A fast-growing population is increasing demand on the Suncoast Community Legal Service, SCLS President Noela L’Estrange told a recent fundraising event on the Sunshine Coast.
The Sunshine Coast legal fraternity raised $45,000 for the SCLS at its fifth annual fundraising wine dinner, hosted by Travis Schultz & Partners (TSP).
Noela L’Estrange spoke of the demands on the SCLS.
The former Queensland Law Society CEO told Thursday’s fundraiser that in its 41 years of service, the SCLS covered an area from Pine Rivers to Hervey Bay “which more than most people think of as the Sunshine Coast”.
“We are growing each year at eight per cent incoming, so we are one of the fastest growing regions in the whole of Queensland,” Noela said.
“So by the end of our current funding, we will be well over half a million people in the area.
“While we are very appreciative of the funding from state and commonwealth, obviously with that kind of growth in population over the next five years, this is growing demand for additional work.
“We currently have two full-time lawyers and two part-time lawyers; any additional work we have to fund from events like this (SCLS Wine Dinner hosted by Travis Schultz & Partners) and other events.
“We depend on you and the community generally to employ our community lawyer and that is critical to our ongoing work.”
She also revealed another interesting statistic to the large Bokarina audience that the median income in the service area is 20 per cent less than Brisbane but growing at twice the rate.
“The need for free legal advice and support is not diminishing,” Noela said. “Personally, I’d like to thank all our volunteers and supporters without whom we could not service the number of community members that we do.
“To date this year, current financial year, SCLS lawyers and volunteers have delivered around 1900 advices … that equates to about $950,000 of value given to members of the community.”
Noela said a recent PwC study found “this type of community investment delivers back to the community $2.10 for every dollar of investment”.
“That means that this service this year in the delivered legal service and support is valued at $2.09 million.
“Now that is a substantial contribution to making sure that people don’t fall through the cracks; that they have access to justice; that they can get the assistance to keep them out of accessing other services.”
SCLS President Noela L’Estrange at the fundraiser.
Photo: Natalie Gauld
SCLS CEO Marla Edwards said the truth was that “even when people show grit, determination and self-responsibility, they still need help”.
“And when things get serious, they need legal help. Help that is often far beyond their means to acquire. Lawyers do more pro-bono work than any other profession,” Marla said.
“That is something to be proud of. You help the disadvantaged; the voiceless; those who have lost their lottery of life. But if we pull focus, we know your contribution goes beyond the individual; it helps drive social change; it is active citizenry, it is part of the anecdote to inequity and that benefits all of us.
“Because regardless of the background of circumstance, we all want to live in a world where we can all walk the streets safely at night. That our daughters’ lives are not blighted by domestic violence and our elderly are not scammed or abused.
“Most importantly we know it is not someone’s else problem to solve. Suncoast Legal Community Service is part of the solution.”
Travis Schultz with SCLS patron the Honourable Roslyn
Atkinson AO and Noela L’Estrange.
TSP Managing Partner Travis Schultz said: “Nights like this make me very proud to be a part of the local profession. I’ve been working in this field since 1989, and it’s heartening to see what can be achieved when we come together to support an essential cause like SCLS.
“Over 100 local lawyers volunteer their time and expertise to the service, and they continue their support with events like this. A lot has changed during my career, but one thing that remains steadfast is this profession’s commitment to values and giving back.
“The funds raised annually help the service to keep serving the less fortunate in our neighbourhoods where we work and live. Thank you to everyone for your generous support.”
Since its inception in 2021 this event has raised more than $180,000 for SCLS.
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