STATE GOVERNMENT GIVES $19,300 TO BOOST LEGAL SERVICES IN PINE RIVERS

The State Government has allocated $19,300 to the Pine Rivers Neighbourhood Centre to improve legal services, train support staff and recruit new volunteers.

Attorney-General and Member for Kurwongbah, Linda Lavarch, said the funding would ensure the centre, which operates the Pine Rivers Community Legal Service, continued to provide high-quality legal advice, referral and education services to residents.

“The Pine Rivers Community Legal Service handles a huge workload, providing legal advice to about 900 clients a year thanks to the hard work of staff, volunteers and students,” Mrs Lavarch said.

“This funding will allow centre staff to update their policies and procedures, ensuring appropriate guidelines and resources are available to allow volunteers to continue providing high-quality services.

“The grant will also allow the centre to develop training materials and embark on a recruitment drive to boost volunteer numbers.

“Finally, money will also be spent on updating information materials including display equipment and resources for clients, support staff and solicitors.”

The project is one of 44 initiatives worth a total of $1.49 million that have been funded this year from the interest generated by solicitors’ trust fund accounts.

Mrs Lavarch said this was one of many initiatives funded this year that would improve legal services for vulnerable citizens throughout the state.

“This year’s grants, which range from $1,400 to $155,000, have been allocated to organisations that are dedicated to helping some of the most vulnerable people in our community,” she said.

“It is important to protect the interests of vulnerable people and ensure that they have access to the same level of legal services as the general community, regardless of their location or situation.”

The grants are funded through theLegal Practitioner Interest on Trust Accounts Fund, which is administered by the Department of Justice and Attorney-General.

Media inquiries: Paul Holmes, Linda Lavarch’s office, 3239 6400 or 0407 378 796