The Aboriginal Legal Service of WA (ALSWA) will be supported with a $250,000 boost from the State Government.
The Aberdeen Street Perth office was destroyed in a fire in March this year, which severely damaged the ground floor, leaving heat and smoke damage throughout the rest of the building.
Deemed as unusable and inaccessible following the fire, the office’s laptops, printers, court robes, library materials, furniture and supplies were some of the items destroyed.
Attorney General and Member for Armadale Tony Buti said the funding would help allow for ASLWA to continue servicing the community.
“The Aboriginal Legal Service WA acted quickly to modify its operations following the fire, securing temporary office space and sourcing necessary equipment,” he said.
“However, this comes with immediate expenses and, as a not-for-profit, any cash reserve the Service may have has been already committed to frontline services and program delivery.
“Whilst insured, it will take some time for the ALSWA’s claim to be assessed and settled, so this payment will ensure critical services can continue in the interim.”
ASLWA delivers legal services to Indigenous Western Australians who have experienced disadvantages and vulnerability.
ALSWA chief executive officer Wayne Nannup said the Cook Labor Government funding will help ensure the Indigenous community of the greater Perth community are being supported.
“Our organisation has a history spanning over fifty years and our services are heavily relied upon across the State,” Mr Nannup said.
“Since the fire at our ALSWA head office in March, we’ve faced many challenges but have ensured that our service delivery continued for our clients and community members.
“We are pleased to have secured temporary alternative office space for our staff and are in the process of setting up client contact services, once again on Aberdeen Street, Perth.
“We’re extremely grateful for this act of grace payment and would like to thank everyone for their understanding and patience during these trying times.
Since the building was damaged, ALSWA has borrowed office space and court supplies from other organisations including Legal Aid WA, Department of Justice, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
