Gunner Government reveals new trial targeting itinerants in Darwin’s CBD

The Territory government will pay for 30 people sleeping rough in Darwin’s CBD to instead sleep in a suburban hostel as part of a new six-month trial

The Gunner Government has announced a six-month trial to get Territorians sleeping rough in Darwin CBD into short-term transitional accommodation.

THE Territory Government will pay for 30 people sleeping rough in Darwin’s CBD to instead sleep in a suburban hostel as part of a new six-month trial.

Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison said the government would allocate $170,000 to Aboriginal Hostels Limited to pay for 30 beds at their Galawu Hostel located at 10 Finniss St, Stuart Park.

She said while those rooms were currently available — at $31 per night — many people could not afford it and were sleeping on the streets instead.

“We know we have a role to play in getting people on a better path and breaking the cycle of homelessness, which has also contributed to anti-social behaviour,” she said.

Galawu Hostel manager Daphne Allia said increasing the number of crisis beds in Darwin will make a big difference to those who need somewhere safe and comfortable to stay. Picture: Keri Megelus

“People will be able to stay in this temporary accommodation for up to three months and there will be work done … to put them in touch with the services they need or return to country.”

The Gunner Government announced their plans to deliver short-term accommodation in the CBD last October, as a part of a $8.9 million Anti-social Behaviour Plan.

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Deputy Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro was critical of why the program took seven months to roll out.

“Territorians have no confidence in the Government to address anti-social behaviour and much of the Government’s plan still remains incomplete, including the reporting App/SMS service that was meant to be ready early this year,” Ms Finocchiaro said.

Thirty beds at Galawu Hostel will be used for short-term transitional accommodation, as a part of the government’s new trial. Picture: Keri Megelus

Galawu Hostel manager Daphne Allia said since the trial began yesterday, they already had taken in a couple of people.

“There’s a big unmet need for crisis beds in Darwin, so I think all these beds here will be full by Friday,” Ms Allia said.

People will only be accommodated by referral, through Larrakia Nation, City of Darwin or Danila Dilba health services.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack told the NT News the Coalition Government was working with Aboriginal Hostels Limited to deliver a $10 million homeless facility in Darwin “as soon as possible.”