Where learning meets care

Today, Anthony’s stutter is barely detectible. He occasionally pauses while speaking down the line from Hobart, but no more than anyone else who is focused on gathering their thoughts. At 40, decades of shame and self-loathing have been replaced by a hard-won confidence that he attributes to two fourth-year University of Newcastle Speech Pathology students. “I knew this was my last shot (to overcome his stutter), so I booked flights and an Airbnb and spent a week in Newcastle.”

Anthony travelled to Newcastle in January 2024 to attend the University’s Stuttering Clinic, one of five specialist speech pathology clinics available at no cost to people from across Australia.

When Sarah Breusch finished her law degree at The Australian National University, she saw her first “flesh and blood client” on her first day on the job. As the Director of the University of Newcastle’s Legal Centre, she now oversees five student-led clinics including Law on the Beach, a free legal advice clinic held at Merewether Surf Club each January and February. “It is so much better dealing with real clients than simulated situations,” says Sarah. “Students meet people where they’re at and see firsthand the impact of intergenerational trauma, family violence and homelessness.”

Student Keeley Cobcroft, 21, was nervous about interacting with clients for the first time, but after participating in Law on the Beach she gained more confidence. “I got to see how the law works in practice and not just in textbooks,” she says. The experience also opened her eyes to how overwhelming the legal system can be, especially for those living on the margins. “People said they could never have afforded to pay for a lawyer,” she says. “It really hits you in the heart.”

Students also complete placements with external law firms, but it can be difficult for busy professionals whose primary priority is servicing clients to spare the time required to provide meaningful supervision. “We have the time because we’re not juggling our own clients,” says Sarah.

Other services provided by the University include a free legal clinic at the inner-city Nuspace campus and an older persons clinic, which provides free legal advice and assistance to people aged 60 years and over and to Indigenous people aged 50 years and over. Last year, 541 people attended a Legal Centre, and 131 students gained vital professional experience.

Pensioner Clare Smith* sought free legal advice after her son died without leaving a will. “He had changed his name, which made the whole process that more difficult,” she says. “I found the students more than willing to listen and learn all they could from our meeting. I was impressed with them all. They saved my sanity.”

A key aspect of Legal Centre appointments is to help steer people in the right direction, so they aren’t overwhelmed. “We see ourselves as a triage service,” says Sarah. “Some people don’t know where to even start and we help them by guiding them to the right area. Of the 1000 clients we see, we take on approximately a third to do further legal work. In assessing whether to take them on, we look at need for those who can’t afford it, and it must present a learning opportunity for our students and be within our resources.”

Clare, who lives in Newcastle, believes there are others like her who aren’t aware of the variety of clinic services available through the University. “It’s a far more valuable service than the community realises.”

The twin goals of the clinics – to provide essential services to the community while supporting the professional development of students – are embedded across the University.

“We’re incredibly proud of our community clinics — they’re changing lives every day. By working hand-in-hand with the communities we serve, we’re not only delivering essential services but also creating transformative learning experiences for our students. It’s a powerful model of education in action – grounded in care, connection, and contribution”

- Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Belinda Tynan.

For Anthony, the UON Speech Pathology Clinic has been life changing. Since his Newcastle visit last year, he has moved to day work and can now spend more time with his two children. He no longer tells lies to avoid social events. His café order is also spot on. “I can speak without tension. I wish everyone with a stutter could experience the freedom I have now.”

* Name has been changed to respect confidentiality.