Far North Coast Law Society representative, Guy Latham of Somerville Laundry Lomax Solicitors, talks with Wollongbar Public School captains Nic Alcorn, Chloe Hughes, Jack McCabe and Caylene Withers about Law Week

Primary school children come into contact with many aspects of our legal system, either directly or indirectly, and Law Week is a perfect opportunity for local solicitors to help children understand how the rules affect them. Rules of the road, divorce, crimes and neighbourhood disputes all touch upon the everyday lives of Australian children and their parents.

“By supporting teachers and students with school visits and excellent resource materials, we hope to make learning about the law more fun” Mr. Bill Grace said.
The Far North Coast Law Society will distribute a special book called “Why Should I?” to all primary schools in the area during Law Week 2010. This is supported by an online teacher’s resource and specifically developed lesson plans. The focus is on using humour and group exercises to encourage children to read about the law, understand it and research it further through their school library, the Internet or by asking their parents and teachers.

Mr. Bill Grace said “Many of our local solicitors will be visiting primary schools this week and talking directly to the children. We hope this will help them develop a positive attitude to the law.”

For a list of all Law Week events being held in NSW, see: www.lawweek.org.au

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The oldest Magistrate to serve in NSW, Magistrate Reimer was the first to take advantage of the change to the Magistrates retirement age from 65 to 72 – an amendment that Magistrate Reimer himself campaigned for in 2003.

Mr Reimer said “I had been campaigning for this amendment to occur, because it was considered to be discriminatory as all other State judges had a retiring age of 72 and the magistrates had to retire at 65. I was not the only person arguing for this, but perhaps because I was so persistent and vocal, some of my colleagues referred to the change in legislation as the “Reimer Amendment”.

From Left to right: Magistrate Wayne Evans, Magistrate Chris Bone, Magistrate Kim Pogson, Magistrate Annette Sinclair, Nicholas Reimer, Magistrate Robyn Denes, Magistrate Linden, Magistrate Dakin, Magistrate Col Elliot

At a dinner held last night in his honour, Mr Reimer said “Law has been part of my life for well over 50 years and I am still coming to terms with retirement. I have always loved the sea and look forward to spending more time on my boat fishing”.

Mr Reimer began his career as a magistrate in Sydney before coming to the Northern Rivers area 10 years ago. It has been estimated that he sat through approximately 12,000 hearings and adjudicated on 50,000 sentences during his career.

On the Lismore circuit Mr Reimer gained a lot of experience working with the Aboriginal community around Casino, which was able to use the “circle sentencing” option for offenders.

Hosted by the Far North Coast Law Society (FNCLS), around 100 local solicitors, court staff and official guests attended the dinner at Ballina’s Ramada Hotel & Suites to farewell Mr Reimer.

Far North Coast Law Society spokesperson Mr Jim Fuggle wished Nicholas Reimer all the best for the future.

Jim said “Nick is very well-respected by the local legal profession. He has impeccable legal principals, oozes common sense and has the ability to listen. Magistrate Nicholas Reimer was known as a fair and compassionate man and will be sorely missed in our local court.”

Nicholas Reimer at the dinner held in his honour by the Far North Coast Law Society

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Today, the issue of a boundary fence is often contentious between neighbours.

But surely, common sense and good communication will enable you to avoid a dispute? Not necessarily says Far North Coast Law Society President, Bill Grace. “Boundary fences are costly and can elicit strong emotions when they affect the view or sunlight into a neighbour’s yard. There are laws governing boundary fences and you should know your rights and responsibilities before you approach your neighbour.”

“ Adjoining owners are liable to contribute in equal proportions for fencing work and neighbours have an equal say in any changes to a boundary fence. “

“ Problems occur however, when one neighbour goes ahead and makes the decision to replace the fence and assumes the other neighbour will have to pay for half. The fact is that your neighbour is only responsible to pay 1⁄2 of the what is considered to be a standard dividing fence in the circumstances “ says Bill.

“So if you want something fancy, not only will you be footing the bill for the extra cost, you must get the neighbours consent on that particular building material first.”

Even if neighbours agree on the cost, style and location of a fence, the Far North Coast Law Society recommends that they record the agreement in writing.

Bill says “A serious dispute with your neighbour can not only be costly, it can make life very unpleasant. It is always better to contact your local solicitor and discuss your options with them before you let a dispute get out of control. It may seem like an insurmountable problem to you, but it is something we deal with regularly and can usually resolve straight away.”

And of course if neither of you want a boundary fence – you don’t have to have one!

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As you have recently reported, bullying in the schoolyard is only a fraction of a very large problem. This form of discrimination is increasingly prevalent in today’s workplaces. The ‘Beyond Bullying’ Association estimates that up to 2 million working Australians will encounter ‘bullying’ in some form in their workplace.

Local solicitors are seeing the victims first-hand. Adults suffering workplace related bullying experience feelings of degradation, low self-esteem, reduced productivity, depression, stress and anxiety. The isolation coupled with emotional and physical stress often leaves victims feeling they have no alternatives but to leave the offending environment, rather than further endure the humiliation being dealt upon them nine to five.

It is important that readers are aware that every Australian worker is protected by the relevant legislation…The Occupational Health and Safety Act specifically requires your employer provide a working environment that does not endanger your health or safety. Bullying focused on disability, race, sex or age is equally unlawful and strictly legislated by Anti-Discrimination Acts.

Have you been a victim of a Workplace Bullying? Find a local lawyer who can help you

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The partners of Piper Craig Henry Lawyers pride themselves on this philosophy and have a reputation in the community as a leader in the provision of legal services who provide experienced and personalised service.

Phone: 0755 36 2244

Peter will be open and frank with you, never condescending, and will stay away from legal jargon.

Phone: 1800 444 055

Aspect estimates that 1 in every 160 Australians has an autistic spectrum disorder and that early intervention can help develop a child’s potential. Jeanagh Condon of Aspect said that the donation will enable the charity to purchase critical resources such as an interactive whiteboard, outdoor equipment and sensory equipment for a dedicated program operated out of St Josephs, Alstonville.

Adam Gibbs from Somerville Laundry Lomax, representing the Far North Coast Law Society, presented the cheque to Aspect, congratulating the not-for-profit organisation on their vital work in the community

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If keeping your pet is an important consideration for you, it is very important to make these enquiries before you enter into a contract for sale or lease.

Whether you are intending to rent or purchase in a strata scheme, you may need to obtain prior written consent from the Owners Corporation in order to keep your pet in the scheme, depending upon the By-laws which apply.

Your local solicitor can assist with preparing the letter, making sure that you have told the Owners Corporation everything they need to know. In many cases, the Corporation must not unreasonably withhold its consent.

If the Owners Corporation thinks that you are keeping a pet in your Lot without consent, it may serve a notice on you, requiring you to comply with the relevant By-law regarding the keeping of pets. If you fail to comply with the notice, the Owners Corporation can apply for an order from the Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal for a fine of up to $550 to be paid.

Australians love their pets and in many Australian homes, family pets are important members of the household. To avoid any problems or maximise your chances of having the pet approved, simply contact your local solicitor or the Far North Coast Law Society on enquiry@farnorthcoastlawyers.com.au

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The issue of your pet’s welfare needs to be addressed in your will – clearly stating your wishes for the pet’s care and maintenance. This can include provisions such as

• Arranging for a friend to look after your pet
• A pre-arranged legacy program with an animal charity or trust

Many animal welfare groups, including both the NSW Animal Welfare League and the NSW RSPCA operate a “pet legacy program”. Under these programs a gift of money is made to the charity to either re-domicile your pet or place them in a purpose-run facility operated by the charities for pets whose primary carer is deceased or disabled.

Alternately, if no formal arrangements are made for the care of your pet, the decision is often left to professional executors who may choose to have the pet euthanised.

If you have not made a Will or your Will does not make clear provision for your pet, simply contact your local solicitor




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The Far North Coast Law Society (‘FNCLS’) has donated these funds together with a further $5,000 to the MNDA – a non profit organisation caring for families coping with Motor Neurone Disease.

Sean Radburn, FNCLS Treasurer announced that monies had been raised at the Society’s annual Law Ball, staged at the Ballina RSL recently. The charity donations were made possible by the profits of the Law Ball and generous donations from many attendees.

If you would like to learn more about how you can help with either of these fantastic causes, contact the Far North Coast Law Society for further information: enquiry@farnorthcoastlawyers.com.au




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