Defence Accommodation Precinct - Darwin experience ‘extremely positive’ throughout Exercise Pitch Black 24

Darwin’s answer to the Olympic Village lies in Howard Springs, where more than 4200 international and Australian military personnel enjoyed fun and games over several weeks. Read for details.

Ventia receptionist Kate Ramage (L) walks with Royal Australian Air Force aviators, Leading Aircraftwoman Beth Frost and Flying Officer Elizabeth Desmond, at the Defence Accommodation Precinct Darwin. Picture: Department of Defence.

Featuring cafes, taverns and a swimming pool, Darwin’s answer to the Olympic Village lies in Howard Springs, with the success of a recent military exercise being attributed to the social scene of a world-class accommodation facility.

Tucked away on the edge of Howard Springs, the Defence Accommodation Precinct - Darwin (DAP-D) housed 4270 Australian and international military personnel throughout Exercise Pitch Black 2024, ranging from overnight stays to people staying for the entirety of exercise.

At the completion of activity, Air Commodore Pete Robinson hailed the facility as one of the highlights of the experience.

“It’s rare to receive such a unanimous and positive response about the standard of accommodation during an exercise,” he said.

“For the first time, we had the majority of Darwin-based Pitch Black participants housed in a single location, which in turn helped build stronger bonds throughout the entire exercise.”

Military personnel enjoying the cafe at DAP-D. Picture: Department of Defence.

Constructed in the early 2010s for natural gas company Inpex, DAP-D was later acquired by the NT government and became a quarantine facility during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In July, 2023, a five-year lease was signed between the Commonwealth and the NT Government for Defence to use the facility for about $50 million per year.

According to Wing Commander Keely Cotter, the on-site facilities produced serious morale among the international guests.

“Having the majority of nations all together enabled fabulous international engagement,” she said.

“It’s been evident everywhere, from the mess and tavern, through to the sporting events like evening soccer matches and beach volleyball.

“The feedback has been extremely positive and has ranged from having a room with their own bathroom, through to being able to socialise with anyone, regardless of rank and nationality.”

Ventia General Manger Andrew Bartlett has breakfast with Defence personnel at DAP-D. Picture: Department of Defence.

According to defence personnel, room balconies sprouted hammocks, flags and other personalised touches within hours of guests checking into their accommodation.

Social activities including sports, painting and tavern events was also organised in a bid to bring the village together.

With base accommodation across Robertson Barracks, Larrakeyah Barracks, Defence Establishment Berrimah and RAAF Base Darwin all at full capacity, DAP-D shapes as a game-changer for the ADF in hosting large scale activities in the Top End.

“We could not have conducted Exercise Pitch Black 24 without DAP-D, and we’re grateful to Ventia for providing us with such a world-class service during everyone’s stay,” Security and Estate Group’s director John Wantling said.