Macquarie Legal Centre is a Community Legal Centre that provides legal information, referrals, legal advice and representation for low income earners living in the Western Sydney Region. Although we receive funding from the government through the Legal Aid Commission, we are a non-government organisation.

Macquarie Legal Centre is managed by a committee made up of members of the community. In addition to our permanent staff, we are assisted by volunteers who give of their time and skills.

Our History

Macquarie Legal Centre opened its doors on 26th September 1978 in a little office in Macquarie Street, Parramatta.The Centre was initially formed by a small group of lawyers, academics and law students who ran a small legal service at Macquarie University.

Our centre is still named in honour of our founder, but we are an independent organisation. Our first year of operation was funded from diverse sources such as a harbour cruise, chook raffles, street stalls and the sale of the Law Handbook, totalling $1341.00!

Present

Macquarie Legal Centre is committed to serving the community of Western Sydney. In response to the growing needs of our community, Macquarie Legal Centre has established, in addition to our core legal practice, the following services:

• Parramatta /Ryde Women's Domestic Violence Court Assistance Scheme

• Central West Contact Service

• Children's Court Assistance Scheme

• Youth Education Project.

Funding

Macquarie Legal Centre operates on the recurrent funding from the following bodies:

• Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department

• Legal Aid Commission of NSW

• Department of Community Services NSW

• NSW Attorney-General's Department

• Commonwealth Department of Family and Community Services

We have also received grants from:

• Holroyd City Council

• Parramatta City Council

• Law and Justice Foundation