Catherine Lukic said she has gained immense confidence through her role at Sutherland Court.
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She is one of three people who spend their days in court volunteering to help people with intellectual disability navigate the legal and criminal justice system.
Over the past two years alone Sutherland Shire volunteers have clocked up over 100 days in court which equates to 650 hours of work.
Ms Lukic said the work had also helped her.
“This volunteering role has helped me to gain confidence I did not think I had; I am more assertive and knowledgeable now,’’ she said.
‘’Personally I feel relief when I have been able to support a person with an intellectual disability stay out of trouble.”
She is one of 130 volunteers across NSW who work with the Intellectual Disability Rights Service.
The organisation is a specialist legal and advocacy service working with people with intellectual disability throughout NSW.
The volunteers’ ensure people with disability show up at court, receive legal assistance and understand what is going on at court.
As part of National Volunteering Week, Catherine and the other Sydney based volunteers were recognised during a morning tea on Friday.
She said she was motivated to continue her work.
“I genuinely care about people and I am passionate about being able to work on a 1 on 1 basis as it allows me to gain their trust, build a relationship and make a real difference.”
