Batten Rd, Marrara accommodation facility being used to house vulnerable Territorians during lockdown
UPDATE: Extra rooms have been established at the Batten Rd accommodation facility in Marrara, to house vulnerable Territorians during the Top End’s Covid-19 lockdown.
Northern Territory
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News.
UPDATE: Extra rooms have been established at the Batten Rd accommodation facility in Marrara, with capacity for up to 450 people.
The Integrated Homelessness Services and Supported Accomodation facility was expanded this week, in partnership with the NT Government, Yilli Rreung and Mission Australia, to house vulnerable Territorians during the Top End’s Covid-19 lockdown.
MORE TOP NEWS
Two new Covid-19 cases recorded, public exposure sites in Palmerston identified
Alice Springs Show cancelled for second year running
INFO HERE: Five reasons you can leave home, and if you’re considered an essential worker
So far there are 157 single rooms and 109 twin rooms now able to accommodate Territorians. Territory Families and Urban Housing Minister Kate Worden routine screening upon entry was being implemented, and primary health care services were already available.
“Our Batten Road facility has been running for over a year now, and will continue to run even when the lockdown is over,” she said.
“Outreach teams are locating and engaging with people who are living in town camps or homeless and sleeping rough, giving them information, masks and sanitiser and providing advice about accommodation options. So far over 300 masks have been distributed.”
The Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul and Darwin Christian Ministries are helping with meal production and distribution, with final preparations are underway to support the implementation of a co-ordinated approach.
City of Darwin rangers are also assisting people moving into rooms, talking with them about Covid-19 and the reason for lockdown.
EARLIER: The Batten Rd accommodation facility in Marrara is being used to house vulnerable Aboriginal Territorians during the Top End’s Covid-19 lockdown.
The NT Government confirmed it was being used as accommodation for visitors in lockdown areas from remote communities. The facility is being managed by the Yilli Rreung Housing Aboriginal Corporation and Mission Australia.
Territory Families and Urban Housing Minister Kate Worden has been contacted for further details on the capacity of the facility, and if any Covid-19 monitoring and testing measurements are in place.
In June 2020 part of the facility was repurposed and opened, also managed by the Yilli Rreung Housing Aboriginal Corporation. An NT Government release prior to its opening stated up to 50 short-stay beds were available at the facility, which would operate initially for a two-month period.
Meals, laundry and bathroom facilities were also available.
Internal documents reveal mining minister was ordered to reject Jabiluka bid
Confidential documents show the Commonwealth did not believe Rio Tinto would back a fight against Territory Traditional Owners who are pushing to expand Kakadu National Park.
‘Complex’ fire threatens outback attraction, back-up crews sent in
Fatigued outback fireys will be backed by Darwin and Katherine crews as blazes continue to impact communities and infrastructure around a beloved Territory attraction.