The Wide Bay Burnett Community Legal Service – HBNC’s free legal advice and referral service – has welcomed a Queensland Government funding boost.

The funding, which will total $4.8 million over five years, will help shore up the service’s ability to provide legal services to the community’s most vulnerable.

Raymond Hill, HBNC’s Legal and Professional Service Manager, expressed his gratitude for the funding.

“We’re incredibly grateful for this funding, which ensures that our community’s most vulnerable people continue to have access to essential legal assistance,” Mr Hill said.

“Over the next five years, this support means stability for our service and the ability to meet growing demand.

“Access to justice shouldn’t depend on someone’s financial situation, and this funding helps us make sure that everyone gets the legal help they need.”

Hervey Bay State MP, David Lee, with HBNC's Legal and Professional Services Manager, Raymond Hill.

Hervey Bay State MP, David Lee, visited the Hervey Bay Community Centre to announce the funding and hear firsthand how it would benefit those in need.

Mr Lee, who has previously volunteered his services as a solicitor with WBBCLS, said the service was vital in a community facing a range of challenges.

“We acknowledge there are many in the community who are vulnerable and not able to access legal services,” Mr Lee said.

“This is a way of lowering the threshold to access quality legal advice for those who are facing hardship.

“That’s why I put my hand up as a volunteer in the legal centre a number of years ago and I was able to help provide that service.”

For more information about the Wide Bay Burnett Community Legal Service, visit www.wbbcls.com.au.