Our History
CAWLS was born out of necessity. In the early 1990s a group of dedicated women legal practitioners began providing free legal advice to women in need.
Mostly these women were victims of domestic violence who had no other access to legal advice. Over time, it became obvious that women in Central Australia required a full time legal service. A submission to the federal government ultimately resulted in the creation of CAWLS.
Our Vision : We aspire for a future where all women and their children are safe, living with dignity and respect.
Our Values : CAWLS aspires to be … Responsive & Trustworthy | Inclusive & Empowering | Collaborative & Accountable
We want to create a bright and safe future for all women and children; helping them live with dignity and respect, free from all forms of violence and abuse.
CAWLS seeks to ensure that every client’s experience is validated and that they are empowered to utilise the legal and social welfare system to their benefit. By assisting every woman to the best of our ability, we are assisting the community to achieve social justice health.
CAWLS is funded by the Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department, the National Indigenous Australians Agency and the Northern Territory Government
Accreditation
CAWLS is accredited under the Community Legal Centres Association National Accreditation Scheme
Our Board
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Jayne McAlister, Chair
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Erika Hamilton, Public Officer
- Nicole Battle, Treasurer
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Jieun Chun
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Karla-Lee Goodman
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Elyse Williams
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Nicki Lees
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Tanya Heaslip
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Amy Williams
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Peta-Lee Cole-Manolis
Annual Reports
The Annual Reports for the Central Australian Women’s Legal Service are available to view here:
- CAWLS Impact Report 2024-25
- CAWLS Impact Report 2023-24
- CAWLS Annual Report 2022-23
- CAWLS Annual Report 2021-22
- CAWLS Annual Report 2020-21
- CAWLS Annual Report 2019-20
- CAWLS Annual Report 2018-19
- CAWLS Annual Report 2017-18
- CAWLS Annual Report 2016-17
- CAWLS Annual Report 2015-16
Please feel free to contact us if you require further information or would like a hard copy of our current Annual Report.
Strategic Plan
Careers at CAWLS
Would you like to join a dynamic, diverse and challenging legal practice?
The Central Australian Women’s Legal Service provides legal services for all women in Central Australia and Barkly region with offices in Alice Springs and Tennant Creek.
At CAWLS, we are committed to providing representation and excellent outcomes for our clients through law reform, legal advice and representation, community legal education and outreach.
Our staff are motivated, dedicated and ensure we provide quality service to all clients and stakeholders.
For more information on future vacancies, please address your correspondence to the CAWLS Operations Manager by submitting an application via email to recruitment@cawls.com.au
Current vacancies
Placekeeper do not delete
To view more details about this position and apply: please visit this link on SEEK
How to Apply
Your application should include:
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A cover letter addressing the selection criteria
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A detailed resume/CV
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Two referees
Apply via email: recruitment@cawls.com.au
Civil Lawyer
If you’re a purpose-driven lawyer seeking meaningful connection and work that truly matters, this role offers something rare:
The chance to stand beside women at some of the most critical moments of their lives — empowering them to move forward with safety, dignity, and confidence.
At the Central Australian Women’s Legal Service (CAWLS), every day your work directly supports women experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence. You become part of a team that is reshaping access to justice across Central Australia — particularly for First Nations women and women in remote communities, who experience some of the highest rates of violence and systemic disadvantage in the country.
This is not just another legal role. It is life-changing work — for the women you support, and for you.
Expressions of Interest for Student or Volunteer Placements
We would love to receive an expression of interest if you would like to work at CAWLS in one of these roles:
– Student or Volunteer
Send your expression of interest to recruitment@cawls.com.au
Upcoming Training
Identifying & Responding to DFSV in Central Australia – Fundamentals
Identifying & Responding to DFSV in Central Australia – Advanced
Identifying & Responding to DFSV in Central Australia – Extended Course
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