15/10/2026
"Justice is the first virtue of social institutions, as truth is of systems of thought."
For thirty-five years, Patsy Kellet has steadfastly defended that virtue.
And for each of those thirty-five years, Patsy has ensured people, regardless of their income, postcode, creed or colour have had access to justice and representation in her role as the Director of the Northern Community Legal Service.
Throughout that time, the Northern Community Service has helped thousands of disadvantaged and vulnerable South Australians in the Northern Suburbs, Gawler (and thanks to the advocacy of Tony Piccolo - Former Member for Light), the service has recently secured funding to take the service into the Mid-North.
I was a law student, having recently concluded work at the Adelaide Legal Outreach Centre when Tony and I sought to expand the NCLS into the Light Electorate in the early 2010s.
When I left the Light Electorate Office in 2014, the service was supported by Joel, who many may remember from his time in Tony’s Office, and someone I know exceptional well having spent many hours together at Adelaide University Law School.
The NCLS continued to do outreach in the Light Electorate Office until COVID hit but last year, Tony, Pasty and I resumed the partnership each Wednesday.
Last month, Pasty handed the director’s baton to Joel as the next chapter of the NCLS begins.
I wish Joel and service well.
And today, in Parliament, it was a pleasure see Patsy, Mr Piccolo, the NCLS Team in the Gallery as the Zoe Bettison MP, congratulated Patsy on her extraordinary 35 years of service and contribution to the community legal sector.
If you would like to contact the NCLS to discuss a matter you can do so at: https://northernlegal.org.au/contact-us
Which leaves only one thing to say…
Thank You, Patsy !
