Legal Assistance | Other Key Organisations | Article

WACOSS

WACOSS is a not-for-profit, member based organisation and the peak body for the social service sector in WA.

Since 1956, WACOSS has been developing and strengthening the non-government community services sector’s capacity to assist all Western Australians.

At the heart of its activities, lies the belief that the mark of a civilised community is the support and help it gives to those most in need.

WACOSS and its members are committed to a socially just and sustainable society for all West Australians. We share a vision of an inclusive, just and equitable society.

Website: https://wacoss.org.au/

Financial Counsellors Association of WA

The Financial Counsellors Association of WA has been established and incorporated since 1985 as the peak body for Financial Counsellors in Western Australia.

The purpose and function of FCAWA is to be the collective voice and forum for financial counsellors to express their views on systemic consumer related issues, which affect the community. FCAWA has ongoing input into government and non-government policies and practices. Also as the peak body, FCAWA represents its members and consumers through various committees at State and National levels and lobbies for change through submissions, training, CPD, national debt phone line and membership on industry action groups.

Financial Counsellors throughout Western Australia provide free, independent and confidential financial counselling services to members of the community experiencing financial hardship. Financial Counsellors provide information, options and support for individuals, families and consumer groups to explore, develop and implement strategies to overcome their financial situation.

Website: https://financialcounsellors.org/

Private Law Firms

Many law firms in Western Australia provide pro bono assistance to the legal assistance sector. This support means more disadvantaged West Australians are able to access justice.

Many centres also have a relationship with one or more law firms whereby the law firm provides a range of assistance to the centre. Such assistance can take the form of direct legal support, such as direct service delivery (i.e. delivering legal services to clients), provision of advice or assistance to the centre itself (usually in the form of governance, employment, or contract advice) as well as non legal support such as accounting/book-keeping; administrative support; governance/management; publications (e.g. design and printing); marketing and fundraising/sponsorship.