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QIFVLS to Deliver Interim Legal Services

Interim Legal Services for Community

From 1 July 2021, Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service (QIFVLS) will operate from offices in Bamaga and Thursday Island, and provide outreach support to the Outer Islands of the Torres Strait, ensuring all communities have access to culturally appropriate legal services, preventive legal support and community legal education.

A tender for core legal services is currently underway to determine a legal service provider for the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) Region for the next four years. The TSRA would like to commend the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (ATSILS QLD) for their services in the Torres Strait and NPA Region to date.

To ensure there is no gap in legal service delivery when ATSILS ceases services on 30 June 2021, the TSRA has appointed QIFVLS to provide interim legal services to the region from 1 July 2021.

Reassuring community, TSRA Chairperson Mr Napau Pedro Stephen AM, said “Legal services is crucial in our region and the TSRA supports access to quality, timely and culturally appropriate legal representation, advocacy and support for our people.”

“With over ten years of assisting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Domestic and Family Violence Law, Child Protection and Victim’s Assistance, QIFVLS is well placed to support community during this time of transition.”

“The TSRA is proud to partner with QIFVLS to build community’s knowledge about the law, and the rights, choices and help available for persons affected by family violence. QIFVLS will be working hand in hand with local organisations to provide community legal education to increase awareness and understanding of respectful relationships and early intervention supports to prevent the need for contact with the child protection system and criminal justice system.”

Ms Wynetta Dewis, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of QIFVLS, said “QIFVLS is excited to be expanding to the Torres Strait region, and will work closely with existing service providers to navigate through barriers and produce solutions for clients,”

“QIFVLS model at its heart is focused on generational change, strongly driven by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, whilst supporting the self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people but especially Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and their children” Ms Dewis said.

“QIFVLS vision is that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities in Queensland are supported to live free from family violence.”

Torres Strait and NPA communities will be able to access QIFVLS services from 1 July 2021 by calling 1800 887 700, emailing help@qifvls.com.au or through the website: www.qifvls.com.au .