as recognising Tom for his unwavering support, the Community Open Day was a wonderful opportunity for the community to learn more about our services and for us to acknowledge the support of the many groups and individuals who have made this achievement possible,” Jo said.
To find out more about Bundaberg Street Law’s services follow them on Facebook, email bundystreetlaw@protonmail.com, or visit a free clinic.
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