“We are excited that our crowdfunding appeal will enable a dedicated building to serve the growing legal needs of Western Sydney,” said Eidan Havas, principal of First Choice Legal.

In a message to prospective donors, former attorney-general Philip Ruddock — who is the chair of TLC’s crowdfunding appeal committee — wrote: “I am supporting the initiative of Toongabbie Legal Centre whose key objective is helping vulnerable, disadvantaged and marginalised persons with their legal problems, who cannot gain support from Legal Aid NSW.

“There are others who have exhausted their funds and the legal matter has not been resolved or those caught in legal problems and do not know what to do.

“TLC is hoping to receive recurring funds from the state and/or federal governments in the future. In the meantime, we have taken the challenge of raising funds to continue the free legal service and explore the feasibility to expand our services through having a building for TLC’s use. TLC’s active in initiating several community engagement programs to benefit the people of Western Sydney region.”

“My appeal to you is to use this opportunity in promoting your brand — goods and services — during TLC’s 15th Annual Community Fundraising Dinner and the launch of the Crowdfunding Appeal,” Mr Ruddock concluded.

TLC is run by a team of nearly 40 volunteers, including solicitors, barristers, migration agents, law students and other professionals, and has provided free legal services to vulnerable members of the community since 2007.

TLC receives no core funding either from the state or federal governments, instead raising funds through annual fundraising dinners, sale of raffle tickets, donations, local business support and legal firm sponsorships and, of course, continuing legal education seminars.

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The event will be held on Saturday, 26 November, at the Blacktown Leisure Centre.