Local Jobs Fund Supports Construction of Specialist Disability Accommodation in Darwin
The Northern Territory’s Local Jobs Fund is helping to deliver two brand new specialist disability accommodation facilities in Darwin. Territory business Accommodating Futures Pty Ltd was awarded two Priority Sector Collaborative Grants through the Local Jobs Fund for the project:
- $28,500 in October 2020 to assist with a feasibility study and business case for the construction of two new specialist disability accommodation residences in Darwin.
- $1 million in August 2023 to assist with construction of the residences in the northern suburbs.
- The total project value is $2.998 million, with the company providing a $1.42 million contribution, as well as providing the land for the two houses.
The facilities, which are located in Tiwi and Leanyer, will each accommodate up to three residents and one overnight support worker, and support the employment of at least nine full-time disability support workers.
Specialist Disability Accommodation Directors Alana and Lachlan Michell said their team were preparing to welcome the facilities’ first residents in the next month.
“We’re looking forward to helping people settle in, and improving their day-to-day lives,” said Ms Michell. “We have engaged extensively with service providers to open these accommodation facilities, and they will play a big role in allowing people to live their lives to the best of their abilities”.
The houses have been designed to be fully compliant with Australian Specialist Disability Accommodation requirements, and will be classed as High Physical Support, Fully Accessible and Improved Liveability.
Approved residents will utilise the facilities through tenancy contracts, and the houses can also accommodate a live-in carer, if required.
The project received $1 million in funding through the Northern Territory’s Local Jobs Fund, with Accommodating Futures Pty Ltd co-investing $1.42 million, plus land.
Prior to construction, a feasibility study and business case were developed, with the LJF contributing $28 500 toward the development of these documents.
“The feasibility study and the business case were crucial for this project, as they highlighted the need for this kind of accommodation in the Territory,” said Ms Michell.
“They also explored the viability for these services, allowing us to tailor our facilities to meet those needs for Territorians living with disability.”
The project will pave the way for more specialist disability accommodation across the Territory, to meet further anticipated demand.
Construction of the project was carried out by local builder Lachlan Michell, who used 100% local services, including 13 subcontractors and 26 suppliers.
Since its inception in 2019, the Local Jobs Fund has approved more than $61 million in funding to 15 successful business applicants. The Local Jobs Fund is expected to create more than 880 direct jobs and 1814 indirect jobs over the next five years and forecast to contribute over $1 billion to the Territory’s economy.