Push to establish monitored “wet camp” in Darwin for itinerants

THE leader of an NT welfare organisation is urging the government to consider setting up a “wet camp” in Darwin where itinerants can be monitored

Mission Australia's Stringybark, sobering up shelter program manager, Mick Pearce, processes a client on arrival to the 24 hour facility at Berrimah. Picture: Patrina Malone

• Calls for action on itinerant drinkers at Mindil Beach
• Larrakia Nation patrols record 60 per cent spike in alcohol-related call outs

THE leader of a Northern Territory welfare organisation is urging the government to consider setting up a “wet camp” in Darwin where itinerants can be monitored and drink safely.

Mission Australia’s NT regional leader Michael Soler said he raised the “wet camp” idea with the NT government amid growing concerns of itinerants drinking in the city.

Mr Soler said nightly admissions at Mission Australia’s Darwin Sobering Up Shelter for January had tripled compared to 2018.

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Due to a surge in demand over recent months, Mr Soler said the 40-bed facility was full most nights and they often had to turn people away.

The figures coincided with a 60 per cent increase in alcohol-related call-outs for Larrakia Nation last month.

Urban Housing Minister Kate Worden said the government was open to considering the proposal put forward by Mission Australia.

“Regarding a wet camp in the Top End, we as a government are working with on-site service providers on ensuring there are a range of services to meet a range of needs,” she said.

“These discussions will inform any future service innovations.”

Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said he would support having a “wet camp” in Darwin as long as it was appropriately monitored.

“I think it would be a good idea if all the service providers got on board,” he said.

“It would need to be located somewhere on the outskirts of Darwin, away from alcohol retailers and have all the necessary amenities.”

Itinerants gather at Vesteys Beach and Fannie Bay.

Mr Soler said more than 95 per cent of admissions at the Sobering Up Shelter were itinerants from outside the Darwin area with no safe place to go.

“While it’s normal to see a spike during the wet season as more itinerants come into town, we’ve never seen it at this consistent level,” he said.

Mr Soler said he believed the presence of Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspectors (PALIs) across Tennant Creek, Katherine and Alice Springs was driving many people who wanted to come to Darwin to drink.

“People can’t get a hold of grog where they live so everyone’s coming to Darwin and now the demand for our services here are through the roof,” he said.

“It’s like squeezing a water balloon until it bursts.”

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Alcohol Policy Minister Natasha Fyles said the 2020 Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Demand Study demonstrated the Darwin Sobering Up Shelter had a “sufficient” capacity of services.

However, she said the government would continue to monitor the issue.

“I recognise the hard work of the staff at the Darwin Sobering Up Shelter and the important services they provide for our community,” she said.

“Traditionally in the wet season, the shelter experiences higher admissions.

“The Territory Labor Government increased the facility’s operating hours to 24/7 in November 2018, which has resulted in an increase in admissions over the past two years.”