‘A milestone’: New Legal Aid office to open in Moree, recruitment drive launched

13 January 2025

People in the Moree region will have increased access to legal help with the establishment of a local Legal Aid NSW office.

Ahead of its opening in the first half of this year, a recruitment drive is underway to fill four positions at the new premises.

The new office will provide legal help, free advice to disadvantaged people in north western NSW about legal issues affecting them.

Almost 61 per cent of Legal Aid clients live in regional parts of NSW. Cost-of-living pressures are driving up demand for legal support, especially in areas where people are isolated, facing disadvantage and dealing with limited access to support services.

For many years, Legal Aid NSW has been providing services in Moree on a fly-in, fly-out basis – but locals will soon be able to seek help from a team of staff based at a dedicated office in the town.

‘Make a difference’: Recruitment drive commences

We are encouraging people to apply for four roles at the Moree office:

• a Solicitor in Charge who will oversee the operations of the office
• a criminal law solicitor
• an Office Manager who will run its administrative operations, and
• an Aboriginal Field Officer who will help First Nations communities.

The roles come with generous benefits including a remote-living allowance, a week of additional annual leave, and vehicle leasing assistance.

Quotes

Quotes from Moree man Jake Fing, a lawyer at Legal Aid:

“These jobs provide an exciting opportunity for people who want to make a significant difference in a regional area. As someone originally from Moree, I know how rewarding it is to deliver legal support in a country location and to be able to give back to help families in the community.

“The roles provide an opportunity to develop and build upon our strong community relationships and deal with a wide variety of interesting and stimulating legal issues.

“I always feel a strong sense of accomplishment knowing I can help individuals and families and give back to the Moree community. It is also a great spot for city people seeking a tree change that's combined with a very fulfilling job, and a strong community spirit.”

Quotes from Legal Aid acting CEO Rob Hoyles:

“The opening of our new office is a milestone for Legal Aid NSW and for the people of Moree. This is an area of significant demand which is why we are committed to ensuring locals have the same access to high quality legal services as those in metropolitan areas.

“We are excited to improve access to justice in northern NSW and we will work closely with other services in the region to support the Moree community.

“The positions we are hiring for are an outstanding opportunity for professionals to take the next step in their careers. The roles also provide generous salary components and the chance to live in a part of NSW with many lifestyle benefits.”

Media

Jake Fing is available for interview.

Media contact

Georgia Clark

Email: media@legalaid.nsw.gov.au
Phone: 0438 606 092

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