Business Details
36 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Free Legal Support for Women in Central Australia
Established in the early 1990s, Central Australian Womens Legal Service (CAWLS) was founded to address the critical need for free legal support for women, particularly victims of domestic violence. We provide holistic, culturally safe, and trauma-informed legal services across Central Australia and the Barkly Region, with offices in Alice Springs and Tennant Creek. Our team offers expert advice on domestic and family violence, housing, financial counselling, migration law, and family law, while advocating for systemic change through community legal education and law reform. Accredited under the Community Legal Centres Association National Accreditation Scheme, we collaborate with health and social services to ensure comprehensive client support.Funded by the Australian Government and Northern Territory agencies, we prioritise accessibility for remote communities and women facing barriers to justice. Our values of responsiveness, inclusivity, and accountability guide our commitment to empowering women and their children to live free from violence and with dignity. With over three decades of experience, we combine legal expertise with compassionate advocacy to navigate complex systems and achieve equitable outcomes.
Services
Domestic Violence Orders
Family Law Matters
Housing Disputes
Financial Counselling
Migration Law Advice
Criminal Law Support
Child Protection Cases
Community Legal Education
Health Justice Partnerships
Remote Outreach Services
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We provide free legal services specifically tailored for women's unique needs
- Our trauma-informed, culturally safe approach prioritises vulnerable clients
- Specialised expertise in domestic violence and remote community legal issues
- Accredited legal professionals with decades of regional experience
- Integrated health-justice partnerships for comprehensive client support
Associations and certifications
- Community Legal Centres Association National Accreditation Scheme
What people say
Life-changing support
Compassionate team
Effective legal help
Cultural sensitivity
Accessible service
Services
Domestic Violence Orders
We assist women in obtaining domestic violence orders through the court system. Our legal experts explain your rights, help prepare applications, and provide court representation. Services include emergency protection orders, ongoing legal support, and referrals to support agencies. Our trauma-informed approach ensures safety planning and cultural sensitivity for Aboriginal women and remote communities.
Family Law Matters
Specialised family law services covering child custody arrangements, property settlements, and parenting plans. We represent clients in local and supreme courts, prioritising child safety and equitable outcomes. Our lawyers work with health partners to address family violence intersections and provide culturally appropriate advice for Indigenous clients across Central Australia.
Housing Disputes
Legal assistance with rental issues including evictions, repair disputes, and security deposit recovery. We advocate for clients in Territory Housing matters, private rentals, and remote community housing. Services include dispute resolution, court representation, and liaison with housing authorities to ensure stable living conditions for vulnerable women and families.
Financial Counselling
Free financial counselling for women experiencing domestic violence or debt crises. Our accredited counsellor negotiates with creditors, develops debt management plans, and provides budgeting guidance. We address complex issues like utility arrears, Centrelink debts, and buy-now-pay-later schemes while maintaining strict confidentiality and non-judgmental support.
Community Legal Education
We deliver culturally appropriate legal education programs across Central Australia. Services include workshops on women's rights, school programs, and professional training for service providers. Our outreach teams conduct remote community sessions and produce accessible resources to improve legal literacy and prevent family violence through early intervention.
People
Jayne McAlister
Chair
Experienced legal professional with decades of advocacy for women's rights in Central Australia, leading strategic direction for CAWLS as Board Chair.
Sally Trigg
Treasurer
Financial expert ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability for CAWLS, with extensive experience in not-for-profit sector financial management.
Amanda Lambden
Senior Criminal Lawyer
25-year legal veteran specialising in criminal law, advocating for women's rights in Alice Springs courts with a focus on trauma-informed representation.
Tania Robinson
Financial Counsellor
Specialist DFV financial counsellor helping women resolve complex debt issues through creditor negotiations and personalised financial planning strategies.
Tania Collins
Senior Criminal Lawyer
Human rights advocate with quarter-century criminal law experience, focusing on defending women criminalised due to domestic violence trauma.
Questions
Is CAWLS legal advice really free?
Yes, we provide completely free legal services to all women in Central Australia and the Barkly Region, funded by government grants.
How do I get emergency legal help for domestic violence?
Call our free helpline 1800 684 055 immediately or contact 1800Respect (1800 737 732) for 24/7 crisis support and legal guidance.
Can you help with housing issues in remote communities?
Yes, our team specialises in remote area housing disputes, including out-station living arrangements and Territory Housing matters across regional NT.
Do you offer legal services for non-English speakers?
We provide interpreter services and culturally appropriate support for Aboriginal women and clients from diverse backgrounds across Central Australia.
Are your services confidential?
All consultations maintain strict confidentiality, with secure communication channels and privacy protections aligned with legal professional standards.
