Our family has put this fundraiser together on behalf of a mother who has spent the last 18 months trying to navigate ongoing legal proceedings largely on her own.

We have known her for many years and have watched her dedicate her life to helping others through her work in disability support. Every day she supports vulnerable people and helps them through difficult circumstances. What many people do not see is that while she has been helping everyone else, she has been carrying an enormous burden herself.

Over the past 18 months, she has done everything within her power to navigate the legal process the right way. She has sought legal advice, applied for Legal Aid twice, contacted support services, attended appointments, prepared documents herself and worked tirelessly to keep moving forward. Unfortunately, she has been unsuccessful in obtaining Legal Aid and has now reached a point where she simply cannot continue doing this alone.

This is not a fundraiser to start a legal battle. The legal proceedings have already been ongoing for a long time. What she needs is a fair opportunity to be properly represented.

Throughout this process, she has been self-represented while trying to navigate complex legal procedures that would challenge most people even with professional assistance. Every step forward seems to bring another hurdle, another document to respond to and another expense she cannot afford.

Legal proceedings can be incredibly difficult to navigate without representation. She has spent countless hours educating herself, preparing material and advocating for herself simply because she could not afford the legal assistance she desperately needed.

What has been hardest to witness is the personal impact this prolonged legal process has had on her and those closest to her.

The ongoing stress, uncertainty and financial pressure have affected every aspect of her life. Outside of work and essential appointments, she rarely goes anywhere. She worries constantly about making a mistake, saying the wrong thing or being misunderstood. The confident, social and outgoing person many of us knew years ago has become exhausted, anxious and overwhelmed by circumstances no one should have to face alone.

Sadly, her situation is not unique. Many people find themselves struggling against significant financial and legal challenges while navigating complex legal matters. Everyone deserves the opportunity to be properly represented and properly heard.

Despite everything she has faced, she continues to show up for work and continue helping others. She attends appointments, follows professional advice and does everything asked of her. She has not given up, even when many people probably would have.

The purpose of this fundraiser is simple. We are seeking to raise $4,000 to secure an upfront retainer for a lawyer. This funding would allow her to obtain professional legal representation and finally have someone who can properly assist with preparing documents, reviewing correspondence, organising information and guiding her through the legal process.

She is not seeking sympathy. She simply wants the opportunity to be properly represented after spending so long carrying this burden on her own.

If you are able to contribute, no matter how small the amount, it would be greatly appreciated. If you cannot donate but know of a lawyer, legal advocate, pro bono organisation or firm that offers payment plans, please share this fundraiser or reach out. She has already contacted numerous community legal services, but legal advice alone is no longer enough. She urgently needs legal representation.

Sometimes people spend so long being strong that others do not realise how much they are struggling. This is someone who has spent years helping other people. Right now, she is the one who needs help.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for any support you may be able to offer.