Students at Wyndham Community and Education Centre (WCEC) are getting free legal advice, with an in-house lawyer setting up shop on campus.
WEstJustice introduced the School Lawyer Pilot Project at the Grange P-12 College last year in a bid to address hidden problems in the public school community. The pilot proved a success, so WEstJustice is implementing the same program at WCEC, with Gus Woodward as the centre’s lawyer.
WCEC chief executive Jennie Barrera said the program, launched two weeks ago, had already been well received by the centre’s students.
“It’s going great,” she said. “Gus has been engaging with kids and getting to know them.
“Kids can find themselves in all sorts of situations – this fabulous program has them in touch with someone they can trust to help.”
Ms Barrera said that as part of the program, Mr Woodward was also running information sessions for the students on a range of legal issues, including cyber-bullying, debt, mobile phone contracts and other issues, as well as being available to offer advice on personal cases students may be facing.
Mr Woodward, who will be based at the centre up to two days a week, said he is looking forward to working with the students.
“I have a passion for working with young people,” he said.
“I am extremely excited to work with students.
“I hope that they will enjoy having me around and feel comfortable coming to see me about any legal problems they might have.”
