Youth on bail in Tennant Creek will be able to stay on Country and close to home with construction commencing on a new Youth Justice Accommodation Facility.

Part of the $100.5 million Barkly Regional Deal, civil works at the Peko Road facility will begin this month.

The $5.5 million Barkly Youth Justice Accommodation Facility will cater for young people from Tennant Creek and the Barkly Region who are subject to police or court-ordered bail, court-ordered community supervision, or in the youth justice system.

Funding to construct the facility includes $3.55 million for the design and construction of 8 bedrooms with ensuites and shared spaces such as program, kitchen and staff areas, with a further $2 million per year to operate the facility once it opens.

The new facility will mean young people can remain in Tennant Creek throughout their youth justice proceedings without travelling to major centres in Darwin and Alice Springs.

The Peko Road site is owned by Patta Aboriginal Corporation, the Native Title Holders and managed with an Indigenous Land Use Agreement administered by the Central Land Council and registered by the National Native Title Trust in November 2023.

Darwin-based Northern Transportable was awarded the tender to fabricate the facility’s modular buildings and install them on-site and construction of the modular buildings is nearing completion.

Further work, including landscaping, driveway access and car parking spaces, will also be done, with the facility expected to be complete by mid-year.

The Barkly Regional Deal is a 10-year partnership between the Australian, Northern Territory and local government to stimulate economic growth and improve social outcomes, including culture and place-making.

The Deal is also a commitment to a new, more community-led way of working. Community partners have input on projects, including Aboriginal organisations, the Barkly Aboriginal Alliance, businesses, non-government organisations, youth and government.

Chief Minister Eva Lawler said the safety of our community is paramount.

“This is why we are building bail accommodation on country,” she said.

“The new bail support services will improve bail accountability by providing the support and supervision that young people need to meet their bail conditions.

“This week, I visited Tennant Creek and met with numerous stakeholders, as well as visited the site for this facility, which will hold people to account while being close to home and country.”

Minister for Territory Families, Ngaree Ah Kit said engaging with the youth justice system can be a daunting experience for young people who need the support of family and community.

“The new Barkly Youth Justice Accommodation Facility will help keep kids connected to Country, to family and to community while they navigate the youth justice system – giving them the best chance to improve their future,” said Minister Ah Kit.

“We’re proud to work with the Barkly Regional Deal partners to develop and deliver projects like this that will improve the outcomes for people living in the Barkly region.”

This article appeared in Tennant & District Times, 9 February 2024.