ABOUT THE JOONDALUP BRANCH

The Joondalup branch opened on the 3rd May 1999 and is entirely staffed by volunteers. Since it opened, it has steadily grown in the number of volunteers and the services it offers.

We are constantly looking for ways in which we can improve our service and also assessing the needs of the local community and ways in which we can best meet those needs.

 

GENERAL HISTORY OF THE BUREAU

The Citizens Advice Bureau originated in the United Kingdom, during World War II, its main purpose being to direct citizens to places of safety and unite families split up during the war. The focus has since changed to being that of an information and referral agency as is the case with the Bureau in Western Australia today.

In Western Australia, we present a network arrangement, with the Head Office in Perth. Currently there are ten branches situated in Albany, Armadale, Busselton, Esperance, Fremantle, Joondalup, Kwinana, Mandurah, Midland and Rockingham.

 

ABOUT THE BUREAU IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA

The Bureau was established in Western Australia on 19th March 1963, and has grown in Perth from its very humble beginnings in an office provided by the late Frank Boan within the Boans Department Store to the organisation it is today, with a busy switchboard of ten incoming lines.

In our head office there are approximately 65 volunteer staff and a paid staff comprising of the Chief Executive Officer, Office Manager, Mediation service Coordinator, Legal Service Coordinator (who is also our staff lawyer), and 4 paid staff.

 

INFORMATION SERVICE

We receive funding through the State Government Department for Community Development and Legal Aid, but operate as an independent, autonomous body providing a confidential, impartial information and referral service to any person or organisation. This service is available to all sectors of the community without discrimination or bias.

The Bureau is a non-profit, non-political, non-sectarian agency responding to issues as they arise. Primarily an information and referral centre, the Bureau collects and updates information on local and government services, clubs, organisations, resources, aids and benefits and other material as appropriate. We offer free assistance from experts who work on a sessional basis. This includes Tax Help (between July and October) - by appointment, and other types of assistance as required.

Sales of resource material, donations from clients and the generous support over the years from the Lotteries Commission have added to the function of the Bureau’s operation in Western Australia.

 

LEGAL SERVICE

Our legal advice service is largely self funded but does receive some funds from the Public Purposes Trust Fund through the Law Society of WA. Costs are met by a modest charge by way of a booking fee for each legal appointment.

 

MEDIATION

Mediation, or Alternative Dispute Resolution, is being seen by more and more people as an intelligent way to deal with their problems. It is cost effective in both emotional and financial terms and generally establishes effective ongoing communication. This is especially relevant and important when mediation takes place in family breakdown where there are children involved.

The CAB Mediation Service also provides an after hours service for those who cannot access it during business hours.

 

VOLUNTEERS

Each Branch has a voluntary staff comprising a Branch Co-ordinator, and a number of advisers who carry out a variety of tasks. They are supported and administered by a local Branch Committee, in accordance with the Constitution of the Bureau.

 

TRAINING

Training is an important part of tile operations of the Bureau. Volunteers arc required to attend a minimum number or training sessions per year to ensure that they arc always up to date and can provide accurate reformation to the community. In addition paid staff undergo training to assist them in the management of volunteer staff as well as to enhance their own areas of expertise.

 

THE FUTURE

The workload of the Bureau is constantly growing and reflects the changing needs of the community. Our aim is always to respond to the demands made upon us in a positive way.

As we are the provider of a range of information, we must always ensure that the information given is as accurate and up-to-date as possible. We constantly, monitor the needs of the community in order to provide tile services most requested and needed by the community in as professional and efficient a manner as possible.