Lunch & Learn: Recognising and Responding to Elder Abuse in Central Australia

Join CAWLS Acting CEO Alice de Brenni, Senior Criminal Lawyer Tania Collins, and Community Justice Partnerships Team Lead Dr Kelly Lee Hickey for an insightful discussion on elder abuse in Central Australia and the Barkly Region.

Drawing on frontline legal practice, community engagement and prevention work, our presenters will explore the realities of elder abuse across the region through case studies, emerging trends and issues identified by remote communities and health clinics.

The webinar will examine the unique challenges facing older people in Central Australia and discuss how community legal centres can play a critical role in preventing and responding to elder abuse.

The session will also highlight how CAWLS supports older people experiencing abuse, our education and awareness work across Central Australia and the Barkly, and community-led approaches to addressing the underlying drivers of elder abuse, including housing and economic justice.

Whether you work in the legal, health, community or aged care sectors, this webinar will provide practical insights into recognising elder abuse and understanding the pathways to support.

A BIT ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS

Alice de Brenni is the Acting Chief Executive Officer at Central Australian Women's Legal Service, bringing extensive leadership and operational experience to the organisation. Since joining CAWLS in February 2017, she has held a number of key leadership positions, including Business Manager and Chief Financial & Operations Officer, before stepping into the Acting CEO role in 2026.

A lifelong Alice Springs local, Alice has a strong background in administration, bookkeeping and organisational management. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the service, ensuring the effective coordination of administration, corporate services and operational support that enables CAWLS to deliver vital legal services to women and families across Central Australia and the Barkly.

Known for her strong work ethic and practical leadership approach, Alice has a particular interest in governance, risk management and organisational sustainability. She is committed to building strong systems and supporting continuous improvement to ensure the organisation can continue delivering high-quality services to the community. Passionate about her community, Alice values the unique lifestyle of Central Australia and, outside of work, enjoys theatre, art and supporting the many local events held throughout the year.

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Tania Collins is the Senior Criminal Lawyer at Central Australian Women's Legal Service, bringing more than 28 years of experience in criminal law and a lifelong commitment to social justice.

Inspired to pursue a career in law from a young age, Tania has dedicated her career to advocating for some of the most vulnerable members of the community. She has practised across the Northern Territory and South Australia, representing Aboriginal clients in East Arnhem Land, Port Augusta and Alice Springs, and has extensive experience in complex criminal matters, including mental health, fitness to plead and serious indictable offences.

A fierce advocate for women, particularly First Nations women in the Northern Territory, Tania is passionate about ensuring equitable access to justice and addressing the systemic barriers faced by women in the criminal justice system. She is recognised for her unwavering commitment to defending the rights of her clients and for using her extensive legal expertise to achieve meaningful outcomes.

As Senior Criminal Lawyer at CAWLS, Tania leads the criminal law practice, providing expert legal representation while mentoring staff and contributing to the ongoing development of a trauma-informed, client-centred service that empowers women and strengthens access to justice across Central Australia and the Barkly.

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Dr Kelly Lee Hickey is a community development practitioner specialising in violence prevention. Her work is grounded in action research, asset-based community development, and community psychology. With more than 20 years of experience, Kelly has held consultancy, leadership, and project management roles across the community, academic, government, and private sectors. In 2022, she was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy from Victoria University for her practice-led research, which developed place based, creative pedagogical practices to respond to poly-crisis.