Coffs Harbour, Nambucca and Bellingen local government areas were regions identified by the Cameron Review in 2018 as a gap in community legal centre services.

"With this increased state funding we will double our footprint on the Mid North Coast and cover three new local government areas: Nambucca Shire, Bellingen Shire and Coffs Harbour to south of Woolgoolga," said Catherine Peek Executive Officer of the Mid North Coast CLC.

Community legal centres are independent organisations that provide free legal services to people and communities, at times when that help is needed most - and particularly to people experiencing economic, cultural and social disadvantage.

"MNCCLC will provide civil legal advice, advocacy and education to empower individuals with knowledge of their rights and the ability to resolve their disputes. We will provide additional civil legal services to these regions including advice, information and education on credit or debt, employment, fines and traffic, car accidents, family and domestic violence, discrimination, police, victim's compensation, powers of attorney and government services," principal solicitor Jane Titterington said.

MNCCLC can provide free initial advice to all community members, however the service has a focus on providing further assistance to people experiencing financial hardship who may experience difficulties accessing the justice system. Legal help can be provided via phone or face to face and, in the near future, via outreach clinics.

While MNCCLC is unable to provide legal assistance on criminal or family law matters, tenancy or neighbourhood disputes, they have strong referral pathways and can connect community members with services that can assist in these areas.

To find out more come into the new office between 9am-5pm - Shop 6/13-15 Park Ave, Coffs Harbour, visit www.mncclc.org.au or call on 6580 2111.