Gilbert + Tobin has assisted SydWest to merge with Participate Australia. This partnership will provide increased strengths and amplified ability for both organisations to deliver on their charitable purpose, along with the opportunity to better serve current and future clients of SydWest and Participate Australia.

SydWest Multicultural Services is a leading organisation for all cultural diversity issues, responding to community needs and opportunities. SydWest offers flexible and integrated service models across the life course of refugees and migrants, supporting the self-determination and empowerment of Western Sydney’s diverse communities.

Participate Australia is an organisation specialising in the provision of support services to people living with disability and their carers, bringing deep knowledge, skills, and expertise in disability services.

Charities + Social Sector Partner, Darren Fittler and Senior Lawyer, Elizabeth Lathlean, who led the process said: “We are proud to have worked with SydWest on this important transaction. The new relationship between SydWest and Participate Australia represents an important opportunity for each of these charities to leverage each other’s strengths and maximise their ability to serve the sector.”

Darren and Elizabeth were supported by lawyers Karla Dunbar and Malia Emberson-Lafoa'i, and specialists throughout the firm.

SydWest Chief Executive Officer, Elfa Moraitakis, said: “The team felt extremely supported by the firm. Darren and Elizabeth were easily accessible and responsive and understood well the challenges of the NFP sector and the limited resources available. If the future finds us facing a similar situation we know who to talk to!”

Gilbert + Tobin’s Charities + Social Sector group is a stand-out in the Australian market for its deep knowledge of, and experience in, the laws and circumstances unique to charities, not-for-profits and social impact organisations undergoing mergers, acquisitions and related restructuring activity. The team is recognised in the leading legal directories, including being recognised as Band 1 for Charities by Chambers Asia-Pacific 2023.