Darwin Community Legal Service

31/08/2026

What’s age got to do with it?

Join Darwin Community Legal Service and the Australian Human Rights Commission for a free, interactive workshop examining assumptions and stereotypes about ageing and older people.

Through group discussions and practical activities, you will:

• Explore your own attitudes and beliefs about age
• Learn how social and cultural factors shape views about ageing
• Challenge stereotypes about older people
• Build skills to support age-friendly communities

This workshop is ideal for people and organisations working with older people, and anyone who wants to help create an inclusive community.

📅 Friday, 9 October 2026
⏰ 9.30 am to 2.00 pm
📍 CDU Danala Campus, Level 4, Room 4.3
54 Cavenagh Street, Darwin City

Registration is free.

Register online: https://events.humanitix.com/wagtdwi

You can also scan the QR code on the flyer or call 1800 812 953.
Carers NT COTA NT Anti-Discrimination Commission - Northern Territory Jinson Anto Charls MLA Advocate Northern Territory Relationships Australia Northern Territory

30/08/2026

What advocacy issues brought people to DCLS this year?

The most common issues across our Disability Rights and Seniors Rights programs were:

♿ NDIS access, plans and decisions
🤝 Access to suitable supports and services
🚩 Problems with service providers
🏠 Housing and accommodation
👵 Aged care fees, services and delays
🛡️ Older person abuse, neglect and mistreatment

People often came to us after trying to resolve an issue themselves. Our advocates helped them understand their rights, raise concerns and work towards a fair outcome.

DCLS provides free and independent advocacy across the Northern Territory.

📞 Call (08) 8982 1111 or 1800 812 953

28/08/2026

27/08/2026

Have you heard about ASSIST, Australia's new national social security helpline for community workers?

If you're supporting someone with a social security issue, ASSIST can provide social security information, support and triage to help you understand available options and navigate the system.

Call 1800 379 604
Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm

Learn more at www.assisthelpline.org.au

27/08/2026

Wear It Purple: Where It Began, Why It Matters & the Impact Today 💜

Wear It Purple began in 2010, following a series of tragic stories that highlighted the devastating impact of bullying, discrimination and exclusion on LGBTQIA+SB young people.

Co-founded by Katherine Hudson and Scott Williams, what started as a grassroots movement grew from one powerful belief: every young person deserves to feel safe, supported and proud of who they are.

Today, ‘Wear It Purple’ has become a national movement supporting LGBTQIA+SB young people through Wear It Purple Day celebrations, resources, grants, programs, advocacy and partnerships that help create safer and more inclusive schools, workplaces, homes and communities.

While progress has been made, many young people still experience bullying, discrimination, exclusion and isolation. That is why visibility, belonging, representation and connection still matter.

Every year, thousands of schools, workplaces and organisations across Australia come together to celebrate inclusion, diversity and pride. Every action matters — whether it’s wearing purple, hosting an event, sharing resources, supporting a young person or making a donation.

When young people are supported to be themselves, they can thrive.

Let’s continue to stand beside LGBTQIA+SB young people and create communities where everyone knows you belong, you are valued, and you are not alone

More information: www.wearitpurple.org 💜

27/08/2026

🎨CALLING ALL ARTISTS!

Rights on Show is back and entries are NOW OPEN for 2026!

This year’s theme is:
SEE MY ABILITY
See beyond limits.
See the talent.
See the person.
See My Ability.

We’re inviting artists to explore human rights, inclusion, identity, equality, disability, resilience, belonging — or simply what it means to be seen for who you are.

Whether you’ve exhibited with us before or you’re joining us for the first time...
WE WANT TO SEE YOUR ART! 🎨

Got an idea? Start creating.
Got an artwork? Enter it.
Know an artist? Share it!

Visit our website for all you need to know:

   Darwin Community Legal ServiceRights on Show:Human Rights Art Awards & ExhibitionShowcasing an eclectic mix of artists and artwork with a diverse interpretation of human rights and the law in contrast with the Supreme Court of the NT.   It’s back! See My Ability “See beyond limits. See the...

25/08/2026

Your NDIS money is for you 💰

Not someone else.

The NT has seen serious concerns about providers pressuring people with disability to sign up, offering incentives and claiming money for supports that weren't delivered.

So:

🧐 Ask questions.

👂 Listen to your gut.

🛑 Don't let anyone rush you.

📞 Get advice if you're worried.

You don't have to cop it.

🗣️ DCLS provides free legal advice and advocacy for people with disability.

Worried about your NDIS supports? 📞 Call DCLS on (08) 8982 1111 or 1800 812 953 (free call)

♿🤝 Look out for your mates.

25/08/2026

After Hours Legal Clinic is cancel this afternoon - 25th August.

24/08/2026

⚠️ New NDIS laws ban kickbacks and inducements

From 27 August 2026, NDIS providers must not offer you money, gifts or other benefits to encourage you to:

• use their services
• stay with their services
• use more of your NDIS funding with them

Some incentives are prohibited in all cases. These include:

💵 Cash or cash-like products, such as gift cards
📱 Electronic devices
🍺 Alcohol
🚬 To***co products

Providers who break these laws may face fines or up to two years in prison.

Your provider should never pressure you to spend your plan, use more services or refer your friends or family in return for a benefit.

If a provider offers you something that does not feel right:

• do not agree or sign anything
• keep any messages or documents
• speak with someone you trust
• get independent advice

DCLS provides free legal advice and advocacy for people with disability.

📞 Call us on (08) 8982 1111 or 1800 812 953.

♿🤝 Look out for your mates. Know the signs. Protect your NDIS.

24/08/2026

What are NDIS support determinations?

Support determinations are one of the biggest changes under the new NDIS reforms.

A support determination will allow the Disability Minister to reduce funding for certain types of supports across the NDIS.

The Australian Government has indicated that it plans to reduce funding for:

🔹 Social, Civic and Community Participation supports by 50%

🔹 Capacity Building Daily Activities supports by 10%

Some essential supports will be protected, including:

✅ Personal care
✅ Disability-related health supports
✅ Transport
✅ Assistive technology
✅ Home modifications
✅ Specialist Disability Accommodation

Extra safeguards will apply to participants who need continuous 24-hour support. If a funding reduction puts these supports at risk, the participant can ask the NDIA to review their plan.

These changes are complex. We do not yet know exactly how they will affect individual plans or how they will work in the Northern Territory.

DCLS will continue to explain the reforms in plain language as more information becomes available.

If you are concerned about an NDIS decision or need help understanding your rights, contact DCLS.

📞 (08) 8982 1111
📞 1800 812 953 free call
🌐 www.dcls.org.au

♿ Know your rights. Ask questions. Get advice.