Things between community members don’t always go smoothly. Often communication breaks down and it is difficult to resolve the issues that have developed. It is always best to try to resolve any disputes between community members by talking to them and seeing if you can reach a mutual agreement. You can write the other party a letter setting out the problem and suggest a possible resolution. If this does not work, an alternate is mediation. The Citizens Advice Bureau offers a low-cost Community Mediation Service where community members in a dispute can come together with accredited mediators to negotiate a fair and workable solution for everyone.
Resolve disputes through FREE mediation
Free mediation is only available if you are eligible.
Consider free-of-charge mediation as a way to resolve your disputes with the assistance of an independent mediator.
Submit an enquiry to Law Access WA, who will assess whether you are eligible for free mediation through our services.
Please note that eligibility does not guarantee free mediation as all parties involved must agree to participate for mediation to commence.
How does the process work?
Read the brochure provided below for further information on how to access free community mediation.
1. Submit an enquiry to Law Access WA
Visit the Law Access WA website and complete the online form.
2. Eligibility assessment
Law Access WA will assess your application to determine whether you are eligible for our free mediation services.
3. Referral to the CABWA
If eligible, Law Access WA will contact the other party or parties to invite them to participate. If everyone agrees, the matter will be referred to our mediation team at the CABWA.
4. Mediation arrangements
CABWA will coordinate the mediation process and make arrangements with all parties involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is mediation?
Mediation is an alternative way of resolving a dispute where the parties sit down together and, guided by mediators, negotiate a practical solution by consent to their issues. It gives everyone the opportunity to be heard, define issues, consider options, and settle on a solution that suits them. Mediation is guided by experienced and professionally and nationally accredited mediators. The mediators are impartial and don’t give any advice or make any decisions for the parties; they facilitate a conversation between the parties to assist them to focus on the best way forward.
If mediation ends in agreement, the result is an agreement by consent that is written in the parties own words.
How does mediation work?
Once the parties have agreed to mediation, the mediation coordinator will book a separate pre-mediation interview for each party. This is an opportunity for each party to discuss their issues confidentially. It’s also a good time to ask any questions or raise any issues you’re unsure about. The mediator will explain the mediation process so each party is fully prepared prior to the joint mediation session.
After the pre-mediation interview, the mediators will complete an assessment of suitability for mediation. If mediation proceeds, the mediation coordinator will book a joint mediation appointment for the parties to attend. The Citizens Advice Bureau uses a co-mediation model with two mediators to make sure the process is balanced and unbiased.
How much does community mediation cost?
A pre-mediation appointment costs $200 per party. A community mediation costs $250 per party, per session.
Some Local Governments have partnered with us so that you can have a limited number of free mediation sessions.
These are listed below, please contact us to discuss this further.
- City of Joondalup
- City of Kwinana
- City of Stirling
- City of Swan
- City of Vincent
Types of community disputes we can help with:
- Dividing Fences;
- Retaining Walls;
- Encroaching Roots & Branches;
- Disputes in Community Groups;
- Dog and Cat Ownership;
- Harassment; and
- Public Nuisance Dispute