North Queensland Women's Legal Service

North Queensland Women's Legal Service A not-for-profit, specialist Community Legal Centre for women living in the top half of Queensland. FREE SERVICE .wls

With offices in both Townsville and Cairns, we assist women from Sarina in the south, to the Torres Strait in the north and west to the Northern Territory border. Although we can provide information and referrals in any area of law, we provide advice and assistance in the areas of family law, domestic and family violence, migration, child protection, sexual assault, human rights and discrimination, and Victim Assist.

Where is the NQWLS team in September?To book in with a lawyer at any of our free face-to-face legal appointments, call o...
27/08/2026

Where is the NQWLS team in September?

To book in with a lawyer at any of our free face-to-face legal appointments, call our welcome team on 1800 244 504.

You don’t have to have it all figured out before you call.

That’s what we’re here for.

If you miss us this month, we’ll be back in October.

Tuesday 1st:
Free Legal Clinic at Prospect Community Services - Charters Towers
Free Legal Clinic at DVNQ - Mt Isa

Wednesday 2nd:
Domestic Violence Duty Lawyer - Mt Isa Magistrates Court

Monday 7th:
Free Legal Clinic at Druamalon Women's Centre - Napranum
Domestic Violence Duty Lawyer - Weipa Magistrates Court

Tuesday 8th:
Free Legal Clinic at Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre - Ingham

Thursday 10th:
Free Legal Clinic at Mossman Support Services - Mossman

Monday 14th:
Free Legal Clinic at Mackay Women's Centre - Mackay

Tuesday 15th:
Free Legal clinic at The Women's Centre - Townsville

Wednesday 16th:
Free Legal Clinic - the Women's Centre - Atherton

Thursday 17th :
Free Legal Clinic at Mareeba Community Centre - Mareeba

Tuesday 22nd:
Domestic Violence Duty Lawyer - Ayr Magistrates Court
Free Legal Clinic at Burdekin Community Association - Ayr

Thursday 24th:
Free Legal Clinic at Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Trauma and Torture - Townsville

Monday 28th:
Free Legal Clinic at Tully Support centre - Tully

Tuesday 29th:
Free Legal Clinic at Community Support Centre - Innisfail

We can always provide phone appointments and don’t forget help is always available.

If you, a child, or another person are in immediate danger, call 000. You can also call the police on 131 444 to report a crime after it’s happened in Queensland.

For 24hr/7 day a week domestic violence crisis counselling and assistance contact:
24/7 Domestic Violence Support:
DVConnect (Women): 1800 811 811
DVConnect Men’s Helpline: 1800 600 636
1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732

Children & Crisis Support:
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
Lifeline: 13 11 14

Message received."Thank you so much for the help. I really appreciate everything.I wish more success to the whole NQ Wom...
26/08/2026

Message received.

"Thank you so much for the help. I really appreciate everything.

I wish more success to the whole NQ Women Legal Service team in helping women here in FNQ. Organisations like you are one of the reasons women like me aren’t afraid to stand up to our rights especially against DV.

God bless everyone And again, thank you"

🥹

You don't have to share your passwords.Trust doesn't mean giving someone access to everything.Your phone, messages, soci...
26/08/2026

You don't have to share your passwords.

Trust doesn't mean giving someone access to everything.

Your phone, messages, social media accounts and passwords are yours.

A partner shouldn't pressure you to hand them over, check your messages or demand access to prove that you have nothing to hide.

Privacy isn't secrecy. It's a boundary.

Healthy relationships are built on trust - not surveillance.

ARTISTS WANTED - EOIs close Monday 31st August at 5pmHelp us tell the story of 30 years of NQWLSIn 2026, NQWLS celebrate...
25/08/2026

ARTISTS WANTED - EOIs close Monday 31st August at 5pm

Help us tell the story of 30 years of NQWLS

In 2026, NQWLS celebrates 30 years of supporting women and working towards a safer North Queensland.

To mark the milestone, we're seeking Expressions of Interest from artists from across our service region to collaborate with us on a creative project for our Mackay, Townsville and Cairns offices.

We don't have a concept figured out yet, we want to hear your ideas!

We could commission one artist to create a connected series, three artists to tell one story across our offices, or take another creative approach.

This is a paid commission and we're looking for artists who:
live or work within our service region
have an established creative practice
connect with our values
are interested in collaborating and sharing aspects of the creative process.

You don't need a finished concept. Tell us who you are, show us your work and tell us what 30 years of NQWLS means to you.

📅 EOIs close 31st August 2026 at 5pm
👉 Find out more and apply: www.nqwls.com.au/30th-birthday-artist-collaboration

We won't be at these events unfortunately BUT they are so good that they are worth a plug.ID & Essentials Expos happenin...
24/08/2026

We won't be at these events unfortunately BUT they are so good that they are worth a plug.

ID & Essentials Expos happening in the Burdekin, Hinchinbrook, Charters Towers and Townsville.

Share with your networks!

Townsville details gleaned from What's On Townsville:

Date: Fri, 28 Aug 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Cost: Free
Venue: Mercure Townsville
166-194 Woolcock Street Service Rd
Currajong QLD 4812
Phone: 0419 736 138
Email: [email protected]

Need help accessing identification, government services, employment or community support?

The ID & Essentials Expo brings together a range of local organisations in one convenient location to help you access the services and support you need.

Whether you're looking to obtain identification, connect with support services, explore employment and training opportunities, or simply find out what assistance is available in your community, this free event is for you.

At the Expo you can:

learn how to apply for or replace important identification documents, including birth certificates and photo ID
connect with government and community support services
access information about Medicare, Centrelink and other essential services
explore employment, education and training opportunities
receive practical advice and referrals from local organisations
discover programs and services available across the region.
This event is open to everyone and is designed to make accessing essential services easier by bringing them together under one roof.

Want to know more or get involved? If you're interested in attending, exhibiting or would like more information, please email: [email protected].

We have many factsheets on our website that may answer some of your initial questions about topics such as Domestic Viol...
22/08/2026

We have many factsheets on our website that may answer some of your initial questions about topics such as Domestic Violence Orders or Conflict of Interest.

New Factsheet Released - DFSV Series: Confidentiality in DVO matters

Most Queensland courts are open to the public so that everyone can see how the law works. DVO matters are different. They are strictly closed to the public to protect the privacy and safety of the people involved.

But what are you rights and responsibilities before and after court?

As part of our Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence factsheet series, this accessible and plain English resource discusses confidentiality around Domestic Violence Orders (DVOs).

This is now live on our website and can be found here:
nqwls.com.au/factsheets-other-resources

What does a healthy relationship actually look like?Green flag - You can have friendships outside the relationship.Being...
22/08/2026

What does a healthy relationship actually look like?

Green flag - You can have friendships outside the relationship.

Being in a relationship doesn't mean giving up the people who were in your life before it.

Healthy relationships make space for friendships, family, hobbies and interests outside the relationship.

You shouldn't have to choose between your partner and your friends.

And you shouldn't be made to feel guilty for spending time with people you care about.

Love should expand your world - not shrink it.

A duty lawyer is a lawyer who helps people at court who do not have their own legal representation. Duty lawyer services...
21/08/2026

A duty lawyer is a lawyer who helps people at court who do not have their own legal representation. Duty lawyer services are free.

We offer duty lawyer help in family law, domestic and family violence and child protection matters at some courts across North Queensland.

If you have to go to court and haven't been able to speak with a lawyer yet, you can call us to find out if there will be a duty lawyer at court to help you.

Going to court can feel overwhelming. Our duty lawyers understand that you may have a lot going on and are there to help without judgement.

For more information about our Duty Lawyer Service, please have a look at the factsheet on our website: nqwls.com.au/factsheets-other-resources

To find out if we will have a lawyer at court when your matter is being heard, call us on 1800 244 504

Somehow this wonderful photo of Tegan and Sian at NAIDOC Cairns in early July (😬🤩👍) got missed! And it just can't NOT be...
18/08/2026

Somehow this wonderful photo of Tegan and Sian at NAIDOC Cairns in early July (😬🤩👍) got missed! And it just can't NOT be posted.

Thank you to NAIDOC Cairns for having us!

Address

Level 1/25 Sturt Street
Townsville, QLD
4810

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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