The Albany Community Legal Centre Inc is an independent, non-profit organisation which is contracted by the Federal Government, to deliver community legal services in the Lower Great Southern regions of Western Australia. It is not part of Legal Aid and is independent of Government: its Management Committee is elected from members of our community. The Centre provides an informal first point of contact for people who may have little or no previous experience or knowledge of the legal system. Whilst anyone may contact the Centre for initial advice, ongoing service is restricted to low income and other disadvantaged groups and individuals. Staff travel regularly to Katanning and other outlying areas. ______________________ Legal Assistance Free information and legal advice is provided in family, criminal, civil matters, domestic violence, restraining orders, criminal injuries compensation and Wills. Limited representation and casework may be undertaken, but is means tested. Initial advice is free.  Disbursements and any document lodgment fees may be recouped. Community Legal Education Staff are available to conduct workshops and give talks to any group in the community on legal issues and legal rights and obligations.  To arrange a community legal education session, please contact the Centre on telephone (08) 9842 8566.    Law Reform Submissions and representations on law reform issues are undertaken on a needs basis.
Mediation Alternative Dispute Resolution is an informal and non-intimidating approach to problem solving in areas such as neighbourhood disputes and family issues.  This is an effective way of negotiating a settlement without costly Court appearances. In a mediation session, the mediator (a neutral person) assists the participants in reaching their own mutually acceptable settlement of the issues in dispute. Persons locked in argument with one another often feel powerless.  It seems as if important issues between them can only be decided by others - such as a Court of law. Mediation, however, allows participants to take responsibility for these decisions.  If offers a safe, supportive environment where a skilled mediator is able to have the participants talk through  the issues, express their needs and explore various options which may result in voluntary agreement. This is your own agreement, not one that has been decided for you. All participants MUST BE ready, willing and able to come to the table for a mediation to work. If you think mediation is applicable in your situation, telephone the Centre to arrange for a pre-mediation session.