New Sorry Business resource inspired by 'one Central Coast man's story'

A new bespoke resource will help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across NSW understand and navigate laws connected with Sorry Business. 

‘Sorry Business and the Law’ was developed by Legal Aid NSW in partnership with Central Coast Community Legal Centre. The resource, which features artwork from Anawain/Dunghutti artist Wayne Cook, outlines where to get help, who can make decisions when the person who passed away had a will and when they didn’t, how to register when someone has passed away and important things to think about. 

It also highlights the law around organising a funeral or ceremony, the administration of estates, coronial inquests and disputes and complaints.  

The resource was produced in partnership with members of the Aboriginal community on the NSW Central Coast and with the assistance of private law firms Ashurst, Perkins and Coie Gilbert and Tobin, and Sparke Helmore. 

Legal Aid NSW Senior Programs Coordinator Winnecke Baker said the idea for the resource came from Bobbi Murray, former Cooperative Legal Service Delivery Program Regional Coordinator at Central Coast CLC, and one man's story.  

According to Mrs Murray, the idea began through conversations with Aboriginal community members during community legal outreach activities on the Central Coast.  

"One story in particular highlighted the need for a practical resource. Community members shared the experience of a young Aboriginal man, barely 18 years old, who had been the primary carer for his mother. When she passed away from her struggle with cancer, he was left to navigate funeral arrangements, legal processes and administrative requirements while also dealing with the grief of losing his mum. Fortunately, he sought support from a respected local community member, and the community came together to help ensure his mother received the farewell she deserved,” Mrs Murray said.   

Mrs Murray said the man’s circumstances raised an important question: what happens when people do not know where to turn for help?  

“From that question, the concept for this project was born,” she said. “We hope that the resource will make it easier for other First Nations people who lose a loved one to navigate Sorry Business.” 

Ms Baker said the resource aimed to address a gap in accessible public information about the laws and administrative processes in NSW that intersect with Sorry Business. Legal Aid NSW hopes the resource will demystify and reduce some of the administrative tasks that follow someone’s passing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities. 

“A significant proportion of the topics covered were identified during consultation with the Aboriginal community on the Central Coast. This resource is designed to equip people with a roadmap through the legal issues associated with Sorry Business, during an extremely difficult period of grieving.” 

“The Sorry Business resource is a powerful example of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared purpose. What began as a community-led initiative has taken many years of dedication, collaboration and care to bring to life, and we are incredibly proud that the Central Coast Community Legal Centre has been part of this journey. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed along the way, particularly our local Darkinjung community members, including Karen Adams, Wayne Cooke, BJ Duncan, Danielle Captain-Webb, Simone Hudson and particularly Bobbi Murray. Their knowledge, generosity and commitment have helped shape a legal resource that will make a meaningful difference to people and families navigating the loss of a loved one” says Sym’mon Andrews, Executive Officer from the Central Coast CLC. 

The publication can be accessed via this link: Sorry Business and the law: A guide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 

Winnecke Baker and Bobbi Murray are available for interview.