Women lawyers news and updates

TRACI KEYS

PRESIDENT NORTHERN TERRITORY WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION (NTWLA)

We have welcomed in a new legal year with many of our members attending official events in Darwin and Alice Springs. Dr Jacoba Brasch QC, President of the Law Council of Australia provided speeches in Darwin and Alice Springs, highlighting the challenges faced by the legal profession throughout 2020. Also welcoming in the new year were speeches by his His Honour Chief Justice Michael Grant and the Honourable Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Selina Uibo MLA. NTWLA also welcomed comments from the newly elected President of the Law Society for the Northern Territory Emma Farnell, that sexual harassment would be an area of priority in 2021.

NTWLA welcomed in the new year with a planning meeting in late January 2021 to determine our priorities and focuses for the year. While some of these plans are still being pinned down, there are some exciting events contemplated for our members and those interested in joining us. We hope to resume Patron’s Drinks—conditions permitting. We are also hoping to run our “You Can’t Ask That” event, an opportunity for members (and non-members) to ask questions of senior members of the profession that they have never felt brave enough to ask. We also aim to continue our work in the sexual harassment space. Please watch our Facebook space for a list of events for the year, in Darwin and Alice Springs.

Back by popular demand

Our first event for 2021, in conjunction with the NTYL, is our annual International Women’s Day Breakfast. The breakfast will be held at the Hilton Hotel on Thursday 11 March 2021. The theme for this year is #Choose to Challenge. Please get in early to get your ticket as the event always sells out well before the day. The link to tickets can be found here.

In Alice Springs, also in conjunction with NTYL, will be our Law-n-Bowls event on 5 March 2021 from 5.30–7.00 pm at the Alice Springs Golf Club. Our speaker for this event will be the Honourable Judge Sarah McNamara. Free for members and $10 for non-members.

New to our voluntary executive committee, is Ashlea Begg (NAAJA) who has agreed to be our Alice Springs Vice-President and ordinary Committee Members: Tijana Jones (A/Civil Registrar) and Megan Ellis (CAWLS). Welcome to the NTWLA.

Passing of a Member, Committee Member, a friend and a colleague

On a sadder note is the passing of Colleen Atkinson. Colleen had been a member of NTWLA since 2013-14, and was on the committee from 2013-2015, and contributed to many not-forprofit community organisations over the years. She was involved in amendments to the NTWLA constitution and a regular at functions. Colleen will be dearly missed.

Why be a member?

Lastly, if you are reading this article and you are not a member or perhaps a lapsed member, now is a good time to consider joining. Being a member allows you to participate in events coming up throughout the year, (often cheaper or free), and over this next year we will invite members to be involved in the creation, organising and delivery of our events, or contribute in other ways so members can help shape the association in ways that matter to female lawyers. This approach allows participation without the full commitment of becoming a committee member. Please email us if you are interested.

I look forward to seeing all our members throughout 2021.

Traci President NTWLA

ntwomenlawyersassoc@ gmail.com @ntwomenlawyers