Meet Holly Murphy. Solicitor at Wide Bay Burnett Community Legal Services 

Tell us a bit about yourself

My family and I moved to Hervey Bay in 2023 after having fallen in love with its natural beauty and incredible people. As a mother I enjoy spending most weekends exploring the beach and attending the many local events that are held each year, with our favourite being the Mary Poppins Festival in Maryborough. When I am not out and about with my family I am likely reading – I love to learn about new things and different perspectives. I am also a tragic Formula 1 fan and love to see our Aussie drivers taking podiums each season – my 2026 prediction OP81 for World Driver Champion!

What is a quick summary of your professional background?

I have spent most of my professional life working with NSW Department of Communities and Justice as a Circuit Court Registrar in the Northern Tablelands. From there I took the leap into law after having worked closely with Police and other Government Departments in assisting the most vulnerable in our communities. This drive to want to do more and understand the limitations to accessing legal systems stemmed from my early university days when I would volunteer with the PCYC on youth-focused programs. I have worked in Local Government with my first job since moving into the region being with Fraser Coast Regional Council as Manager of their Aquatic facilities. This was an enriching experience that kept me involved with community and challenged me into learning more about leadership and working as a part of a large front-line team. These lessons helped shape me into the professional that I am today.

What drew you to work with Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre?

I admire Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centres drive toward making true and lasting connections within our community. This really appeals to me, and I am excited to get to learn more about what amazing work the people who are the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre do for the Fraser Coast and being a part of that. There really is a focus on being involved, innovative and working on the ground with people and other areas of service rather than standing back and observing at arms-length.

How do you see your role making a difference in the lives of the community’s most vulnerable?

 It is important that all persons have access to legal advice and services for support. This is incredibly important as it not only provides greater efficiency within Courts and Tribunal processes but also highlights that there are other options to consider rather than costly litigation. I would like to think that anyone who seeks advice leaves with this understanding and feels that they have been heard, even if the answer is not what they were hoping for. 

What’s one thing you hope to see happen or change for our community?

One thing that I would like to see change would be how we work with the issue of homelessness in our community and open dialogue with other services, businesses, and Government Departments in addressing the underlying causes. I am aware that this is a sensitive issue and one that has many causes, but as we move toward an increasing demand for homes I feel there is a collective responsibility to turn our minds toward finding a solution. Every person has a basic right to safety and shelter, and I feel that in recent times we have forgotten this.