Before the Papers Arrive: Tyne McConnan on Trust, Community & Early Intervention

In this episode of Daa'ring Yarning, we sit down with Tyne McConnan, Principal Lawyer (Family and Child Safety) at SiS in Tasmania (SiSTas), to explore why early intervention and prevention are so critical in the legal sector. Tyne explains that the most effective legal support often happens before court dates are set or papers are served — reducing stress, minimising harm, and protecting families. Through genuine community engagement, SiSTas builds the trust needed for people to reach out early, before a crisis hits. In this episode, we discuss: ·       Why having a yarn with a lawyer early can change outcomes ·       How community presence builds trust and supports early intervention ·       Using lived experience to drive systemic change and specialist courts ·       Holistic support — including housing advocacy — to strengthen legal outcomes ·       A powerful story of a 7-year-old child who can now "sleep without being scared anymore" From advocating for safe housing to keeping mothers and babies together, SiSTas' work is about walking alongside community to create safety, stability, and lasting change.