NSW Independent Advocacy Directory
An advocate can help you understand your rights and provide support to make sure the rights of you and your family are protected
What Is An Advocate?
Independent advocates help people understand their rights, support them to access appropriate legal supports and services to protect individual rights, navigate complex systems and have their voice heard in decisions that affect them.
This directory brings together trusted, independent advocacy services across NSW, including disability advocacy, legal and rights‑based support, tenancy and financial advocacy, domestic and family violence advocacy, youth advocacy, and culturally safe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services.
Disability Advocacy Services
Disability Advocacy NSW (Advocay Law Alliance)
Individual advocacy for people with disability across NSW, supporting access, rights and service navigation through 11 regional offices.
Call 1300 883 419
Visit website
People with Disability Australia (PWDA)
Peak disability rights organisation providing individual and systemic advocacy for people with disability across NSW.
Call 1800 422 290
Visit website
First Peoples Disability Network (FPDN)
National peak body advocating for the rights, inclusion and self‑determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability.
How to refer: Self‑refer online; services can refer with consent.
First Peoples Disability Network (FPDN)
National peak body advocating for the rights, inclusion and self‑determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability.
How to refer: Self‑refer online; services can refer with consent.
MDAA – Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association
Advocacy for people with disability from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, including NDIS and rights support.
Family Advocacy
Supports families to advocate for the rights, inclusion and self‑determination of family members with disability.
Call 1800 620 323
Visit website
Side By Side Advocacy
Provides individual advocacy and operates NSW’s only Citizen Advocacy Program, matching volunteers with people with disability.
Call (02) 9807 7056
Visit website
Regional Disability Advocacy Providers
Includes Illawarra Advocacy, Newell Advocacy (Northern NSW), and Regional Disability Advocacy Service (Riverina/Murray).
LEGAL ADVOCACY Services
Legal Aid NSW – Advocacy Services
Provides free legal advice, duty lawyer services, family law support, domestic violence advocacy, and representation for people experiencing disadvantage across NSW.
Call 1300 888 529
Visit website
How to refer: Self‑refer by phone or online; services can refer with client consent.
Legal Aid NSW – Domestic Violence Unit
Specialist legal support for people experiencing domestic and family violence, including ADVOs, family law, tenancy, credit and debt, and safety planning.
Call 1800 101 501
Visit website
How to refer: Self‑refer by phone; services can refer with consent.
Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS)
Free legal representation and advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in criminal, family and civil matters.
Call 1800 765 333
Visit website
How to refer: Self‑refer by phone; services can refer with consent.
AbSec – Aboriginal Child, Family & Community Care Secretariat
Advocacy and support for Aboriginal children, families and communities involved in the child protection system.
Call (02) 9559 9111
Visit website
Legal Aid NSW – Youth Legal Service
Free legal advice and advocacy for young people under 18, covering criminal matters, fines, school issues, discrimination, family law and care matters.
Call 1800 101 501
Visit website
How to refer: Young people can self‑refer; workers can refer with consent.
Women’s Legal Service NSW
Specialist legal advocacy for women, focusing on domestic violence, family law, discrimination and sexual assault.
Call 1800 937 638
Visit website
Justice and Equity Centre
Strategic litigation, systemic advocacy and legal support for public interest issues affecting disadvantaged communities.
How to refer: Self‑refer online; referrals accepted for systemic matters.
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Advocacy
Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS)
Free legal representation and advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in criminal, family and civil matters.
Call 1800 765 333
Visit website
How to refer: Self‑refer by phone; services can refer with consent.
Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Legal Centre
Specialist legal advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children experiencing violence, discrimination or injustice.
Call 1800 622 929
Visit website
How to refer: Self‑refer by phone; services can refer with consent.
Grandmothers Against Removals (GMAR)
Grassroots advocacy supporting Aboriginal families involved with child protection, promoting cultural safety and community‑led solutions.
How to refer: Self‑refer via community contact or social media.
Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO)
Advocacy and support for Aboriginal tenants, including housing access, tenancy issues and culturally safe community housing pathways.
Call 1800 248 372
Visit website
How to refer: Self‑refer by phone or online.
Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs)
Provide community advocacy, cultural support, housing assistance and system navigation for Aboriginal people across NSW.
How to refer: Contact your local LALC directly.
National peak body advocating for the rights, inclusion and self‑determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability.
Visit website
How to refer: Self‑refer online; services can refer with consent.
FAMILY & DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ADVOCACY
FASS – Family Advocacy and Support Service
Legal Aid NSW service combining duty lawyers and social support workers for family law and domestic violence matters.
How to refer: Self‑refer at participating courts or via Legal Aid.
WDVCAS – Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service
Information, referrals and advocacy for women seeking protection orders (ADVOs) at court.
Call 1800 938 227
Visit website
How to refer: Call and enter postcode for local service.
YOUTH ADVOCACY SERVICES
Youth Action
Peak body for young people and youth services in NSW, advocating for policy change and youth wellbeing.
How to refer: Self‑refer online; organisations can connect for sector support.
CREATE Foundation
Advocates for the rights and wellbeing of children and young people with a care experience, offering programs and systemic advocacy.
Call 1800 655 000
Visit website
How to refer: Young people can self‑refer; services can refer with consent.
Youth workers and advocates supporting Aboriginal young people with education, justice, wellbeing, cultural connection and service navigation.
How to refer: Self‑refer or agency referral depending on the service.