In 2019 RLC welcomed Maureen Randell as a dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Access Worker to our team.
This position plays a key role in supporting vulnerable clients on the frontline of our Health Justice Partnership, as well as facilitating service access for First Nations people across the organisation, working to ensure that all of RLC’s legal services are accessible and culturally safe.
RLC's access worker works year-round supporting clients and holding ‘truth-telling’ discussions to deepen relations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and communities, and attending key First Nations community events.
The Access Worker provides and reviews referrals to and from services that support First Nations people, as well as liaising with non-Indigenous service providers to ensure that access to justice issues are addressed.
This work extends out into the community through weekly attendance at RedLink’s Redfern Women’s Social Group and other events, where she provides information about RLC’s services, and networks with First Nations people and organisations that support them, including Aboriginal Medical Service, Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPA), and numerous public and private-sector agencies and NGOs.
The Access Worker also leads RLC’s engagement in recognising and celebrating significant Indigenous events such as NAIDOC Week and National Reconciliation Week, and contributes to Community Legal Centres NSW Quarterlies ‘Yarn Up’ sessions.
RLC's partnerships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations have resulted in some incredible work in increasing access to justice for First Nations communities. Under the guidance of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Access Worker, these partnerships are deepening, and the representation of Aboriginal people amongst our clients, staff and volunteers is increasing.
