Sussex Street Law Service

14/10/2026

Introduction to Restraining Orders & Family Law | Webinar

Join Julia one of our lawyers at Sussex Street for an online CLE exploring the intersection of family law and restraining orders, and how the Family Court deals with these issues.

Thursday, 12 November · 1.00pm - 2.00pm · Online via Zoom · 1 CPD Unit Substantive Law

The session will provide practitioners with an introduction to:

• The legal intersection between family law and restraining order jurisdictions
• How restraining order matters interact with parenting proceedings
• Working with respondents to Family Violence Restraining Orders (FVROs)
• The experience of those accused of violence in the Child Related Proceedings List when navigating complex parenting negotiations

Drawing on Sussex Street Community Law Service’s specialised work assisting respondents to FVROs in the Family and Magistrates Courts, Julia will provide insight into the practical challenges that can arise where these jurisdictions intersect.

Our work forms part of an early intervention model aimed at improving respondents’ understanding of court processes, supporting compliance with court orders and reducing the risk of further harm to victim-survivors.

A valuable session for practitioners working in family law and related areas.

Free for Law Society members.

Register via the Law Society of Western Australia through the link below:

Join Julia Polkinghorne, Sussex Street Community Law Service, as she provides an introduction to the intersection of family law and restraining orders and how the Family Court deals with such issues.

08/10/2026

Financial counselling can help you get out of the cycle of debt.

At Sussex Street, our financial counsellor can provide free, confidential support to people experiencing financial difficulty.

Our service assists with understanding your financial situation, managing debts, dealing with creditors and exploring options to improve your financial wellbeing.

You do not have to wait until things become overwhelming to seek support. Getting advice early can help you understand your options and take steps towards greater financial stability.

If you are experiencing financial difficulties, our financial counselling service may be able to help.*

Contact us at [email protected] or call (08) 6253 9500 extension 3.

*Subject to Conflict Checks and eligibility criteria

02/10/2026

On Wednesday Night we were pleased to be invited to and attend the Notre Dame Law Students’ Society Boutique & Non-Commercial Careers Fair.

It was a great opportunity to connect with Notre Dame law students and share more about the work we do at Sussex Street, including the range of career pathways available outside traditional commercial practice.

From direct client work and advocacy to community legal education, law reform and working alongside community services, there are many ways a legal career can contribute to access to justice.

Thank you to the Notre Dame Law Students’ Society for having us, and to everyone who stopped by to chat with our team!

18/09/2026

This is a job for lawyers who are sick of being lawyers.

What if you could practise law differently?

We’re looking for a lawyer to join our specialist Respondents Service, working with people who have used family violence and respondents to restraining orders.

This role is about more than practising law. It’s about asking questions, challenging assumptions and thinking about whether the systems we work in are actually helping people.

The role includes:

• Magistrates Court and Family Court duty lawyer services
• Shuttle mediations and negotiations
• Early intervention advice
• RESTORE and REACH
• Community legal education

We welcome applications from senior lawyers, junior lawyers and restricted practitioners. Experience is useful, but not essential. Training will be provided.

Fixed-term full-time until 30 June 2027, with the possibility of extension.

Applications close Thursday 8 October at 5pm.

Think this could be you? Apply via the now! - https://au.seek.com/job/94689511

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people who identify as LGBTIQ+ are strongly encouraged to apply.

16/09/2026

Last Call to Register!
Introduction to Restraining Orders | Webinar

Join Michael one of our lawyers at Sussex Street, for an online CLE providing an introduction to the law and practice of restraining orders, tailored for legal practitioners working across family, criminal and general legal practice.

Thursday, 17 September · 1.00pm - 2.00pm · Online via Zoom · 1 CPD Unit Substantive Law

Sussex Street provides specialised legal services to respondents to Family Violence Restraining Orders (FVROs) as part of an early intervention model focused on improving understanding of court processes, supporting compliance with court orders and reducing the risk of further harm to victim-survivors.

A valuable session for practitioners looking to build their understanding of restraining order matters and the broader context in which they arise.

Free for Law Society Members

Register via the Law Society of Western Australia, linked below.

Join Michael Cherry, Lawyer, Sussex Street Community Law Service, as he provides an introduction to the law and practice of restraining orders, tailored for legal practitioners working in family, criminal, or general legal practice.

14/09/2026

What we do Monday | Tenant Advocacy Service

Sussex Street provides Tenant Advocacy support to people within East Victoria Park and surrounds who are experiencing rental issues or housing insecurity.

Our Tenant Advocacy service might be able to assist with:
- Renting rights and responsibilities
- Disputes with landlords or property managers
- Rent increases, repairs, and bond issues
- Evictions and termination notices
- Department of Housing issues

We work alongside tenants to ensure they understand their rights, can navigate complex processes, and are supported to achieve fair and sustainable housing outcomes.

If you or someone you know may benefit from our services, visit our website or contact our team to find out if you're eligible for assistance.
Ph: (08) 6253 9500.
Email: [email protected]

Please Note: We cannot assist with finding housing or accommodation for people. We also cannot assist landlords. We do not provide tenants with legal advice.

*Services are subject to eligibility criteria such as catchment area and means testing as well as service capacity.

09/09/2026

Introduction to Restraining Orders | Webinar

Join Michael one of our lawyers at Sussex Street, for an online CLE providing an introduction to the law and practice of restraining orders, tailored for legal practitioners working across family, criminal and general legal practice.

The session will cover:
• Relevant legal frameworks and processes
• Mechanisms for early resolution
• Common procedural challenges in restraining order matters
• The intersection between civil protection orders and broader family and domestic violence issues

Sussex Street provides specialised legal services to respondents to Family Violence Restraining Orders (FVROs) as part of an early intervention model focused on improving understanding of court processes, supporting compliance with court orders and reducing the risk of further harm to victim-survivors.

A valuable session for practitioners looking to build their understanding of restraining order matters and the broader context in which they arise.

Free for Law Society Members

Register via the Law Society of Western Australia, linked below.

Join Michael Cherry, Lawyer, Sussex Street Community Law Service, as he provides an introduction to the law and practice of restraining orders, tailored for legal practitioners working in family, criminal, or general legal practice.

04/09/2026

📸 Flash Back Friday!

Back in 2007 we launched a money book providing advice and information for the community around budgeting and debt written by our financial counsellor.

Almost 20 years later we've done it again!

Sussex Street has launched our new spending diary Dollars and Sense providing important information for young adults as they launch into the world around budgeting. This diary is everyone's personal money sidekick! Small steps to help build better money habits.
(aka: how to take control of your money without the boring stuff)

If you think you or someone you know would benefit from this guide or wish to speak to a financial counsellor we might be able to help!
Ph: (08) 6253 9500
Email: [email protected]

31/08/2026

What We Do Monday | Family Law

Family law matters can be complex, particularly when children and parenting arrangements are involved and you might not know where to start.

Our Family Law Service provides free legal advice and assistance to help people understand their rights, responsibilities and options.

We can provide advice about:
• Parenting arrangements and disputes
• Children’s matters
• Family law processes and court proceedings
• Understanding your legal options and next steps

If you need help understanding your family law options, our team may be able to assist.

Ph: (08) 6253 9500 extension 3.
Email: [email protected]

Please note: Our Family Law Service does not currently provide advice about property or financial matters following separation.

*Services are subject to eligibility criteria such as catchment area and means testing as well as service capacity.

28/08/2026

Wear it Purple Day is here!

“Courage is not just expressed in big moments, but in everyday choices to live proudly and invite others into understanding, acceptance and celebration.”

This years theme - Colours of Courage, celebrates the many different forms of courage shown by LGBTQIA+SB young people, allies and communities every day. This theme celebrates the range of diversity of identity, experience and stories within Australia's youth and the LGBTQIA+SB community.

At Sussex Street we encourage everybody to be their most authentic selves and to know their rights! Listen to us speak on episode 4 of LegalAid WA's podcast - Know your Pride, Know your Rights, where we discuss intimate partner violence and how knowing your rights can protect yourself.

🎧 Listen here: https://tinyurl.com/LTWA5Ep4