Born in Quilpie, Kathleen Wincen understands the challenges of living in regional and remote communities.
As the founder and Managing Director of Budjala Legal and Advocacy Services Pty Ltd, she is bringing together her legal experience and lifelong connection to south-west Queensland to improve access to affordable, quality legal services.
Ms Wincen said the practice was established in response to the significant challenges faced by individuals and families seeking legal assistance, particularly outside metropolitan centres.
“Throughout my legal and executive leadership career, I have witnessed the barriers people face when trying to access timely, affordable and appropriate legal assistance,” the 2025 Dame Quentin Bryce Domestic Violence Prevention Advocate Award finalist said.
“For many families living in regional and remote Queensland, accessing a lawyer can mean travelling hundreds of kilometres, facing limited-service availability or going without legal advice altogether because of the cost.
“Access to justice should not depend on your postcode, your income or your background. Everyone deserves the opportunity to obtain quality legal assistance when they need it most.”
The firm services Toowoomba, Cherbourg, Murgon, Kingaroy, Roma, Quilpie, Cunnamulla, Thargomindah and St George, with a Charleville office planned in coming months.
“Establishing an office in Charleville will be an important step in strengthening our connection with communities throughout south-west Queensland,” Ms Wincen said.
“People living outside metropolitan centres should not have to accept reduced access to legal services simply because of geography.
“Our vision is to develop a practice that understands the realities of regional and remote life and responds to those challenges through accessible, practical and sustainable legal services.”
A key focus for Budjala is addressing the unmet legal needs of people who fall between publicly funded legal assistance and conventional private legal services.
“Often referred to as the ‘missing middle’, these individuals and families may not qualify for Legal Aid or other publicly funded assistance but cannot readily afford traditional private legal fees,” she said.
“Too often, people find themselves in a position where they earn too much to qualify for publicly funded legal assistance but not enough to comfortably afford private legal representation.
“We believe there is an opportunity to provide a different model of legal service delivery – one that balances affordability, professional excellence and long-term sustainability.
“Budjala has been established to help provide that alternative.
“We want to work alongside existing services, strengthen referral pathways and contribute to practical solutions that help people access the legal assistance they need.”
Budjala’s practice areas include family law, domestic and family violence, child protection, victim assist, wills and estate planning, and property law.
“The firm is committed to delivering professional, compassionate, culturally safe and client-centred legal services to all individuals and families, regardless of cultural background, geographical location or financial circumstances,” Ms Wincen said.
“Our approach is about people. It is about ensuring that individuals and families feel heard, respected and supported when navigating the legal system.
“Seeking legal assistance can be overwhelming, particularly when people are experiencing family breakdown, domestic and family violence or other significant life challenges.
“We want Budjala to be a place where people feel comfortable asking questions, understanding their rights and exploring their legal options.”
For Ms Wincen, a proud Budjiti woman, Budjala represents more than the establishment of another law firm.
“I’m a Quilpie girl, and south-west Queensland is my home and will always be an important part of who I am,” she said.
“My connection to the region, people and communities has shaped my understanding of the challenges faced by families living outside our major cities.
“Growing up with connections to the South West gives you an appreciation of the distances people travel, the resilience of regional communities and the importance of having services available when people need them.
“Throughout my legal career, I have seen how geographical isolation and financial barriers can prevent people from obtaining legal assistance and establishing Budjala is an opportunity to bring together my professional experience and my personal commitment to the communities that have been part of my life.
“It represents a commitment to doing things differently, to recognising the barriers people face and to finding practical ways to make legal services more accessible.
“We want to build a practice that people trust, one that understands the challenges facing families and communities, and is committed to providing quality legal support.”
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