ATSILS

29/05/2026

Torres Strait Islander Flag Day! 💙💚🖤

ATSILS acknowledges the Traditional Owners and custodians of the Torres Strait. Today, and every day, we stand in solidarity with Torres Strait Islander peoples, celebrating an unbroken legacy of rich culture, identity, pride and leadership represented through the Torres Strait Islander Flag.

Designed in 1992 by the late Bernard Namok Senior of Thursday Island, the flag was formally acknowledged as an official “Flag of Australia” by the Australian Government in 1995. It stands as a powerful symbol of unity and connection to Country.

What the colors and symbols of the flag represent?

🟩 Green – Represents the land and its deep connection to the people.

🟦 Blue – Represents the surrounding seas that give life and sustenance.

⬛ Black – Represents the proud Torres Strait Islander people themselves.

⬜ White Dhari (Headdress) – A symbol of peace, leadership, and distinct cultural identity.

⭐ Five-pointed star – Represents the five major island groups (Western, Eastern, Central, Port Kennedy, and Northern) and pays tribute to seafaring ancestors and traditional navigation.

12/05/2026

Great to have Commissioner C’Zarke Maza attend the ATSILS Cairns office opening, marking an important milestone in expanding support services for pamleh and community.

ATSILS Cairns is located at 59 McLeod Street, Cairns 4870.

08/05/2026

Ingham in action! Last week, our Townsville office teamed up with ATSILS, Townsville Community Law, North Queensland Women's Legal Service, Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service, First Nations Women's Legal Service QLD and ADA Law to connect with locals, share information and strengthen community ties.

A big thank you to everyone who came along - it was a fantastic turnout! 👏

22/04/2026

Please join us at the Community Legal Services Expo at the Hinchinbrook Hub!

Location: Hinchinbrook Hub
52 McIlwraith Street, Ingham

Date & Time:
Wednesday 29th April 2026
11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Come on down for a cuppa and a chat with lawyers about what Townsville-based free legal services are available to the Ingham community.

We’ll be there along with our colleagues from:
ATSILS – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (Qld) Ltd
Legal Aid Queensland
Townsville Community Law
First Nations Women's Legal Services Qld
NQ Women's Legal Service
QIFVLS – Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service
ADA Law – Community Legal Service

20/04/2026

We’d love to see you at the Ingham Legal Services Expo. Join us for a cuppa and a chat about the Townsville-based legal services available to the Ingham community.

We’ll be there with our colleagues from:
ATSILS
Townsville Community Law
First Nations Women's Legal Services Qld Inc
North Queensland Women's Legal Service
Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service
ADA Law Community Legal Service.

Hope to see you there!

📅 Wednesday 29 April, 11 am to 1 pm
📍Hinchinbrook Hub, 52 McIlwraith Street, Ingham

15/04/2026

It has been 35 years since the Royal Commission, yet things have never been more dire. Our families are being torn apart by record-high imprisonment rates and the heartbreak of continued deaths in custody. It is devastating to see governments move away from reform and instead celebrate laws that trap our people in the justice system. We need more than just words—we need a genuine commitment to justice and safety for our community.

We are calling for a national emergency summit on youth justice, so that key decision makers in government can listen to the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal experts and leaders in a setting where community-controlled organisations lead the discussion.

You can add your support here: https://www.natsils.org.au/open-letter-pm/

Today marks 35 years since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody delivered its final report. The findings were clear. The 339 recommendations were practical. The warning was unmistakable: without action, lives would continue to be lost.

Yet three and a half decades later, First Peoples remain over represented in custody, deaths in custody have increased, and too many families are still grieving loved ones who should be alive today.

This anniversary is not just about remembrance — it is a call to action. Governments have had 35 years to implement the Royal Commission’s recommendations. Incremental reform and apologies are not enough.

Justice means accountability.
Justice means full implementation.
Justice means listening to First Nations communities and supporting self determined solutions.

We call on all governments to fully implement the Royal Commission’s recommendations, to be transparent about progress, and to work in genuine partnership with First Nations communities.

15/04/2026

Janelle only knew small pieces of her family history from her great-grandmother's written reflections. She shares her Link-Up (Qld) reunion experience with you here: www.link-upqld.org.au/reunion-janellemoro/

Link-Up (Qld) supports the healing journeys of Stolen Generations survivors and descendants. Our team of caseworkers, researchers and counsellors help you reunite with family, country and culture. Learn more: www.link-upqld.org.au

15/04/2026

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to keeping ourselves and our families safe. ⚖️✊🏾

At ATSILS, we know that understanding the law can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re creating Community Legal Education (CLE) resources specifically for our people—breaking things down so everyone knows exactly where they stand.

Our latest video focuses on "Police Wanding" (metal detector searches) in Queensland. Whether you're at a train station or out in a nightlife area (Clubs and Pubs), it’s important to know your rights and responsibilities.

What you need to know:
📍 Where it happens: High-traffic areas like transport hubs and safe night precincts.

✋ Your Rights: What the police can and can't do during a scan.

✅ Staying Safe: How to handle the situation calmly to avoid unnecessary trouble.

We want our Mob to feel empowered and informed. By knowing your rights, you’re not just protecting yourself—you’re looking out for the whole community.

Watch the video below and stay deadly:

08/04/2026

⚖️ ATSILS Civil Outreach Legal Clinics - Far North Queensland 2026

Our Civil Outreach Clinics are coming to Atherton, Mareeba, Malanda, Mt Garnett, Ravenshoe, Kuranda, Mossman, Cooktown and Hopevale throughout 2026.

Delivered by members of our Cairns Civil Law Team in partnership with local Community Justice Groups, these clinics provide community with free & more accessible legal advice and assistance in their communities.

Whether you’re dealing with a difficult landlord, unfair debt, workplace issues, or need help with a Will, come and see our team at one of the events listed below.

🛠️ What we can help with:
✅ Housing & Tenancy
✅ Debts & Payday Lending
✅ Employment Law & Workplace Rights
✅ Wills & Superannuation
✅ Blue Cards & Driver’s Licence Hardship
✅ Police Accountability & Discrimination

Even if your matter is about Family Law, Domestic Violence or Child Protection - come see us—we can provide the right referral pathway to ensure you get the help you need.

Don't wait until a small problem becomes a big one. Reach out to your local coordinator listed in the contact tile below to book an appointment!

08/04/2026