Frog Hollow homeless centre in Darwin CBD dumped in favour of Marrara site

THE NT Government has scrapped plans to convert a Darwin CBD primary school into a service centre for the homeless, in favour of a site in Darwin’s northern suburbs

A remote workers’ camp in Marrara is being opened for vulnerable Territorians on June 5

THE NT Government has scrapped plans to convert a Darwin CBD primary school into a service centre for the homeless, in favour of a site in Darwin’s northern suburbs.

Local Government, Housing and Community Development minister, Gerry McCarthy will today announce the opening of a new accommodation facility for vulnerable Territorians in a repurposed workers’ village in Marrara.

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The site, known as Stayover Darwin on Batten Road, is being developed so it will soon be able to offer a range of specialised homelessness services.

The NT News understands the site will incorporate the services initially proposed for a site near the Frog Hollow Park in the Darwin CBD.

The accommodation facility will open on June 5 and offer up to 50 short-stay beds for Territorians in need.

The opening of the centre is set to coincide with the lifting of biosecurity restrictions in remote communities.

Nationally registered Aboriginal community housing provider, Yilli Rreung Housing Aboriginal Corporation will manage the 24/7 accommodation centre.

Mr McCarthy said the COVID-19 pandemic has placed pressure on the need for safe accommodation options for vulnerable Territorians.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has presented immediate and unique demands for extra services and the Batten Road facility will supplement accommodation capacity in the Greater Darwin region,” he said.

“Separately, we are working with the non-government organisation sector on a model that integrates specialist homelessness services to deliver improved outcomes for Territorians in-need and the non-government services dedicated to supporting them.”

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Yilli Rreung Managing Director Leeanne Caton said the facility will ease the burden on existing accommodation services in Darwin.

“As Darwin is a major service centre, people from remote areas often visit Darwin for extended periods for family, recreational, shopping, medical and legal reasons.,” she said.

“This facility provides additional choice in accommodation to assist with the immediate needs of people who often don’t have any place to stay.”