We aim to:

To create a platform for those working within the broad sector of Family Law to come together to establish and maintain professional relationships.
To develop, maintain and share and resources.
To provide multi- disciplinary training and professional development opportunities.

Family Law Pathways Network - Vision & Structure

Family Law Pathways Network Sydney Purpose & Team

Our Structure

Family Law Pathways Network is a national network for professionals working with families who are separating, or have separated. It is funded by the Attorney-General’s Department and managed by a local steering committee which draws expertise across government, non-government and legal organisations.

The Network is the primary organisation bringing together all public, community and private service providers, including the Family Law Judiciary, Family Relationship Service providers, Therapists, Private Legal Practitioners and Mediators, Legal Aid NSW, services in the Family and Domestic Violence, ATSI, and mental health sectors, and Community Legal Centres.

A Project Officer is employed to coordinate the day to day operations of the Network.

Our Purpose

Central West NSW covers a large area of central NSW from Lithgow in the east, Dubbo in the west, Mudgee in the north and Cowra in the south. It is the purpose of the CNSW FLPN to create awareness of all the resources that are available within the region for those who are making their way through the family law system.

For family law practitioners this necessitates:

An awareness of all available post-separation services.

Access to family law specific professional development and Mandatory Continuing Legal Education opportunities.

An understanding referral process.

Keeping abreast of changes in the way services are provided.

Keeping up to date with current changes to family law, regional Family Court information and legal issues at a federal and local level.

For other service providers this necessitates:

An improved understanding of legal/court processes.

Understanding requirements of courts and lawyers.

Keeping up to date with changes in the substantive law.

Our Team

The Steering Committee members for 2021-22 are:

Name / Position

Organisation

Ruth Pilkinton, Co-Chair

Legal Aid NSW

Elke Pitkethley, Co-Chair

Uniting Counselling & Mediation

Helen Miedzinski, DeputyCo-Chair

Regional Law Society

Melissa Merritt, Deputy Co-Chair

Community Restorative Centre

Fred Bretthauer, Treasurer

Catholic Care, Diocese of Broken Bay

Rick Welsh

The Shed, Aboriginal Men’s Network, Aboriginal Family Law Pathways

Louise Elkington

Relationships Australia NSW

Julia Schwarz

Family Court of Australia/Federal Circuit Court of Australia

Jenny Kadwell

Catholic Care, Sydney

Natalie Sawtschek

Anglicare Parramatta

Gil Avenaim

Interrelate, Caringbah

Melanie Ward, Project Officer