NT government devotes $850,000 to public housing support services

Tiesha Hewitt Published December 26, 2024 at 12.00pm (AWST)

Mission Australia, the NT Department of Children and Families, and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Community Development are working in collaboration to provide services to Litchfield Court tenants.

The NT government recently announced $850,000 in funding for the program.

The primary aim of this service is to increase support and safety at Litchfield Court with Mission Australia employing three full-time, experienced Aboriginal staff onsite from Monday to Friday.

This will also include the role of a domestic, family and sexual violence worker.

The service will also help tenants access financial and health information and support.

NT Minister for Children and Families, Robyn Cahill joined Mission Australia NT Regional Lead Paul Royce at a tenant Christmas party and discussed progress of the new Tenancy Program and how it is helping keep tenants safe and reduce anti-social behaviour.

Mission Australia is delivering the Supported and Safe Integrated Tenancy Program Pilot at the Litchfield Court public housing complex in Darwin.

Ms Cahill, said the government was acting to create a safer environment for Territorians in public housing.

"The CLP Government is focused on keeping the community safe and restoring our Territory lifestyle which includes reducing anti-social behaviour at public housing," she said.

"This program is being piloted to provide tenants with the support they need to stay in their homes and ensuring there are consequences for bad behaviours within our communities.

"By focusing on early intervention, we're fostering a safer environment where people can live securely and comfortably in their homes, strengthening our community for everyone."

Mission Australia has sub-contracted Territory Protective Services each afternoon and evening to address disruptive behaviours and increase safety with Public Housing Safety Officers also conting to patrol the complex.

Dr Royce said Mission Australia is "delighted" to partner with the Northern Territory government to provide "intensive housing support for Territorians in need".

"This program not only increases the safety of those who need it most, but also the support network to ensure these properties are sustainable," he said.

"In only a few short weeks, our staff and partner organisations are already hearing many stories of success from tenants who have greatly benefited from the program."

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