TLA’s 30th Year celebrations kick off in Devonport

Our colleagues from the Burnie and Devonport offices gathered with private practitioners and supporters from the courts, local and state government, along with representatives of the Women’s Legal Service and the North West Community Legal Centre to celebrate the first of a series of events marking the three decades of serving Tasmanians since 1991.

TLA Chair Patrick Lunn congratulated TLA on “30 years of hard, critical, but very rewarding work contributing to a fairer, more just Tasmania, in which all Tasmanians are safe, respected and have their voices heard”.

“It is a privilege to be able to serve people in such circumstances, and I would like to thank everyone who contributes to that experience, and ensure that when those services are provided, they are provided with the respect and dignity, that our clients deserve,” he said.

The night also gave us a chance to recognise the years of service – decades, in some cases – and dedication from a handful of staff in the North West region.

“In recognising the people that help to deliver legal aid to our clients, tonight we would also like to recognise the critical role and dedication of our own staff in delivering legal aid for Tasmanians,” Chair Lunn said.

“Some of our staff have been supporting our clients since the commencement of TLA.”

It was also a opportunity to share the first iteration of a documentary covering TLA’s current and former staff, their experiences, and reflections on the work our firm has carried out in service of Tasmanians over the past three decades.

As the work is built upon, there is a need for further insights and materials to be documented and our history recorded.

Anyone who wants to share their experience or materials, please contact nicholas.mccallum@legalaid.tas.gov.au.

Don’t forget that nominations for the TLA Outstanding Staff Award close 16 April 2021. Get your nominations in to Leesa Glidden asap.