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Darwin Community Legal Service

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Darwin Community Legal Service

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DCLS provides free legal and advocacy services to the community and works to improve access to justi

Darwin Community Legal Service (DCLS) is a free, confidential service. We assist disadvantaged members of the community to protect their legal rights. We work towards a community where everyone has access to legal advice and support. We seek to challenge unjust laws and procedures, and to ensure that people are aware of their legal rights.

30/10/2026

Sexual harassment and the positive duty

Employers in the Northern Territory now have a positive duty.

That means the law does not just prohibit discrimination, s*xual harassment and victimisation after they happen. It requires organisations to take steps to eliminate them. Waiting for a complaint is not compliance.

If you have experienced s*xual harassment at work, you have options under both Territory and federal law, and you do not have to work out which one on your own.

Free and confidential. Call DCLS for assistance

29/10/2026

A great day at the Elders Path Forum yesterday! 💬

DCLS was proud to partner with Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory to bring Elders, speakers and service providers together to talk about aged care, the latest changes and what these mean for our communities.

Forums like this give Elders space to ask questions, share their experiences and raise concerns directly with service providers. They also help providers listen and understand what Elders need to access care that respects their rights, culture and choices.

Thank you to our partner AMSANT, all the speakers and service providers who shared their knowledge, and everyone who helped make the day happen.

Most of all, thank you to the Elders who joined us and spoke about what matters to them. Your voices must guide the services and support you receive.

28/10/2026

⚖️ Discrimination: know your rights in the NT

Did you know NT anti-discrimination laws protect you on grounds including your accommodation status and experiencing domestic violence?

The Northern Territory Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 also covers attributes such as race, age, disability, s*x, s*xual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, carer responsibilities and language, including sign language.

These protections apply in areas such as work, education, housing and accessing services.

🏠 Been knocked back for a rental because of your accommodation status or because you have experienced domestic violence? That may be unlawful discrimination.

If you think you have experienced discrimination, contact DCLS. We can help you understand your rights and options.

Our advice is free and confidential.

📞 1800 812 953
🌐 www.dcls.org.au

27/10/2026

💜 Carers need care and support too.

Australia’s first national survey of people living with dementia and their carers has revealed long waits for diagnosis and gaps in support. Many carers reported low wellbeing, loneliness and strained family relationships.

Behind these findings are people in our communities caring for a partner, parent, relative or friend. Their health and wellbeing matter too.

We can all look out for carers around us:

• Check in and ask how they are coping.
• Offer practical help, such as a meal, shopping or transport.
• Keep inviting them and the person they care for to social activities.
• Listen without judgement and respect their choices.

Carers also need accessible services, clear information and regular opportunities to take a break. Community kindness matters, and properly funded support matters too.

If you know a carer, make time to check in. If you are a carer, you deserve support too.

Read the ABC story:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-21/dementia-survey-long-wait-diagnoses/107167698

26/10/2026

ASSIST is a national social security helpline for community workers.

The ASSIST helpline provides information, guidance and referral support for social security issues, including payments, eligibility, applications, reviews, appeals and debts.

ASSIST helps community workers supporting people with social security issues.

Call between 10am - 4pm Monday to Friday 1800 379 604

https://buff.ly/d4AqG3s

25/10/2026

🏠 Ending a tenancy: how much notice must your landlord give?

Received a notice to vacate? Check your rights before you make plans.

For NT tenancies entered into from 2 January 2024, your landlord must give at least 60 days’ written notice when:

• Ending a periodic tenancy without a reason. • Ending a fixed-term tenancy at its expiry rather than renewing it.

Different rules can apply to older tenancies or where the landlord seeks to end the tenancy for another reason, such as a breach.

DCLS’s Tenants’ Advice Service can check your notice and explain your options. Our advice is free and confidential.

📞 1800 812 953 🌐 www.dcls.org.au

25/10/2026

🌈 It’s National Children’s Week!
📅 24 October to 1 November 2026

This week celebrates children, their achievements and their right to enjoy childhood.

This year’s theme reminds us:
“Children have the right to use their own language, celebrate their culture and practise their religion.”

Across the Northern Territory, children deserve to grow up safe, supported and connected to their family, culture and community.

At DCLS, our work across legal advice, tenancy support and advocacy helps people and families understand their rights, address problems and access support.

This Children’s Week, we encourage everyone to listen to children, respect their identities and include them in decisions that affect their lives.

Children’s rights are everyone’s responsibility.

📞 1800 812 953
🌐 www.dcls.org.au

23/10/2026

🎨 Our second Disability Rights on Show exhibition is here!

We’re proud to showcase the artwork our participants created during a six-week program exploring their rights and expressing their experiences through art.

Each artwork offers a chance to see what matters to the person who created it.

🖼️ Come along, enjoy the exhibition and celebrate our participants’ creativity.

📍 City of Palmerston Library
📅 16 October to 13 November 2026

Everyone is welcome. Please help us spread the word!

🌐 www.dcls.org.au

22/10/2026

🔒 Your aged care. Your privacy. Your rights.

If you receive government-funded aged care, at home or in an aged care home, you have the right to privacy and confidentiality.

This means your personal information must be handled securely and confidentially. You have a say in who it is shared with, and you have the right to access information about yourself.

Your provider should explain what information they collect, how they use it and when it may be shared, including where the law allows or requires this.

You also have the right to be treated with respect, make choices about your care and raise concerns without fear of being treated unfairly.

Concerned about your rights? DCLS aged care advocates can help you understand your rights and speak up about what matters to you. Support is free, confidential and independent.

📞 Call the Aged Care Advocacy Line on 1800 700 600.

📄 Read OPAN’s Statement of Rights factsheet:
https://opan.org.au/toolkit/statement-of-rights/

22/10/2026

🏠 Have your say on proposed changes to NT tenancy laws

The NT Government is seeking feedback on proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 1999, focusing on responses to anti-social behaviour and serious tenancy breaches in social housing.

If you live in public or community housing, your voice matters. We encourage tenants, families and community organisations to read the proposals and share their views.

Safe communities, fair processes and protecting people’s access to housing all matter. Your experience can help inform these changes.

📅 Consultation closes at close of business on Monday 9 November 2026.

You can send a quick note or upload a written submission through the Have Your Say website. You can also email [email protected].

👉 Read the proposals and have your say:
https://haveyoursay.nt.gov.au/proposed-amendments-to-the-residential-tenancies-act-1999

Address

Level 2, 25 Parap Road, Parap
Darwin, NT
0820

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 4pm
Tuesday	9am - 4pm
Wednesday	9am - 4pm
Thursday	9am - 4pm
Friday	9am - 4pm

Telephone

+61889821111

Website

http://www.dcls.org.au/

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