Homeless ‘super centre’ to open in Darwin CBD

THE NT Government has revealed plans to turn a building located in Darwin’s CBD into a ‘super centre’ for the homeless

The government plans to open the Better Pathways Centre on Wood St in 2020 to assist Darwin’s homeless population. Picture: Supplied

THE NT Government has revealed plans to turn the old Frogs Hollow arts building into a centre for Darwin’s homeless.

The Wood St building is set to reopen next year as the Better Pathways Centre and offer amenities like toilets, showers, laundry and meal services for rough sleepers in the CBD in a bid to address anti-social behaviour.

It will also offer in-reach services, therapeutic activities, case management and referral services.

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But the centre will only operate during the day and people won’t be allowed to sleep there.

The grounds will also be turned into an alcohol restricted area and anyone found camping on the site will be assisted by Larrakia Night Patrol to alternative accommodation.

The NT has 12 times the national average rate of homelessness.

Last year Chief Minister Michael Gunner said the centre would be open by early 2019 but the government has delayed this to 2020.

Internal works also still need to be completed at the centre and they are still waiting for approval from the Development Consent Authority.

Local Government, Housing and Community Development Minister Gerry McCarthy said the centre would provide dignity and support services for people in Darwin who are sleeping rough.

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NT Shelter Executive Officer Peter McMillan welcomed the news.

He also said the government has made commitments to open similar centres in Darwin’s northern suburbs and Palmerston in 2019.

“It’s important (that) work continues in earnest to make that happen,” he said.

Deputy Opposition leader Lia Finocchiaro said she had no confidence in Labor to implement anything effective on anti-social behaviour.

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“For too long the Gunner Labor Government has promised its measures will address crime, anti-social behaviour and alcohol harm, yet it has failed at every turn,” she said.