ABORIGINAL LEGAL SERVICE OF WA LTD
MEDIA STATEMENT 12th August 2020
The Aboriginal Legal Service of WA Ltd (ALSWA) is thrilled to announce that Wadjuk/Balladong woman Monica Collard has been awarded the national 2019-2020 Trevor Christian Memorial Award (TCMA).
This esteemed annual award recognises the outstanding contribution of an individual Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services’ (female and male) employee and was initiated by the Attorney-General’s Department in 2008.
“Monica has worked as a lawyer with ALSWA since 2008 and is an extraordinary, hard-working woman who is a wonderful role model for family, community, colleagues and clients” said ALSWA CEO Dennis Eggington.
Working predominantly in Perth Children’s Court, Monica helps, supports and guides young people, many of whom are coping with homelessness, trauma, substance misuse, general welfare issues and FASD/cognitive issues.
“We are extremely proud of Monica, who is a highly regarded and valued member of our ALSWA family. Her motivation and dedication is second to none and her driving force is striving for a better future for our young people” said Mr. Eggington.
Monica is well known through her work in both the Perth court system and regional courts where she works in a relief capacity while lawyers are on leave. “Like all of our legal staff, Monica juggles a heavy caseload but remains focused upon expertly simplifying legal jargon and putting clients at ease through her connection with community and culture and the use of Nyoongar words.
Monica is indeed a worthy recipient of this award. She is a quiet achiever whose generosity in sharing knowledge with clients and colleagues is highly valued.
ALSWA congratulates Monica Collard and Harold Dewis, the 2019-2020 (male) TCMA recipient from the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA).
ALSWA also acknowledges the Federal Attorney General’s Department for their contributions since 2008 and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (NATSILS) for their involvement.
