- Disability Organisations
- Citizen Advocacy
- Legal Services
- Discrimination
- Health and Related
- Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
- Accommodation
Disability Organisations
Intellectual Disability Rights Service
2c 199 Regent Street, Redfern NSW 2016
Telephone (02) 9318 0144
Fax (02) 9318 2887
Web www.idrs.org.au
Council for Intellectual Disability (CID) NSW
Suite 1, 418A Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Telephone (02) 9211 1611 or 1800 424 065
Web www.nswcid.org.au
Hours 9am - 5pm. Co-ordinating and advocacy body. CID has a statewide information and referral service enabling access to a wide range of services for people with an intellectual disability.
Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care
General Enquiries
Level 13, 83 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Telephone (02) 9367 6811
Web www.dadhc.nsw.gov.au
DADHC is responsible for:
- Delivery of supports and services for older people, people with a disability and their carers in NSW.
- Administering the Home and Community Care (HACC) program, the Disability Services program and the Ageing program, including Seniors Card.
- Supporting people with an intellectual disability to develop their skills and abilities so they can be more independent within their community.
- Assisting frail aged people, younger people with a disability and their carers. Administering the Guardianship Tribunal and the Disability Council of NSW with both entities reporting directly to the Minister for Disability Services.
Disability Complaints Service
Ground Floor, 52 Pitt Street, Redfern NSW 2016
Telephone Hours 9am - 5pm (02) 9319 6549 or 1800 424 007
Web www.pwd.org.au/dcs.html
A free advocacy service to help and support people with disabilities who wish to make a complaint about their rights being infringed.
Disability Discrimination Legal Centre
Level 2, 52 Pitt Street, Redfern NSW 2016
Telephone (02) 9310 7722 or 1800 800 708
Web www.ddlcnsw.org.au
Legal advice and information about issues concerning disability discrimination.
People With Disability (PWD)
52 Pitt Street, Redfern NSW 2016
Telephone (02) 9319 6622 or 1800 422 015
Abuse and neglect hotline 1800 880 052
Web www.pwd.org.au
Peak Advocacy body for people with all types of disability. Operates abuse and neglect hotline and employment and advocacy complaint service.
Illawarra Disability Trust
100 Jardine Street, Fairymeadow NSW 2519
Telephone Hours 9am - 5pm (02) 4255 8000
Web www.illawarradisabilitytrust.com.au
Provides an information and referral service. Runs a self advocacy group and provides individual advocacy for cultural and linguistically diverse clients.
Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association
40 Albion Street, Harris Park NSW
Telephone (02) 9891 6400 or 1800 629 072
Web www.mdaa.org.au
Information and advocacy for people with intellectual disability from a range of cultural backgrounds
Family Advocacy
PO Box 502, Epping NSW 2121
Telephone (02) 9869 0866 or 1800 620 588
Web www.family-advocacy.com
Support and information for families to assist in advocating on behalf of people with intellectual disability.
Self Advocacy Sydney Inc.
Unit 4, 2a Newton Road, Blacktown NSW 2148
Telephone (02) 9622 3005
Web www.sainc.com.au
Teaches people with an intellectual disability to speak for themselves, understand their rights and make their own choices.
Disability Advocacy Service Hunter (DASH) Inc.
Suite 3, Level 1, 408 King Street, Newcastle West NSW 2302
Telephone (02) 4927 0111
Web www.dash.org.au
Individual advocacy, systemic advocacy and community education for all ages and disabilities in the Hunter.
Citizen Advocacy
Citizen Advocacy services operate throughout NSW; their role is to recruit volunteers to act as an advocate on behalf of someone with an intellectual disability
For your local Citizen Advocacy look in the white pages under 'Citizen Advocacy'
Legal Services
Guardianship Tribunal
2a Rowntree Street, Balmain NSW 2041
Telephone (02) 9555 8500 or 1800 463 928
Web www.gt.nsw.gov.au
Appoints guardians and financial managers for people 16 years and over who are unable to make decisions for themselves because of a disability. The Tribunal also has powers for the provision of medical and dental consent for people who are incapable of giving consent for themselves.
Disability Discrimination Legal Centre
Telephone (02) 9310 7722 or 1800 800 708
See Disability section
Legal Aid NSW
Law Access 1300 888 529
Legal Aid Hotline (for under 18's) 1800 101810
Web www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au
Legal Aid provides legal aid and other legal services to socially and economically disadvantaged people and promotes access to the justice system. Encourages the use of alternative dispute resolution and provides free legal advice and minor assistance in Sydney and 20 regional offices, numerous advice clinics located in various metropolitan and country centres and specialist services.
Legal Aid also administers funding for Community Legal Centres to provide legal representation and advice across NSW as well as Domestic Violence Court Assistance Schemes at many Local Courts.
Local Community Legal Centres
Community Legal Centres
(CLC) are located throughout NSW. They offer free
legal advice, casework assistance and referral
information. For your closest community legal
centre
contact Community Legal Centre Secretariat
Telephone (02) 9318 2355 or go to CLC list
Web www.nswclc.org.au
Mental Health Advocacy Service
Level 4, 74-76 Burwood Road, Burwood NSW 2134
Telephone (02) 9745 4277
Web www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lac/lac.nsf/pages/mental_health_broch
The MHAS is a part of Legal Aid NSW. The service provides free legal advice and assistance about mental health law. They can also provide representation in matters before a magistrate or the Guardianship Tribunal.
NSW Ombudsman - Community Services Division
(previously Community Services Commission)
Level 24, 580 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Telephone (02) 9286 1000 or 1800 451 524
Web http://www.nswombudsman.nsw.gov.au/
Independent review body that investigates complaints about administrative decisions made by the Department of Ageing, Disability and Homecare and the Department of Community Services, as well as services funded by the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing and Minister for Disability Services.
Womens Domestic Violence Court Assistance Scheme
Telephone (02) 9698 7277
Web www.rlc.org.au/about/rlc_info/
33 court support schemes across NSW that assist women who are victims of domestic violence to use the justice system to protect them from further violence and abuse. Workers from the each scheme will: talk to women about their needs and options; ensure that women have legal representation in court if they want it; advocate for women to ensure that the Apprehended Violence Orders that are made are tailored to meet their needs; go with women to court and support them through the process; refer women to services which can assist them with their other needs.
Witness Assistance Services (WAS)
Telephone 02 9285 8646 or 1800 814 534
Web www.odpp.nsw.gov.au/was/victims-rights/yraavdoc.htm
Part of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) that provides a range of services to meet the needs of victims of crime and witnesses appearing in court matters prosecuted by the DPP. WAS services cover information, referral, court preparation, court support, and after court.
LawAccess NSW
PO Box 620, Parramatta NSW 2124
Telephone 1300 888 529
Web www.lawaccess.nsw.gov.au
Free service providing a single point of access to legal and related assistance services in New South Wales. LawAccess provides legal information, referral and advice; develops and distributes legal information resources; and works with other legal assistance services in NSW to streamline the provision of services to our customers.
Law Society of New South Wales - Solicitor Referral Service
170 Phillip Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Telephone (02) 9926 0333
Web www.lawsocnsw.asn.au/index.asp
Service that helps members
of the public who can pay for legal services find a
private firm of solicitors or accredited specialists
in specific areas of law. Calls in the Sydney
metropolitan can be made to 9926 0300.
Calls outside the Sydney metropolitan area to 1800 422
713.
Emailcad@lawsocnsw.asn.au.
Those looking for an accredited specialist can call 1800 422 713 or use the "Find a Lawyer" facility on the Law Society's website www.lawsociety.com.au which can also help locate a legal practice, or a lawyer in the local area. This facility allows a person to search by region, town or suburb and by other criteria such as language skills.
Law Society of New South Wales - Community Referral Service Pro Bono Scheme
Telephone (02) 9926 0364
Web www.lawsocnsw.asn.au/index.asp
Service that coordinates referrals (approved within guidelines) of clients to law firms which are willing to provide legal assistance on a pro bono basis. Pro bono schemes operate means, needs and merit tests to ensure that the most deserving people and cases receive pro bono assistance. Generally pro bono assistance will only be granted to applicants who would otherwise be unable to meet the full costs of legal representation. The merit test relates to the reasonable prospects of a successful outcome in favour of the applicant.
Protective Commissioner
PO Box A235, Sydney South NSW 1232
Telephone 02 9265 3131
Web www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/opc.nsf/pages/index
Independent public official legally appointed to protect and administer the financial affairs and property of people unable to make financial decisions for themselves and where there is no other person suitable or able to assist. A wide range of legal, technical, financial, specialist disability and other services are provided by the Office of the Protective Commissioner, such as: protecting assets and legal rights; facilitating the buying and selling of a home; organising an adequate cash flow to pay bills; liaising with financial and legal institutions; managing a business; making investments.
Office of the Public Guardian
PO Box A231, Sydney South, NSW 1235
Telephone 02 9265 3184 or 1800 451 510 (toll
free)
Private Guardian Support Unit
Telephone 02 9265 1441 or 1800 451 510 (toll free)
Web www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/opg
Promotes the rights and interests of people with disabilities through the practice of guardianship, advocacy and education. The Guardianship Tribunal appoints the NSW Public Guardian as guardian of last resort and the Office is part of the Attorney General's Department.
The Private Guardian Support Unit provides support and information to people who have been appointed as a guardian by the Guardianship Tribunal or the Supreme Court.
Public Interest Advocacy Centre
Level 1, 46 - 48 York Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
Telephone 02 9299 7833
Web www.piac.asn.au
Independent, non-profit legal and policy centre. PIAC makes strategic interventions in public interest matters to foster a fair, just and democratic society and to empower citizens, consumers and communities. Demand for services often exceeds capacity and it is necessary for PIAC to be selective in targeting areas of work and matters undertaken. The matter must affect the general community or a group in the community. PIAC will give priority to matters involving significant harm and adversely affecting disadvantaged sectors of the community.
Homeless Person Legal Service
Level 1, 46 - 48 York Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
Telephone 02 9299 7833
Web www.piac.asn.au/legal/hpls.html
A project of the Public interest Advocacy Centre, the Homeless Person Legal Service links private lawyers with community welfare organisations and their clients in providing legal services to homeless people and people at risk of homelessness in New South Wales
Discrimination
Anti Discrimination Board
Level 17, 201 Elizabeth Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Telephone (02) 9268 5544 or toll free 1800 629 072
Web www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/adb.nsf/pages/index
Human Rights & Equal Opportunity Commission
GPO Box 5218, Sydney NSW 2001
Telephone (02) 9284 9600
Complaints Infoline 1300 656 419
Privacy Hotline 1300 363 992
Web www.hreoc.gov.au
Statutory body charged with the responsibilities for inquiring into alleged infringements under four anti-discrimination laws - the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, the Sex Discrimination Act 1984, Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Age Discrimination Act 2004 as well as inquiring into alleged infringements of human rights under the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986. Matters which can be investigated by the Commission include discrimination on the grounds of race, colour or ethnic origin, racial vilification , sex, sexual harassment, marital status, pregnancy, or disability.
Health & Related
Brain Injury
Association
17 Macquarie Road, Auburn
Telephone (02) 9749 5366 or 1800 802 840
Fax 02 9749 5608
Web www.biansw.org.au
The Brain Injury Association is for people who have an acquired brain injury. Usually a person who was not born with an intellectual disability.
FPA Health: Sexuality and Human
Rights Team
328-336 liverpool Road, Ashfield NSW 2131
Telephone (02) 9716 6099
Web www.fpahealth.org.au
Advice, training and information on sexuality issues for people with intellectual disability.
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Sexual Assault Services
Web http://www1.health.nsw.gov.au/services/
Contact nearest hospital or Community Health Service. Sexual Assault Services provide medical services and counseling. 24 Hour service is available at some centers.
Rape Crisis Centre NSW
PO Box 555, Drummoyne, NSW 2047
Telephone (02) 9819 7357
Counselling (02) 9819 6565 (24 hours, 7 days)
Web www.nswrapecrisis.com.au
State-wide 24 hour telephone crisis, support and referral service for women who have experienced sexual violence.
Department of Community Services (DOCS) Domestic Violence Service
Telephone 1800 656 463 (24
hours, 7 days)
Web www.community.nsw.gov.au/html/child_protect/DV_line.htm
24 hour, 7 days per week telephone service for people affected by domestic violence. The trained, all female staff provide telephone counseling, information and referrals for people affected by domestic violence, including referral to emergency and longer term accommodation. Telephone interpreters are used to assist callers when needed.
Womens Domestic Violence Court
Assistance Scheme
Telephone (02) 9698 7277
See Legal Services
After Hours Family Crisis
Service
PO Box 493, Blacktown NSW 2148
Telephone 02 9622 0522 (6 pm - 11 pm Mon-Fri;
10am-11pm weekends & public holidays)
Phone counselling and assistance in finding immediate
safety.
Accommodation
Homeless Persons
Information Centre
Telephone 02 9265 9087 or 02 9265 9081
Telephone information and referral service for those in the community who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, and the services that may assist homeless people. HPIC provides professional assessments and referrals for clients seeking accommodation and support services within NSW. HPIC can make referrals for individuals, couples and family groups over 18 years of age.
Homeless Person Legal
Service
Telephone 02 9299 7833
See Legal Services
Home Care Service of NSW
Department of Ageing Disability & Home Care
Level 5, 83 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Telephone (02) 8270 2000
Service provided by the Department of Ageing Disability that caters for frail aged, younger people with disabilities or others who are unable to live in their own homes without some assistance.
Tenants Union of NSW
(TU)
68 Bettington Street, Millers Point NSW 2000
Telephone (02) 9247 3813
Tenants Hotline 9251 6590
Web www.tenants.org.au
The Tenants' Union is the peak organisation for the Tenants Advice and Advocacy Program (TAAP), a network of tenancy services throughout NSW. (Phone the TU for your local service or use the search function on their website). These services provide tenancy advice and will advocate on behalf of a tenant at the Consumer Trader and Tenancy Tribunal (CTTT) formerly the Residential Tenancy Tribunal. The TAAP network includes specialist services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, aged tenants and Caravan Park Tenants. The TAAP services also provide assistance to Boarders and Lodgers who do not have the same rights under the Residential Tenancies Act.