ECU Tax Clinic Team Brings Vital Tax Assistance to Remote Communities in Broome and Fitzroy Crossing

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ECU Tax Clinic Team Brings Vital Tax Assistance to Remote Communities in Broome and Fitzroy Crossing

Thursday, 08 August 2024

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From July 28 to August 2, the ECU Tax Clinic Team embarked on a mission to provide essential tax assistance to the residents of remote communities. Supported by the Australian Tax Office and ECU School of Business and Law, this initiative was a testament to the power of collaboration and community support.

The visits to the remote communities were coordinated with the Broome Circle and the Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation. The ECU Tax Clinic team, comprising Associate Professors Joshua Aston and Prafula Pearce, Dr. Clare Tai, Ms. Dhvani Thakkar, Ms. Emma Riley, and students Ms Yangchen Dema and Mr Nehemiah Mageto, set up assistance points at the Broome Circle office and extended their services to remote communities including Bidyadanga, Ardyaloon, Lombadina, and Djarindjin. Bidyadanga, the largest remote Aboriginal community in Western Australia, was a key location where the team provided valuable services. As a gesture of gratitude, the Elders of the community engaged with our team and gave them a tour of the church and various recreational areas within the community.

Over the course of the trip, our team served approximately 186 taxpayers and lodged 268 tax returns, resulting in over $250,000 in tax refunds to the community. This substantial financial boost was met with heartfelt gratitude and appreciation from the community.

Associate Professor Joshua commented that “The ECU Tax Clinic's visit to Broome and Fitzroy Crossing is a shining example of how academic institutions, government bodies, and local organisations can collaborate to make a tangible difference in the lives of remote community members.”

“By providing tax assistance, the team not only helped individuals with their immediate financial needs but also empowered them with knowledge and resources for future financial well-being.” He said.

Associate Professor Prafula Pearce said that “Empowering regional communities through accessible tax assistance is at the heart of ECU Tax Clinic's mission. By providing about 170 hours of community service in Broome and Fitzroy Crossing, the ECU Tax Clinic Team managed to assist the vulnerable taxpayers, many of them were elderly, or visa holders who needed assistance with multiple years of outstanding tax returns.”

The ECU Tax Clinic Team looks forward to continuing their mission of service and support, building stronger and more resilient communities across Western Australia.

School of Business and Law