Who We Are

Toongabbie Legal Centre Inc (TLC) was the idea and initiative of a solicitor, Susai Benjamin, resident of Toongabbie, who felt that the needs of the local communities in relation to their legal problems and their access to the legal system, could be addressed through such an organisation.

TLC’s focus is to help those who are unable to obtain free legal assistance and those who may not meet the criteria for obtaining NSW Legal Aid, or those who may otherwise have difficulty in accessing legal assistance.

After a lengthy process of community consultation the Toongabbie Legal Centre was established to meet this need. TLC commenced its operations on 13 October 2007. TLC provides a free legal service with the help of volunteers, who are solicitors, migration agents, social workers, law students, financial advisers and other professionals.

Initially, legal services were limited to Saturday mornings. However, due to demand, since 2 July 2009, services were expanded to include Thursday evenings as well. TLC not only provides quick legal advice, but also delivers community legal education (CLE). TLC has made presentations to a range of audiences and assisted them in understanding and appreciating the Australian and NSW legal systems.

TLC contributes towards legal reform, by writing to relevant government agencies suggesting changes to certain aspects of laws, policies and procedures, based on its experience in dealing with clients.

Where contradictions in policy and its implementation have come to our attention through our work with clients, we have written to the relevant government agencies asking them to consider changing certain requirements and policy. We expect that this area of our work might expand in the future.

TLC undertakes specific projects to explore, clarify or advance the functioning of the legal systems, as they affect members of our community.

TLC has a Patron, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley – Governor of NSW.