Past, present and future

Quick Exit

50+ years of resistance, resilience and solidarity

We first opened our doors in Redfern in 1970. We were the first Aboriginal Legal Service in Australia, and the very first free legal assistance service on the continent.

The staunch activists who created the ALS laid the foundations for today's network of community legal centres. They also founded one of the first Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, proudly demonstrating that Aboriginal people must design, deliver and lead our own services.

Read 'White Police, Black Power', Professor Gary Foley's essay on the origins of the ALS

Begin a monthly contribution to keep us going strong for the future

Continue reading below to delve deeper into our story and view our historic photo gallery.

Ways to Get Involved

Volunteer

Donate to ALS

Work with us

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I identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander

Donate

1800 - 765 - 767
for police charges and court matters

1800 - 733 - 233
for care and protection and family matters

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our offices stand and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge the sorrow of the Stolen Generations and the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We also recognise the resilience, strength and pride of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website may contain images or names of people who have since passed away.