NSW Department of Communities and Justice

Caring often starts with family. For Jo-Anne, it meant stepping up to raise her grandson Lachlan.  Like many people, Jo-Anne didn’t initially see herself as a carer. ‘I thought of myself simply as a grandmother. But looking back, I can see that I have always been in a caring role.’   Her message to other carers during National Carers Week is simple, ‘don’t underestimate what you do. Even if you think of yourself as ‘just a grandmother’ or ‘just a friend,’ if you’re providing ongoing support, you are a carer and support is out there for you.’  

Ever thought about becoming a Justice of the Peace? You don’t need a legal background, just a willingness to help. 🙌 Damien McCabe, a Senior Events Officer at DCJ, recently became a JP to make a practical and positive contribution to his community. JPs help by witnessing statutory declarations and affidavits, certifying copies of important documents and making legal processes more accessible. Damien described the process as straightforward and well-supported, giving him the confidence to step into the role. Damien took his Oath of Office at Paramatta Local Court on 29 September and has already witnessed his first stat dec. If you're 18 or older and want to give back, becoming a JP is a great way to start. You’ll be helping people with everyday tasks that really matter. 📄👏 Learn more: dcjnsw.info/Become_a_JP

Congratulations Sarah and Erica! Sarah, a DCJ out-of-home care university scholarship recipient, recently graduated from Western Sydney University with a Bachelor of Policing. 🎓👏 Erica was awarded her DCJ out-of-home care university scholarship earlier this year, and has begun her study journey at Charles Sturt University. 📖👏 These DCJ scholarships support young people with a care experience to pursue their university dreams and secure a brighter future. Erica’s caseworker Alyssa, from Woomera Aboriginal Corporation, knows just how life-changing the scholarship will be. “Erica is a very switched-on and smart young girl. She is so happy to be receiving this scholarship. I am so proud of everything she is doing for herself and her future.” Learn more about this and other education and training opportunities for those leaving care at: https://lnkd.in/g_5zFNFe Image 1 credit: Western Sydney University, 📷 Kyisoe Han.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Foundational Supports Survey for Children in NSW. The NSW Government wants to hear from: parents, carers, service providers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Consultations and webinars are happening across NSW until November 2025. This survey is your chance to shape how these supports should work. Share your thoughts on: - The vision and goals - What services are most helpful -Where and how you'd like to access them Tell us what you think by completing this survey: https://lnkd.in/gvnuH_Gg

We’re pleased to announce that Geoffrey Bellew SC has been appointed as an Acting Judge of the Industrial Court. Mr Bellew brings over 40 years of legal experience, including more than a decade as a Judge of the Supreme Court of NSW in the Common Law Division and as a sitting member of the Court of Criminal Appeal. Currently serving as Chair of the State Parole Authority, Mr Bellew was also appointed this year to lead a review into the operation of doli incapax in NSW, alongside former NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Jeffrey Loy. His legal career began in 1983 at the Sydney Office of the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions; he was admitted to the NSW Bar in 1991 and appointed Senior Counsel in 2006. Beyond the courtroom, Mr Bellew is an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Notre Dame in Sydney, a sessional lecturer in evidence at the Sydney University Law Extension Committee, and chairperson of both the NSW Racing Appeals Tribunal and the Judiciary Panel of the National Rugby League. He is also a published author and editor of legal texts on civil procedure and evidence. Mr Bellew’s appointment at the Industrial Court commenced on 13 October 2025 for a period of 12 months.

Youth Justice worker Sione is a role model for young people, leading with respect, authenticity and hope. 🌟 Every day, he supports young people to believe in themselves, rebuild trust, and create brighter futures. His compassion and commitment reflect what Youth Justice is all about, walking alongside young people as they grow and learn.

Get ready to celebrate the festive season as Goulburn, Grafton, and Port Macquarie host a stellar line-up of performers for the NSW Seniors Regional Christmas Concerts 2025. Enjoy performances by: - Renowned jazz vocalist Emma Pask - Former Hi-5 star Nathan Foley - Acclaimed musical theatre artist Silvie Paladino - Celebrated tenor Lorenzo Rositano The Christmas concerts dates and venues: Friday, 5 December 2025 Goulburn Performing Arts Centre 10.30am and 1.30pm Tuesday, 9 December 2025 Grafton Saraton Theatre 10.30am and 1.30pm Thursday, 11 December 2025 Port Macquarie Glasshouse Theatre 10am and 2pm Free tickets available from 10am, Tuesday 28 October 2025 Tickets go quickly, so don’t miss out and book - https://lnkd.in/g-WU-4dD Goulburn Mulwaree Council Port Macquarie Hastings Council Clarence Valley Council Glasshouse Port Macquarie

This National Carers Week, we’re celebrating the vital role of carers in our DCJ community. Caring for a family member or friend is one of the most important, and often invisible roles a person can take on. At DCJ, we recognise and support our staff who are carers through. In this video, hear from Executive Sponsor, Paul O’Reilly, and Chair of the DCJ Carers Network, Adam Worthington, as they share how DCJ Carers Network is helping to build a more connected, informed, and inclusive workplace for carers

The NSW Carer Advisory Council hosted a Symposium yesterday at Parliament House, recognising the incredible contributions of nearly one-million unpaid carers across our state. These carers, often family members or friends, provide essential support to loved ones living with disability, chronic or terminal illness, mental health challenges, or frailty. Among them are many DCJ staff, whose lived experiences enrich our community and our work. The event fostered meaningful dialogue between carers, government, service providers, and community leaders, strengthening our shared commitment to support and uplift those who care for others. If you are a carer, or think you might be, there are services available to help you. Visit dcjnsw.info/carers to access support services.

As part of Youth Justice Day, we’re proud to announce the winners of the Youth Justice NSW state-based awards: 🏅 Exceptional Practice, Individual Award – William “Billy” Bell 🏅 Exceptional Practice, Team Award – Pasifika, Campbelltown Youth Justice Community Office – Talalelei Mapesone and Samuel Lene These awards honour staff who go above and beyond to support young people, families and communities, demonstrating leadership, cultural strength and a deep commitment to positive change. Our winners will now represent NSW as official nominees in the Australasian Youth Justice Administrators (AYJA) Awards, where they will compete against nominees from all other jurisdictions across Australia and New Zealand.