Darwin’s Litchfield Court to receive more security, support workers as part of $850,000 pilot

A public housing complex tucked away in the suburbs of Darwin is set to benefit from greater support services, with the Country Liberal Party splashing $850,000 in a bid to combat anti-social behaviour.

Children and Families Minister Robyn Cahill and Mission Australia NT regional leader Paul Royce at Litchfield Court, Nightcliff. Picture: Harry Brill.

A public housing complex tucked away in the suburbs of Darwin is set to benefit from greater support services, with the Country Liberal Party splashing $850,000 in a bid to combat anti-social behaviours.

On Tuesday morning, Children and Families Minister Robyn Cahill was joined by Mission Australia representatives at Litchfield Court, Nightcliff, to announce the launch of the Supported and Safe Integrated Tenancy Program Pilot.

For years, Litchfield Court has been regarded as one of the northern suburbs’ more troublesome areas, with overcrowding and violence commonly reported.

The newly injected funds ensures Mission Australia can now place three full-time Aboriginal staff onsite from Monday to Friday, as well as a domestic, family and sexual violence worker.

Territory Protective Services have been subcontracted to keep an eye on Litchfield Court.

Additionally, Mission Australia will subcontract Territory Protective Services (TPS) to patrol the area in the evenings, targeting anti-social behaviour.

Ms Cahill revealed the funds had been reallocated from the NT government’s homelessness program.

“We’re obviously dealing with people who are coming into this environment who are not residents here,” she said.

“We often find (with) public housing that a lot of the challenges faced are from people just turning up, causing challenges for the community that are (living here).

“And as we know it’s often very difficult for residents of public housing to deal with that directly.”

Children and Families Minister Robyn Cahill speaking to local resident Jeraldine Tyson and her five-year old son, Eli. Picture: Harry Brill.

Asked whether other public housing complexes would receive similar reinforcements, Ms Cahill said it was yet to be decided.

“I think we all know where the hotspots are across the Territory,” she said.

“Obviously we need to actually work and consult with the communities who are dealing with those hotspot areas – we won’t pre-empt where we’re going to put it because we need to make sure that we can put the resources where they’re needed (and) that the facilities (required) are in place to establish an office in those areas.”

Residents of Litchfield Court have been troubled with anti-social behaviour for many years.

Mission Australia NT regional leader Paul Royce hailed the “amazing initiative”.

“What we love about being here is that the community has really embraced Mission Australia being here and that extra support,” he said.

“They’ve certainly got great relationships with all of our team, we’re out every morning doing the rounds and just checking in on people.

“And for many people, this is their home – they’ve lived here for 10 years, 12 years, and they feel very safe here, and they feel even more safe now that we’ve got extra support on site.”

With more than 100 units to service, Mr Royce said extra manpower from TPS would help keep vulnerable locals safe.

“They provide us with reports of any activities at night, so we can follow up the next day and make sure everyone is safe in each of the tenancies,” he said.

“It’s really important that women and children in particular are safe and they feel supported.”