As a former Police Prosecutor and a solicitor working in the area of domestic and family law, Rowan King has seen the range of human emotions and reactions.
And the Principal Lawyer of RK Law has never lost sight of the fact that everyone is human, everyone can make a mistake and everyone appreciates hope and compassion.
He has worked for the Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service and Legal Aid Queensland on cases from Caloundra to Cairns.
His focus on lending a hand has now stretched even further across to Papua New Guinea supporting iCare4U, which has a vision to support and improve quality of life to people who are marginalised and living with the effects of HIV.
Rowan has just returned to Australia from his latest trip and shared a glimpse of what the organisation is doing.
“This year marked my third trip to ICARE4U. Over the past three years, our team has worked side by side with locals to build infrastructure, create safe spaces, and foster community spirit. In 2024, we constructed a football field that, just a year later, hosted a week-long rugby league carnival for Port Moresby,” he said.
“During that visit, Pastor Ako, the traditional owner of the land, told us it was a ‘real blessing’ to see the work we had done in his community. He shared that the field we funded has become the site of daily afternoon sport and, remarkably, that domestic violence in the community has dropped over the past 12 months. His words reminded us that the impact of our work extends far beyond bricks and mortar, it changes lives.”
This year the group has built a 40-metre walkway linking the women’s lodging to the food hall and education centre within the ICARE4U village, painted lodges and assembled furniture. One of the planned projects this year was to build a basketball court. Unfortunately, the truck scheduled to finish levelling the area did not arrive. So rather than let the day go to waste, the group poured a new concrete driveway for the Gereka police station which was an unexpected but deeply appreciated gift to them.
“Our trips are not just about construction, they’re about connection. We bring donated items like reading glasses, sanitary products, and washable nappies,” Rowan said.
“The ICARE4U team, led by George and Crystal Nita, are the true heroes. Their vision and tireless work inspire us to return each year with open hearts and willing hands.
“George Nita personally thanked RK Law for ‘releasing’ me to come up, not only to do the volunteer work, but also to assist the charity with legal matters such as compliance and ongoing registration and compliance.
“It’s a reminder that our professional skills can be just as valuable as our physical labour.”
As a domestic violence lawyer, having worked his entire career in the DV space, Rowan said this cause was close to home.
“ICARE4U is the first shelter of its kind in Papua New Guinea, providing refuge for women who have been marginalized due to domestic violence or abandoned because of HIV. In Australia HIV is treatable, but while I was there one of the women on site passed away at the age of 21 from HIV complications and lack access to treatment in the community,” he revealed.
“Back home, we work eight thirty to five each day. It can be monotonous. The demands of the legal profession are real, and burnout is something many of us face. But stepping outside the daily grind and using our skills to make a tangible difference – whether through advocacy, construction, or simply showing up – helps refocus why we do what we do. It reminds us that our talents can change lives, if we’re willing to look for opportunities.
“I’m honoured that the Queensland Law Society has invited me to share this story in Proctor. My hope is that it encourages others in the legal profession to find ways to serve beyond the courtroom. Whether through pro bono work, community engagement, or international outreach, we all have the capacity to make a difference.”
Rowan took the time out from his work to answer Proctor’s questions.
What attracted you to law and this area of practice?
“My mother experienced domestic violence with her first husband, and I grew up watching my father demonstrate protective qualities and help rebuild her into the strong, incredible woman she is today. That experience shaped me profoundly. It taught me the importance of safety, advocacy, and the power of support. Becoming a lawyer in the domestic violence space felt like a natural extension of that journey. I get to do for others, on a broader scale, what my father did for my mother: stand beside them, fight for their dignity, and help them rebuild.”
What prompted you to get involved in PNG and what work/services are you undertaking?
“My cousin Adam is the mastermind behind ICARE4U. As a young man, he had a vision to help women in Papua New Guinea after meeting his best friend at YWAM missionary school. When I heard about their venture in Gereka, I couldn’t help but get on board. The cause resonated deeply with me, especially given my background in domestic violence law.
“Since joining the team, I’ve travelled to PNG annually with a group of Australian CEOs who are passionate about giving back. We’ve built a football field, a 40-metre walkway connecting women’s lodging to essential services, and a new driveway for the local police station. We also donate items like spectacles, bras, and shoes, and help with painting and assembling furniture.
“Beyond the physical work, I’ve supported ICARE4U with legal services, assisting with compliance, registration, and governance. It’s been incredibly rewarding to contribute both practically and professionally to a cause that’s so close to my heart.”
How does PNG law/support agencies compare to Australia?
“The contrast is stark. ICARE4U is the first shelter of its kind in PNG, providing refuge for women who are marginalized due to domestic violence or abandoned because of HIV. In Australia, we have established frameworks, funding, and legal protections. In PNG, the support systems are still emerging, and grassroots efforts like ICARE4U are filling critical gaps. The legal infrastructure is developing, but there’s a long way to go in terms of access to justice, protection mechanisms, and community education.”
What help do you need from the profession/other stakeholders?
“Money and donations help. Anyone willing to donate – visit icare4u.org.au
We need more professionals willing to lend their time and expertise, whether that’s legal advice, governance support, fundraising, or simply showing up. ICARE4U could benefit from partnerships with firms, and NGOs to help scale its impact. Even small contributions, like helping with documentation or donating supplies, can make a huge difference. If anyone wants to come on our next trip – reach out to me, we would love to take them.”
Anything else you’d like to add – other people to mention?
“I’d like to acknowledge George and Crystal Nita, the founders of ICARE4U, whose vision and tireless work have created a safe haven for women in PNG. Pastor Ako, the traditional land owner, has been a guiding presence and shared that our work has contributed to a noticeable drop in domestic violence in the community. I also want to thank my fellow CEOs who travel with me each year, their commitment and camaraderie make this journey possible.
“And finally, I’d encourage anyone reading this to consider that it’s just a 2.5-hour flight from Brisbane, yet you find yourself smack bang in the developing world, where the need is real, the impact is immediate, and every effort counts.
“Each year, I travel to Gereka, Papua New Guinea, with a group of Australian CEOs who share a passion for giving back. Our destination is ICARE4U. It is a grassroots charity that has become a beacon of hope for the local community. What began as a simple desire to help has evolved into a deeply personal mission, one that continues to shape my perspective as a lawyer and as a fellow human. PNG is a 2.5-hour flight from Brisbane, yet you find yourself in the middle of the developing world where the need is real and immediate. It is a big step away from running high-profile criminal cases.”
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