Teenagers on Don Dale roof protesting ‘lockdowns’

A group of teenagers have climbed onto the roof of the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre as part of an protest over ongoing rolling lockdowns. Read the latest.

Calling for freedom six teenagers climbed onto the roof of the infamous Don Dale Detention Centre in a protest over lockdowns.

The group of teenagers climbed onto the roofs of three buildings at the old Berrimah prison on Friday afternoon.

The teenagers called out to people on the other side of the barbed wire: “we want freedom”.

“We’re sick of being locked down every night,” one protester could be heard yelling.

There does not appear to be signs of damage to the building or distress from the boys on the roof, many of whom had removed their shirts.

The teenagers claimed they were from H-block — colloquially known as Hotel Block where in 2021 the NT Children’s Commissioner found kids were being locked down for 23 hours and 45 minutes per day.

At least six teenagers climbed the roof of Don Dale on Friday February 2 as part of a protest against ongoing lockdowns. Picture: Zizi Averill

On Friday teenagers yelled to say they were sick and tired of being locked down for long periods.

The NT News understands it is one of many times in recent weeks that kids at Don Dale have climbed onto the roof.

Close Don Dale member Natalie Hunter said she was attending the regular Friday protest “to show the kids support” when she noticed nine children on the building.

“That’s when I said ‘Oh my God, there’s guys on the roof’,” Ms Hunter said.

Ms Hunter said she called the Territory Families Minster Ngaree Ah Kit, who said she would contact her chief executive officer.

At least six teenagers climbed the roof of Don Dale on Friday February 2 as part of a protest against ongoing lockdowns. Picture: Zizi Averill

The Darwin grandmother said the minister told her: “My main concern was I don’t want to see any harm come to the kids on the roof.”

Ms Hunter said a few younger kids could be heard saying “I want to go back to Alice Springs”.

During refurbishment of the Alice Springs Detention Centre, Central Australian both on remand and sentenced children have been forced 1500km away from their families and support services.

At least six teenagers climbed the roof of Don Dale on Friday February 2 as part of a protest against ongoing lockdowns. Picture: Zizi Averill

“I can’t believe they’re separating kids from their loved ones,” Ms Hunter said.

“It’s a trauma within itself.”

The detainees could be heard from outside the barbed wire fence banging on metal and yelling out.

The protesters were off the roof by 7pm.

It is understood that none of the kids or staff were injured, and the children were returned to their cells.

Territory Families, Housing and Communities spokeswoman said the safety and wellbeing of the young people, staff and visitors at Don Dale was “our priority”.

“A small number of young people were this afternoon sitting on the roof of our Don Dale Detention Centre,” she said.

“The young people were monitored throughout and supported to come down safely this evening.”

It is understood that the teenagers on the roof were provided with water and monitored to ensure their safety, and staff helped them safely exit the roof.

The Territory Families spokeswoman said new youth justice facilities were currently being built in Alice Springs and Darwin.

“That will support delivery of a therapeutic Model of Care to facilitate trauma-informed and culturally appropriate services,” she said.

Originally published as Teenagers on Don Dale roof protesting ‘lockdowns’