This report presents findings from a study on the ways that Community Legal Centres (CLCs) in New South Wales (NSW) engage in disaster preparedness, the barriers they face, and the enablers that support effective engagement and preparedness. Through insights from legal professionals across NSW, the research highlights the challenges, opportunities, and systemic factors shaping disaster-related legal preparedness.
The study is part of a program of research that aims to understand the legal needs associated with natural disasters and the legal sectors’ capacity to respond to these needs.
Interviews with 21 people, from 13 different CLCs, revealed that fundamental disaster preparedness approaches such as trauma-informed practice and community engagement are also important in legal contexts. In addition, CLCs are uniquely placed as first responders to legal issues post-disaster and as proactive agents in disaster preparedness and community resilience building.
While funding constraints, workforce challenges, and community fatigue limit preparedness activities, there are clear opportunities for growth and system-wide improvements. By strengthening collaborative networks, securing long-term funding, and embedding preparedness into the legal sector’s business as usual, CLCs can enhance their capacity to support vulnerable communities before, during and after disasters.
