WHILE the Citizens Advice Bureau of Western Australia (CAB) is celebrating its 60th anniversary it also represents a 30-year milestone for its Midland branch.

The independent, not-for-profit organisation has been operating in WA since 1963, with a mission to connect people with information and services so they can make independent and informed decisions.

CAB operates a Perth office and nine branches across WA, including Midland, and the regional areas of Busselton and Bunbury.

With nearly 200 volunteers, CAB helps an average of 40,000 Western Australians each year across its information and referral, legal advice and mediation services.

CAB president, Sandra Brown, said their sought-after services included an information and referral service, where the public can call on subjects ranging from neighbourhood disputes, restraining orders, family and property matters, as well as mediation and legal services and criminal injuries compensation.

The Midland branch of the bureau was established in September 1993 and was initially accommodated in the Midland Town Hall talkie tea rooms.

Over the past 30 years, the dedicated and trained volunteers at the branch have assisted with a wide range of enquiries and help community members with various legal matters.

“Our volunteers, who range in age from over 18 to people in their 80s, are drawn from university students to retirees and they fulfil a variety of roles within CAB including paralegal work, telephone information, front counter duties and many administration-based roles. Some of our volunteers are also looking to build skills that may assist with future work opportunities.

“In our 60th year we recently took the opportunity to recognise our dedicated Midland-based branch volunteers and also recognise their 30-year milestone,” said Sandra.

CAB’s Midland branch is located in the Tuckers Arcade Shop 6, 4 Old Great Northern Highway, Midland and is funded by the departments of Communities and Justice.

For further information contact 9271 2500.