South Western Sydney Legal Centre

A community legal centre providing free legal advice in most areas of law, including employment, discrimination, tenancy, credit, domestic violence, victims' compensation and Social Security matters. The centre does not provide advice in commercial matters or conveyancing.

Please ring for an appointment to see one of the Centre's solicitors. Interpreters can be organised. Telephone advice on Tuesdays from 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm.

South West Sydney Legal Centre
(Monday to Friday 10.00 am to 4.00 pm)
30 Pirie Street Liverpool 2170
Phone: (02) 9601 7777
Fax: (02) 9601 7400

Legal Aid Commission of NSW

Provides free legal advice in most areas of law from a legal aid office. Legal representation is available subject to a means test and policy guidelines. Interpreters can be arranged.

323 Casltereagh St Sydney 2000
PO Box K847 Haymarket 1238
Phone: (02) 9219 5000
Fax: (02) 9219 5935
Website: www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au

Campbelltown Legal Aid
Level 4, 171-179 Queen St Campbelltown 2560
PO Box 1113 Campbelltown 2560
Phone: (02) 4628 2922
Fax: (02) 4628 1192

Legal Aid Youth Line
Freecall: 1800 101 810

Chamber Magistrate

Chamber magistrates are court officials with legal training who provide legal advice. They can assist people handling their own cases with technical matters such as taking out Apprehended Violence Orders or a summons to evict someone from the premises. This is a free service. Appointments may be necessary.

Camden Local Court
John Street Camden 2570
Phone: (02) 4655 8537
Fax: (02) 4655 2822

Campbelltown Local Court
Court House Railway Street Campbelltown 2560
PO Box 91 Campbelltown 2560
Phone: (02) 4629 9600
Fax: (02) 4629 9760

The Commonwealth Ombudsman

Office takes complaints against Commonwealth Government departments such as Centrelink, Taxation and the Child Support Agency from members of the community.

Level 7, North Wing, Sydney Central
477 Pitt St Sydney NSW 2000
GPO Box K825, Haymarket NSW 1240
Phone: (02) 9248 3000, or 1300 362 072
Fax: (02) 9211 4402
Email: ombudsman@ombudsman.gov.au
Website: www.comb.gov.au

The Public Trustee

The Public Trustee is a Government body that has many roles to play, mainly in the administration of wills. The Public Trustee can be appointed executor of wills, instead of family members/friends. The Public Trustee will give assistance in the drawing up of a will if they are named as executor.

The Public Trustee
112 Moore Street Liverpool 2170
Cnr Bathurst and Moore Sts Liverpool 2170
Phone: (02) 9602 1885
Fax: (02) 9602 6332
Website: www.pt.nsw.gov.au

Justices of the Peace

These organisations may be contacted when needing a Justice of the Peace.

Court House
Railway St Campbelltown NSW 2560
Phone: (02) 4629 9600

Campbelltown City Council
Cnr Queen and Broughton Sts Campbelltown NSW 2560
Phone: (02) 4645 4000
Fax: (02) 4645 5411

Campbelltown Police Station
61-65 Queen St Campbelltown NSW 2560
Phone: (02) 4620 1199, 24 hours, 7 days
Fax: (02) 4620 1153

Macarthur Migrant Resource Centre
Level 2, 101 Queen St, Campbelltown NSW 2560
Phone: (02) 4627 1188
Fax: (02) 4628 6068

Law Society of NSW Community Assistance Service

Free legal information and assistance over the phone. They can also provide referrals to public agencies or private law firms. Telephone staff are legally trained but are not solicitors. Recorded talks on various aspects of the law can be accessed over the phone.

170 Phillip St Sydney 2000
Freecall: 1800 357 300
Phone: (02) 9926 0300, or (02) 9926 0333
Fax: (02) 9231 5809
Website: www.lawsociety.com.au

Welfare Rights Centre

This is an advocacy service offering assistance and advice to people experiencing problems with social security, including help with appeals.

5b/414 Elizabeth St Surry Hills 2010
Phone: (02) 9211 5300
Freecall: 1800 226 028
TTY: (02) 9211 0238
Fax: (02) 9211 5268
Website: www.welfarerights.org.au

Community Justice Program

Trained mediators help resolve disputes as an alternative to courts. The service is free and confidential. Neighbourhood, family, workplace, community and interpersonal conflicts.

Community Justice Centre Bankstown 2200
Phone: (02) 9790 0656

Community Justice Centre
Campbelltown 2560
Phone: (02) 4629 9715

Level 2 Transport House, 1 Rawson St Wollongong 2500
Phone: (02) 4228 0433
Freecall: 1800 650 987
Fax: (02) 4226 3630
Website: www.cjc.nsw.gov.au

Campbelltown Legal Centre

Provides free legal advice, largely by telephone on a range of legal matters. Provides some further assistance for people on low incomes or social security payments with the following types of legal problems: consumer credit, domestic violence, child support, social security, immigration and discrimination. Community legal educational programs for community workers. Legal education also provided by request to local community groups and services, schools and TAFE.

Outreach: to Macarthur Migrant Resource Centre.
Phone: (02) 4627 1188
Macarthur Domestic Violence Court Assistance: Court assistance for women experiencing domestic violence.
Phone: (02) 4628 6170
Fax: (02) 4628 7322

Campbelltown Legal Centre
4 Broughton Street Campbelltown 2560
PO Box 798, Campbelltown NSW 2560
Phone: (02) 4628 2042
Fax: (02) 4620 0348 or 4628 0771
TTY: (02) 4620 0348
Email: campbelltown_nsw@fcl.asn.au

Victims of Crime Bureau

This is a free community service operating throughout NSW. This service is a joint venture between Sydney City Mission and the NSW Attorney Generals Department. A qualified counsellor/therapist is available for face to face counselling and referrals. There are support groups in the Sydney office. Also provided is 24 hour confidential telephone counselling, free legal advice and help with compensation claims.

As a victim of crime you have a right to have any questions you may have about police, court or compensation matters answered. For example, the police may give you information about your statement, whether action will be taken against the offender, what charges may be laid and when a court hearing is set. An information booklet is available from the Victim's Support Service.

If your case is being tried through the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions you have a right to access information through their Witness Assistance Service. Many victims of crime find legal requirements confusing and emotionally demanding. It is important that you receive the information and support you need and organisations that can help you are listed on this page.

The Sydney City Mission Victims Support Service offers 24 hour telephone counselling and referral service in conjunction with the Victims of Crime Bureau.

Victims of Crime Bureau
?Level 6, 299 Elizabeth St, Sydney NSW 2000
?Locked Bag A5010, Sydney South NSW 1235
Freecall: ?1800 633 063
Phone: ?(02) 9374 3000 or (02) 9374 3005 or (02) 9318 1000 (24 hour service)
Fax: ?(02) 9374 3020
Email: ?vcb@agd.nsw.gov.au
Website: ?www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/voc

Face to face counselling and information/support groups can be accessed by ringing
Phone: (02) 9217 1000 or 1800 819 816

Witness Assistance Service

Offers information and support in cases being tried by the Director of Public Prosecutions
Phone: (02) 9285 8945 during business hours
TTY: 1800 814 534

Domestic Violence Help Line

Confidential 24 hour counselling and advice line to support and counsel women experiencing domestic violence. Referrals include refuge, accommodation, legal services, police and long term counselling services.

Freecall: 1800 656 463
TTY: 1800 671 442

Victims Compensation Tribunal

People who have been victims of crime may be eligible to receive compensation.

Phone: (02) 9374 3111
Fax: (02) 9374 3120

The Aged Care Rights Service (TARS)

Is an independent, community based organisation providing advocacy and telephone advice for residents 55 years and over in supported accommodation such as retirement villages, serviced apartments, hostels, nursing homes, boarding houses etc. All legal services to residents are free and confidential.

505/64 Kippax St Surry Hills 2010
or Level 4, 418a Elizabeth St, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9281 3600
Fax (02) 9281 3672
Email: tars@magna.com.au or tars@tars.com.au

South Western Regional Tenants Association

Community organisation for Department of Housing tenants and applicants. Services include information about rights, advocacy and referral. Encourages tenants involvement in their community and suburb. Outreach at Airds and Ambarvale.

306-310 Macquarie St, Liverpool NSW 2170
PO Box 600 Liverpool BC 1871
45 Atkinson St Liverpool 2170
Phone: (02) 9821 1700
Fax: (02) 9821 1117

South West Sydney Tenants Advice Service

Provides free advice and advocacy for tenants on tenants rights/responsibilities to people renting in Liverpool, Fairfiels and the Macarhtur areas. Negotiates with landlords, real estate agents, and the Department of Housing.

PO Box 1042 Liverpool BC 2170
Phone: (02) 9601 6577
Freecall: 1800 631 993
TTY: (02) 9601 3835
Fax: (02) 9601 7400

South West Tenants Advice

Provide free tenancy information, advice and advocacy for tenants living in the Liverpool, Fairfield, Camden and Wollondilly local government areas. Outreach services and community education programs.

4 Broughton St, Campbelltown NSW 2560
PO Box 798, Campbelltown NSW 2560
Phone: (02) 4628 1678 or 1800 631 993
Fax: (02) 4628 0771
TTY: (02) 4620 0348

Tenants Union of NSW

68 Bettington St, Milsons Point NSW
Phone: (02) 9247 3813, or 1800 251 101

Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association of NSW
Tenancy and Housing Information Unit

An information and advocacy organisation for people receiving a pension or superannuation. Can give advice and assistance with problems regarding tenancy and landlords, getting repairs done, helping to understand terms of a lease and any problems with renting or owning a house, unit etc. Information also on pensions, health, medication, education and housing.

Level 3, 25 Cooper St Surrey Hills 2010
Phone: (02) 9281 3588
Freecall: 1800 451 488
Fax: (02) 9281 9716

Department of Consumer Affairs

Phone: (02) 9895 0111

Disability Complaints Service

Independent free advocacy service for people with a disability or those acting on their behalf. Complaints can be made about any service the person uses or about infringements of their rights.

Ground Floor, 52 Pitt St Redfern 2016
PO Box 666 Strawberry Hills 2012
Phone: (02) 9319 6549
TTY: (02) 9318 2138
Freecall: 1800 424 007
Fax: (02) 9318 1372

Mental Health Advocacy Service

The Mental Health Advocacy Service is part of the Legal Aid Commission of NSW. The service provides free telephone advice regarding mental health law.

Phone: (02) 9745 4277

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is the behaviour where one partner in an intimate relationship attempts to maintain power and control over the other partner. Domestic violence often continues after the relationship has ended. The behaviour is mainly perpetrated by men against women. The abusive partner tries various ways to have power and control the other. Over time the abuse bocomes more frquent and more severe. The abuse takes any forms and includes, but is not restricted to, physical violence, sexual violence, emotional abuse, threats, intimidation, financial abuse, and social isolation. Domestic violence affects the woman, her children, their family, their friends, their community and our society.

Effects on Children
Children may experience domestic violence as direct victims of physical and emotional abuse, as "indirect" victims of physical injury, or as victims of emotional and psychological trauma.

Domestic violence robs children of their sense of personal safety. Children face the psychological choice of whether to feel helpless or to identify with the aggressor. Aggression has been their dominant model of problem solving. They may become fearful and withdrawn. They often blame themselves for not intervening or preventing the attack. They may "switch off", or have difficulty concentrating at school. Children accompanying their mothers to shelters may experience problems. They may suffer from post traumatic stress. Parents may be less able to help them. Children may incorporate violent behaviour in their relationships as children and later as adults, resulting in an intergenerational cycle of violence.

The effects on individual children are reversible if early and effective intervention in the cycle of domestic violence occurs.

Contacts
Emergency: 000 or the Police
For counselling,
Narellan Community Health Centre: (02) 4640 3500
Tahmoor Community Health Centre: (02) 4683 6000
Campbelltown Community Health Centre: (02) 4629 2111
Domestic Violence Team (The Benevolent Society): (02) 4627 2792
Wollondilly Camden Family Support: (02) 4683 3474, or (02) 4683 3488
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
Sexual Assault Clinic Liverpool Hospital: (02) 9828 4844 or (02) 9828 3000 (ah)
For mediation,
Community Justice Centre: (02) 4629 9715 or 1800 650 987
Dept of Community Services Helpline: 13 2111
Domestic Violence Hotline: 1800 656 463
Domestic Violence Advocacy Service: (02) 9637 3741 or 1800 810 748
National Abuse Hotline for people with disabilities: 1800 880 052
Macarthur D.V. Court Assistance: (02) 4628 6170
NSW Rape Crisis Centre: (02) 9819 6565, or 1800 424 017
WILMA: (02) 4627 2955
Women's Legal Resource Centre: (02) 9747 7700 or 1800 801 501

Domestic Violence Advocacy Service

Free legal service for women on issues relating to domestic violence. Provides advice and advocates for women re: domestic violence. The service is confidential.

PO Box 206 Lidcombe 1825
Phone: (02) 9637 3741
Freecall: 1800 810 784
TTY: 1800 626 267 (for deaf and hearing impaired women)
Fax: (02) 9749 4433

Domestic Violence Mutual Support Group
Support and information for women survivors of domestic violence, free child care available.

c/o The Benevolent Society
PO Box 981 Campbelltown 2560
Contact Chris or Ziynet on (02) 4627 2792

Immigration Rights and Advice Centre

An independent, community legal centre specialising in immigration law, providing free legal advice and assistance to the financially disadvantaged.

Advice Line: (02) 9281 8355

Council on the Ageing (COTA) NSW

Acts as an information, advocacy and policy development organisation representing the needs and interests of older people. COTA NSW provides five major services to older Australians, their families, employers and service providers.

• Policy research, advocacy and development
• Information services by telephone, publications and website
• Membership services for seniors' organisations, service providers and individuals
• Community projects including Grandparenting and Grandfriends, OM:NI for older men, seniors computing, seniors citizens' clubs and centres, peer education
• Corporate Advisory Services including aged care programs

During its 45 year history, COTA (NSW)'s achievements include the founding of Meals on Wheels, Carers, Volunteering and Seniors Week in NSW.

The Seniors Information line can provide information on a wide range of topics and services specific to certain areas. They also provide a range of useful publications. This service is free of charge.

COTA NSW
Level 4, 280 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9286 3860
Freecall: 1800 449 102
Fax: (02) 9286 3864
Email: info@cotansw.com.au
Website: www.cotansw.com.au

Seniors Information Line

Phone: 13 12 44