Refugee Advice & Casework Services (RACS) provides free legal support to refugees and people seeking asylum. It is the only community legal centre of its kind in NSW. They assist people of all nationalities, religions, sexual and gender identities.

Parramatta Leagues Club has donated $10,000 to RACS, which will specifically assist refugee women and girls living in our community. These girls and women have experienced or fear sexual, family or domestic violence. The service takes place in a safe, women’s only space where a female lawyer and female interpreter will provide critical legal support, as well as refer women and their children to other support services if required.

A spokesperson from RACS stated, “Nazia* who is from Bangladesh, came to Australia with two young children as a dependent on her husband’s visa. He subjected her to domestic violence. In an incident earlier this year, he broke her arm and was arrested. Not knowing her immigration status, Nazia approached RACS, where a female lawyer explained her immigration options. RACS then assisted her application for a protection visa. Nazia can now concentrate on the wellbeing of her children and feel safe in the community, knowing that she has a lawyer to help keep herself and her children safe.”

Nazia added, “After what happened to me, I lost hope in people. The way RACS helped me, made me believe there are kind people again.”

We look forward to continue to see the development of this important organisation in our local community.

*name and country of origin changed to protect privacy.