North Queensland Women’s Legal Service (NQWLS) has been a pillar of support for women in North and Far North Queensland for the past 25 years. Since its establishment in 1996, NQWLS has delivered over 125,000 legal services to women in the region. The organization is dedicated to providing legal advice and assistance primarily in areas such as family law, domestic and family violence, child protection, human rights, discrimination, and more. NQWLS believes in a holistic approach, offering not just legal services but also engaging in policy and law reform work to address systemic issues faced by women.
With offices in Townsville and Cairns, NQWLS serves women from Sarina in the south to the Torres Strait in the north and west to the Northern Territory border. The organization ensures accessibility by arranging interpreters for women from diverse linguistic backgrounds and those who are hearing impaired. NQWLS operates on the principle of ‘no wrong door,’ striving to provide women with information and referrals in any area of law they may require assistance with. The service is easily accessible through telephone contact, video conferences, and a free and confidential duty lawyer service at the Cairns and Townsville Magistrates Courts for domestic violence matters.
Managed by a dedicated Management Committee comprised of community members from Townsville and Cairns, NQWLS is a not-for-profit organization committed to social justice and women’s rights. The staff at NQWLS, including solicitors, administrative and client support staff, work tirelessly to provide high-quality legal services and community legal education resources. The organization’s Domestic Violence Legal Service offers specialized assistance to women at the highest risk of domestic and family violence, connecting them with a range of support services beyond legal advice, such as financial counseling, safety planning, and housing assistance.