David Alexander resigned as the NAAFLS CEO in late January after two and a half years in the job. He said he will always reflect fondly on his time at NAAFLS and is particularly proud of his achievements which included attracting a 50% increase in funding for NAAFLS, opening of the Nhulunbuy office, developing a new strategic plan and launching new NAAFLS branding.
A keen critic of federal funding models based on population not need, David argued relentlessly for better funding for Aboriginal Legal Services in the NT and nationally. He believed that while gains had been made, we have a long way to go before Aboriginal people in the NT are protected from family, sexual and domestic violence.
NAAFLS is in safe hands
David handed over the leadership baton to Cassandra Carolin who was appointed Acting CEO by the NAAFLS Board of Directors on January 30.
He’s confident the organisation is in safe hands and will continue to provide essential legal services throughout the Top End.
Introducing Cassandra Carolin as Acting CEO
Cassandra is a Bunitj woman from Kakadu on her mother’s side and a Wuthathi woman from Torres Strait on her father’s side. She has worked at NAAFLS for 12 years, starting as a case worker (or what was known back then as a family support officer). Cassandra has an extraordinary level of experience in how legal services operate on the ground, and the challenges case workers and lawyers face when working with victims of family, sexual and domestic violence.
“I want to offer my thanks to David, he achieved so much for NAAFLS while he was CEO, and I wish him all the best”.
Supporting remote families
Cassandra is driven to deliver better outcomes for all NAAFLS clients, but particularly those living remotely. “These people don’t have access to justice in the bush and it’s our role to represent the families who are keeping kids in community and away from the welfare and justice systems.”
More focus on prevention
When asked about her vision for the future, Cassandra wants to increase focus on prevention through education and community led initiatives. “I’ve learned that no two community is the same, and if we’re serious about prevention we need to be working with communities on the ground to come up with solutions that suit that community specifically.”
