With so many locals in trauma and needing legal help after the devastating floods, today’s announcement of funding for Northern Rivers Community Legal Centre (NRCLC) was welcomed by local lawyers – some who have also lost their homes.

Attorney General Mark Speakman came to Lismore to announce the $680,000 funding for the centre - to deliver critical legal services to locals recovering from the flood crisis.

“We know legal assistance is important - and lawyers here have been working tirelessly for clients - and are exhausted,” he said.

“They don’t have huge salaries, but have their clients’ interests at heart.

“We know recovery is a long road ahead and having legal professionals to help the most vulnerable in our communities is important.

“So many are impacted by homelessness and domestic violence and need help.

“Many people will require legal help to navigate insurance and property matters after NSW’s recent catastrophic weather events.”

Mr Speakman said the funding from the NSW Government is from the Commonwealth’s $5.45 million package for existing legal services providing advice to flood affected communities in NSW and Queensland.

NRCLC chair Jenny Nielson said the centre staff had been helping community, despite their own offices being impacted by the floods.

“The NRCLC office sustained extensive damage during the Lismore floods, with significant damage to premises and equipment destroyed,” she said.

“The money will help us to acquire a new office space to continue to work with community.”

NRCLC chair Jenny Nielson and NRCLC manager Nicole Jenkins with the Attorney general.

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the funds will enable several additional full-time staff to relieve NRCLC staff

“This funding will also cover the cost of a van so that NRCLC can provide legal services to wherever they are most needed across the Northern Rivers region.”

Executive Director of Community Legal Centres NSW, Tim Leach aid the NRCLC covers a large area, stretching all the way up to Tweed Heads.

“It’s important that the CLC is accessible to the entire community,” Mr Leach said. “This funding will enable Northern Rivers CLC to bring on support staff to assist its team.”

NRCLC manager Nicole Jenkins said in future - once the Disaster recovery centres in Lismore close – the legal centre staff will continue to get out into community and “we are here with you in the long term.