Ozanam House relocation to Coconut Grove will proceed: St Vincent de Paul NT

Vinnies make no apologies for the temporary relocation of its homelessness centre and has reiterated its priority to support Territorians sleeping rough.

St Vincent de Paul is relocating its Ozanam House in Stuart Park (pictured) to Coconut Grove. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

St Vincent de Paul Society has doubled down on its plan to temporarily relocate the Ozanam House from Stuart Park to Coconut Grove despite public outcry over the decision.

In March, concerned residents, former councillors and businesses expressed their opposition to the application, arguing the move would bring further disruption and crime to the area.

Despite the local pushback, Vinnies’ short-term solution was taken to the Development Consent Authority for consisderation, with the welfare agency expected to soon set up a new purpose-built facility in the area.

In light of the approval, St Vincent de Paul Society NT issued a statement to announce it would proceed with the relocation and strive to provide homeless Territorians meals, showers and “vital access” to housing, legal and health support.

“To continue providing dignity and support services to the most vulnerable members of the community, St Vincent de Paul Society NT will relocate its day centre services from Stuart Park to a new purpose-built facility being developed in Coconut Grove, adjacent to the St Vincent de Paul Society Bakhita Centre,” the statement said.

Jocelyn Cull is President of the St Vincent de Paul Society Northern Territory, Vinnies NT. Picture: Supplied.

In an open letter, St Vincent de Paul Society NT president Jocelyn Cull said the issue required a comprehensive approach.

“Let’s be clear, there is no silver bullet to make homelessness disappear, but the strategic integration of holistic wraparound support services will start to address the root cause of homelessness – this will be a big step in helping to alleviate the matter.”

Ms Cull said proximity was a key consideration in where welfare agencies should be located.

“There is no point in building facilities that are in the wrong place, far away from what people need or where they need to be,” she said.

“Effective strategies must acknowledge and address the systemic factors contributing to this disparity, ensuring both Indigenous and non-Indigenous voices are heard and are part of the solution.”

St Vincent de Paul has been providing homelessness services in Darwin for more than 50 years.

Ms Cull hailed the Lawler government as “taking steps in the right direction” in finding a solution, and said the permanent facility would keep homeless people within reach of various pursuits.

“(The) facility will be somewhere that homeless people can go to get access to critical services, engage with others through sports and cultural activities, gain employment and skills development and stay in culturally appropriate accommodation at an affordable price.”