20 May 2023

This National Volunteer Week, Fitzroy Legal Service celebrates the incredible contribution of our 270-volunteer cohort and the instrumental role that they and their predecessors have played in forging community-justice these past 50 years. 

Managing an array of activity across the week, Volunteer Coordinator Jessica Ness said the contribution of FLS’ volunteers had been enormous and it was important to embrace National Volunteer Week as an opportunity to acknowledge that. 

“Our volunteers are invaluable when it comes to the skills and time that they impart with our team and clients, whether that’s turning up one night a week to provide legal advice through the Night Service, providing paralegal support or helping the service run with administration operations,” Jessica said.  

“When FLS first opened its doors in December 1972, it was run entirely by volunteers. To this day our volunteers are instrumental to delivering the free legal services and community-justice that we do. 

“It’s important that we capture moments like this to make sure that they know just how valued they are.”  

Jessica Ness, Volunteer Coordinator

Over the course of the week, Jessica ran daily raffle prizes to the value of over $1500, with donated prizes from local businesses Cinema Nova Carlton, Cyclebar Fitzroy, Hares & Hyenas St Kilda, Readings Carlton, Urban Climb Collingwood, Rainbow Hotel Fitzroy and The Standard Hotel Fitzroy. 

“We had book collections, cinema tickets, rock-climbing and dinner vouchers for the local pub,” Jessica adds. “The volunteers have loved receiving these gifts of acknowledgement and it’s a testament to the high esteem our local community has for their work.”

The week concluded with a Volunteer Event at The Standard Hotel with CEO Kristine Olaris joining with wide-ranging FLS team members to share their appreciation and thanks.  

FLS Volunteer Program has supported one of Australia’s longest standing community legal services in Australia, with its cohort including current Attorney General of Australia Mark Dreyfus, a former Victorian Premier and several members of the judiciary.  

Find out more on FLS Volunteer Program and how you can get involved.