Law & Justice Foundation

Law & Justice Awards 09

Southern Women's Group Inc (SWG) members attended the 2009 Justice Awards held at Parliament House in Sydney Thursday 1st October.

SWG received the Law & Justice Foundation 2009 Law & Justice Volunteer Award. The award reflects 20 years of achievement. The group has recently republished 'Just a Piece a Paper? Making your AVO work for you', a comprehensive guide to all aspects of obtaining and maintaining an AVO. First issued in 2001 the guide is available on the internet and used by women's resource centres, court support groups and other agencies across the state. As well the Southern Women's Group has been responsible for such initiatives as establishment of a women's resource centre, women’s refuge, medium term housing scheme and domestic violence court advocacy service.

The Law & Justice Volunteer Award is presented to an individual or group who in a voluntary capacity demonstrates an outstanding commitment to improving access to justice, particularly for socially and economically disadvantaged people. This may have occurred in a range of activities over extended periods or in a single significant activity. Nominees must not be legal practitioners.

This award is sponsored by the NSW Bar Association as it is a voluntary association of practicing barristers.

The lawyer and author of 'Just a Piece of Paper? Making Your AVO Work for You' Maree Livermore was nominated and short listed for the Justice Medal - well done Maree.