NAAFLS teams travels to over 40 communities in the Top End. We’re always on the road and according to our CEO David Alexander, it wouldn’t be feasible to do the work we do without having a NAAFLS office in Katherine.
NAAFLS service model could not work without remote based offices
“We couldn’t service many of the remote communities from Darwin because the costs of charters and the time it would take to drive are too great. Katherine is a large town, with many clients, and for many communities, Katherine is their service hub and also the main court for hearings.”
Our Katherine office has been operating for about a decade and employs nine staff. Like the Darwin office, the team in Katherine is made up of community support officers, solicitors and administration staff who give legal representation and advice to to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who’ve experienced domestic, family and sexual violence.
The team services many communities across the Big Rivers, Vic Daly and Central Desert regions, and it’s common for them to travel to Barunga, Beswick, Bulman, Mataranka, Jilkminggan, Ngukurr, Borroloola, Lajamanu, Daguragu, Kalkarindji, Timber Creek and Yarralin just to name a few.
Good communications is key for staying connected
When asked if it’s a challenge to manage teams spread throughout the Top End David replied “NAAFLS maintains the strong relationship between head office and Katherine through regular visits, regular team meetings and use of all modern communication tools.”
On a personal level, David believes getting out of Darwin is very important to fully understand what his staff need to do the important work they do. “It’s really important to talk to everyone whenever there’s a chance, meet with local stakeholders and stay connected to all the work we’re doing across the NT. There is always something I learn during my visits to Katherine that I otherwise wouldn’t be aware of.”
“This visit has been especially good as our recent workplace health and safety renovations have just been completed by One Set Building and I can now feel more comfortable about the safety of staff within this office”.