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CEO Update
Welcome to our first newsletter for 2026. I hope you enjoy reading about the work that has stood out for us in recent months.
I’m bolstered by gains in services that support young people. These gains have been hard won, but are coming to fruition. You can read about this in the “Building better pathways for young people” section below.
While it may feel like a while ago now, our Annual Report, released late in 2025, offers an accurate overview of our services throughout the Northern Territory. I’m particularly proud of our regional teams and the services provided. We all know it’s harder, and more expensive, to deliver regional services, but from Anglicare NT’s standpoint we are as committed as ever to a fair and just society for everyone.
It’s been impossible to avoid the constant stream of political news from overseas, and it is becoming clear that the post-World War II rules-based international order is in turmoil. Closer to home, our NT government has a role to play in reversing the trend of polarisation that has implications for all of us who live here. When people are encouraged to focus on differences and incompatibilities instead of what connects and unites us, communities become fractured, and I find this deeply concerning.
But we don’t have to follow suit! Everyone has a story. If we can take care to understand a range of perspectives and seek common ground, we are more likely to find a way forward. We all want a safe, healthy and happy life – and this common, human need will unite us beyond the politics of fear and division.
Enjoy the latest news from Anglicare NT.
Craig Kelly,
CEO |
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Building better pathways for young people
Our supports for young people continue to grow, with new and strengthened services across the Northern Territory. Services include pregnancy and childbirth education, emergency relief, after-school programs and support for young people leaving out-of-home care. For those at risk of homelessness, we provide early intervention, short-term accommodation and case management - helping young people and families access the wrap-around support they need.
Over the past year, we’ve introduced several important new initiatives:
- Sentenced to a Skill (STAS) launched in early 2026 in Darwin and Katherine. STAS is a community-based sentencing option for young people, focused on building skills and responsibility.
- Register of Appropriate Support Person (RASP) commenced, providing 24/7 support for young people during police interviews when a responsible adult is not available.
- A youth diversion program was established in Alice Springs, offering case management for 10 to 17 year olds with a strong emphasis on early intervention and community-based alternatives.
- Youth homelessness services expanded, reaching more regions and supporting a wider age range.
- Young people helped shape the future through the Our Say project, contributing ideas for the proposed Darwin Youth and Community Hub. The Our Say reference group continues to meet monthly.
These initiatives reflect our ongoing commitment to giving young Territorians the support, voice and opportunities they deserve.
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Katherine flood - Anglicare NT office update
You will be aware of the flooding in Katherine and surrounding areas. We acknowledge how difficult this time has been for people living in the affected regions, with extensive clean‑ups still ahead.
It has also been a challenging period for our Katherine team. While all staff are safe, they are understandably exhausted and saddened by the significant flood damage.
As of Friday 13 March, the Anglicare NT office at 15 Third Street has reopened. Our teams are checking in with service participants as we begin transitioning back to normal operations.
Unfortunately, the headspace Katherine hub was inundated after flooding in the main street. Staff are currently working remotely while the clean‑up continues.
We wish everyone in the flood‑affected areas a safe and speedy recovery. |
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Racing couches to raise awareness of youth homelessness
Get ready for the ultimate couch surfing showdown! Join Anglicare NT and City of Darwin for an action-packed day featuring couch races, eye catching decorated couches, music, stalls and more. Be part of a vibrant community event shining a spotlight on youth homelessness.
Too many children and young people in Australia live in unsafe or overcrowded home environments, couch surf or sleep rough. Over 3,000 young people aged 12- 25 years are homeless on any given night in the NT (ABS 2021).
We invite you to get involved – put together a couch racing team of young people, decorate a couch for the best decorated competition, hold an information stall or donate prizes for young people.
Date: Wednesday 15 April 2026
Time: 10am – 2pm
Location: Civic Park, Darwin
Come down to Civic Park on Wednesday 15 April to watch couch races, take part in free activities, visit information stalls and show support for this important issue.
We can end youth homelessness. With more government funding, a coordinated approach and local engagement and solutions we can support children and young people at every stage of their journey.
To find out more about Couch Surfing, contact 8946 4800 or email couchsurfing@anglicare-nt.org.au
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Staff recognised
Two of our regional staff have been recognised for their outstanding work.
Natasha Reece (above right), Centre Manager at headspace Katherine, received the Outstanding Regional Supervisor award from Flinders University at their 2025 Supervisor Recognition Awards. Natasha’s award reflects her exceptional leadership, guidance and advocacy through her role at headspace Katherine. She models excellence in practice and is generous in sharing her knowledge and deep compassion with staff, students, stakeholders and community members.
Belinda Walton (above left), manager of the East Arnhem Money Support Hub, was honoured with the Fields of Change Award at last year’s South Australian Financial Counsellors Association conference. Belinda’s award celebrates her work in East Arnhem, improving access and equity for people living remotely through professional support and strong advocacy. |
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Care Finder service expansion
Anglicare NT is proud to announce the expansion of the Care Finder service in the Darwin urban area, made possible through additional funding from the NT PHN. This investment strengthens our ongoing commitment to ensuring older Territorians can access the aged care supports they need to live with dignity, safety and choice.
Care Finder is a free service designed to support older people who are vulnerable, isolated or experiencing homelessness by providing a personalised and compassionate pathway into the aged care system.
Care Finder Coordinator Vanessa Johnson said, “Our team works alongside older people to get the supports they deserve and are entitled to, helping them feel safe and respected. We work with them to set up services to make their life easier while maintaining independence.”
“Some people apologise for the assistance we give them. But it’s what people deserve. It’s what I would do for my mum,” said Vanessa.
Photo: Darwin-based Care Finders Vanessa and Jennifer. |
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Aged care reforms: what you need to know
Anglicare NT is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care for older Territorians. While the aged care sector has recently undergone significant reform, our focus on dignity, independence and wellbeing remains unchanged.
On 1 November 2025, the new Aged Care Act came into effect, aimed at strengthening the rights of older people and improving service quality and access. We welcome the Act’s strong focus on diversity and trauma-informed care, as we continue to provide high-quality, person-centred supports.
Through the Support at Home program, Anglicare NT provide coordinated, tailored care and services to help older people live independently at home for longer. Support at Home replaces Home Care Packages, in response to the Royal Commission’s recommendations to create a fairer, more accessible system that supports independence, health and social connection.
Anglicare NT continue to offer the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) across the Territory, with no changes expected before 1 July 2027.
To find out more, contact our aged care services on 08 8985 0000 or visit the website of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. |
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headspace early psychosis program
At headspace Darwin, the early psychosis program delivers specialist, evidence-based support for young people aged 12 to 25 who are experiencing, or are at risk of developing, psychosis.
The program focuses on identifying signs early and providing targeted, specialised treatment as soon as possible. By building trust and engagement, the team supports young people and their families to understand what’s happening and develop the tools they need to move forward.
The service offers a comprehensive, youth-focused and family-inclusive model of care. This includes specialist clinical support, case management, alcohol and other drug support, group programs, peer support, work and study assistance and opportunities for family involvement.
Director of Mental Health, Bev Pavkovich, said the program makes a difference by providing “flexible and culturally safe wrap-around supports, with group, peer and family support options. Holistic care that integrates therapy, community support and personal interests can lead to meaningful recovery. Together, we can build a healthier future.”
Photo: Room design at headspace Darwin is informed by young people through a youth reference group. |
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NT FoyerInvest Working Group
NT Shelter and Anglicare NT have jointly established a working group to drive coordinated advocacy for Youth Foyers in the Northern Territory, the only Australian jurisdiction without one.
Youth Foyers provide safe, stable accommodation linked with education, training and employment pathways, supporting 16 to 24 year olds to build independence and long-term housing security. Across Australia, the model has demonstrated strong outcomes in education engagement, employment participation and sustained tenancies.
The NT FoyerInvest Working Group brings together Lhere Artepe Aboriginal Corporation, Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation, Yilli Rreung Housing Aboriginal Corporation, Jawoyn Association, the Foyer Foundation, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Association, Anglicare NT and NT Shelter. Together, the group will develop a ten-year vision for the establishment of Youth Foyers across the Territory, and a practical pathway to make that vision a reality.
Anglicare NT CEO, Craig Kelly, said collaboration was central to the initiative. “This is about long-term, coordinated planning for the Territory. We are building a shared vision that reflects the unique context of the Territory.”
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Supporting financial wellbeing in East Arnhem
The East Arnhem Money Support Hub provides free, culturally-informed financial counselling, advocacy and financial literacy workshops for individuals, families and community groups. The team works closely with local leaders and partner organisations to ensure services are respectful, accessible and community-driven.
Late last year, we participated in Your Mob Your Money in Ramingining and Galiwin’ku, facilitated by ALPA (photo above). Hundreds of Yolŋu community members met with financial counsellors – including Julie, Joy and Jodie from Anglicare NT – alongside superannuation funds, tax specialists and banking representatives. The visits aim to bring services directly to community, resolve issues face-to-face, strengthen collaboration and help bridge language differences.
This year we again partner with ALPA to create and deliver educational workshops focused on online gambling apps. The first workshop was delivered in Milnigimbi last week, with others planned in Gapuwiyak, Galiwin’ku, Ramingining and Minjilang over the coming months. Videos are being developed to continue this messaging in both plain English and Yolŋu Matha.
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World Care Day
On World Care Day – the biggest celebration of children and young people who grow up in care – our staff shared how they care.
The Care Day theme, “Breaking Barriers,” recognised the unique challenges young people in care experience – from stigma and stereotypes to barriers in education, housing, health and the transition to independence. Yet every day, these young people show remarkable resilience, creativity and determination.
Nikita (above right), who works in our Moving On service, said she is “equipping young people with the confidence, skills and independence they need to thrive as resilient, empowered adults.”
CEO Craig Kelly (below right) shared, “I’m breaking barriers for kids in care by driving reform and calling for better transitions out of care.”
Director Sally Weir (below left) said, “I’m breaking barriers for kids in care by supporting the NT Home Stretch Committee to improve outcomes for young people transitioning to independence.”
Through strong advocacy and dedicated service delivery, our staff work to break barriers. The Moving On service supports young people who have left care to build skills and confidence for independent living. Anglicare NT also lead the NT Home Stretch Committee, which focuses on improving care coordination and outcomes.
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Multicultural Walking Group
The Multicultural Walking Group, led by Anglicare NT’s Refugee and Migrant Settlement Services (RAMSS), will return on Wednesday 1 April 2026. Delivered in partnership with the Heart Foundation and STEPS Casuarina, the program welcomes refugees, migrants and the wider Darwin community to meet, walk and build friendships.
Join us on 1 April to kick off the season with breakfast at 8:00 am, followed by the walk at 8:30 am.
STEPS Casuarina
13–17 Scaturchio Street
Casuarina, Darwin NT
The group will then continue meeting every Wednesday morning throughout the dry season. Everyone is welcome!
For more information contact ramss@anglicare-nt.org.au |
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Help young pregnant women
Preparing to have your first child can be a daunting and isolating experience. For younger pregnant women, building skills, confidence and supportive networks is essential for navigating positively into the next phase of life.
For over 20 years, our Pandanus service has provided non-judgemental childbirth education, personal and practical support and hope. Pandanus makes an important difference for pregnant women 25 years and under – helping them and their partners transition and prepare to become parents. It offers a range of services including childbirth education, postnatal education and one-on-one support and case management.
Donate today to help pregnant young women and young parents access essential care and timely support so they can see a positive pathway forward.
Donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible. |
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Copyright © 2026 Anglicare NT
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