READY SET: Miller Street Law Principal Lawyer Rahel Clarke, Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett, Bundaberg Law Association Secretary Edwina Rowan and MRH Lawyers’ Partner Alex Pretorius are getting ready to pound the pavement in support of the inaugural Bargara Legal Walk.
Bundaberg lawyers and local identities will hit the Bargara foreshore tomorrow as part of a fundraiser to help ensure vulnerable community members have access to the legal system when they most need it.
Several Bundaberg and Bargara law firms will take part in the inaugural 2016 Bargara 5km Legal Walk, which will kick off at 7am on Tuesday at the Turtle Park and head towards Mon Repos.
An event spokesperson said the funds raised will assist Queensland Public Interest Law Clearing House continue to coordinate pro bono legal services to disadvantaged people in the community.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett, who will join the legal professionals on the walk, said local organisations such as Taylor Street Community Legal Centre and the Bundaberg Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service would benefit from the funds raised.
Mr Bennett said the fundraising efforts were important to remove the barriers to justice that reinforce poverty and exclusion.
“It’s important disadvantaged members of our community have access to justice, and services like Taylor Street help people who ordinarily can’t afford a private lawyer to access free legal advice and assistance,” he said.
“I commend our local legal profession for coming together to support vulnerable people in our community.”
Miller Street Law Principal lawyer Rahel Clarke did not hesitate to participate in the walk.
“Sadly, there seems to be quite a negative public perception out there about lawyers. This walk not only raises much-needed funds to support those who are disadvantaged in our communities, but it will hopefully serve to break down those barriers that exist,” Ms Clarke said.
“Lawyers are actually here to help, and many local lawyers volunteer for organisations such as Taylor Street Community Legal Centre, which is funded by the Queensland Public Interest Law Clearing Housing Incorporated.”
Registration for the walk is still open. Enter online at https://registration.everydayhero.com/ps/event/QueenslandLegalWalk2016/
Walkers will be treated to a complimentary breakfast and prizes will be awarded to the top fundraising