Northern Territory PHN is proud to announce that Central Australian Women’s Legal Service (CAWLS) has been chosen as the provider for Local Link.
This new service supports the primary care response to those affected by family, domestic and sexual violence, and child sexual abuse (FDSV).
Local Link aims to strengthen the primary care sector’s ability to recognise and respond to this critical issue in a safe and appropriate way.
Tessa Hughes, Regional Health Integration Lead at NT PHN, emphasised the importance of educating GPs and healthcare workers about the new service.
“Local Link will play a crucial role for clinicians in supporting patients facing FDSV,” said Tessa. “By providing training, advice and help finding the right services, we can ensure that those in need will get the support they require.”
CAWLS will run the program in the Barkly and Central Australia region, working closely with local stakeholders, health services and professionals to enhance service coordination and support quality.
Anna Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of CAWLS, expressed her enthusiasm about Local Link’s potential to promote stronger partnerships across the sector.
“With a focus on partnership and connection, Local Link will play an important role in fostering both confidence and collaboration,” Anna said.
“This will lead to a more cohesive service sector response for those experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence across Central Australia and the Barkly region.
We expect the Local Link team to provide tailored training and service mapping, combined with secondary consult services for health organisations.”
Local Link is part of NT PHN’s broader efforts to combat all forms of FDSV, including violence against women and children. This initiative supports the implementation of the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–32.
If you are interested in a role with CAWLS to support their work, more information is available on the CAWLS website.
