Every Territory child deserves the best start in life and the Territory Labor Government is investing to meet the needs of our youngest Territorians now and into the future.

The Chief Minister today announced that Katherine will be the second location, after Tennant Creek, to receive a new Child and Family Centre.

$600,000 will be invested annually to support the Katherine Child and Family Centre.

Child and Family Centres will improve outcomes for children and their families, and will coordinate the delivery of support services to children, young people, and their families. 

The establishment of 11 new Child and Family Centres form part of the Implementation Plan for the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the NT.

There are currently six existing Child and Family Centres in the NT. The centres are located in Palmerston, Ngukurr, Gunbalanya, Maningrida, Yuendumu, and Alice Springs.

The Territory Labor Government has allocated $11.4 million over four years to expand the number of Child and Family Centres from six to seventeen. In addition, $17.3 million from the Territory Labor Government’s Early Childhood Strategy Starting Early for a Better Future will be invested to focus on the needs of children 0-5 years and their families.

The services and programs at each centre will be driven by the local community as part of Local Decision Making principles, and are designed to help families and communities strengthen their capacity to raise children successfully, giving them the best start in life.

The Child and Family Centres will:

• Assist and support local families experiencing vulnerability to address their needs
• Strengthen community leadership and capacity to support families to raise happy and healthy children
• Place strong, sustainable and accountable systems for improving child and family wellbeing
• Partner with government agencies, non-government agencies, and local communities
• Controlled by local communities and include local governance structures, supported by Local Decision Making

The new Katherine Child and Family Centre is expected to be operational by end of this year. 

Quotes from Chief Minister, Michael Gunner

“The Territory Labor Government is making significant investments in key areas that will create safer communities and lead to generational change.

“Child and Family Centres will support at-risk children, young people and their families. Each centre will be unique and driven by the local community’s priorities and needs. This is part of Local Decision Making, and we are giving that power to the community to drive.”

Quotes from Member for Katherine, Sandra Nelson

“The Territory Labor Government continues to invest in the Katherine community and in solutions to ensure that vulnerable children and families receive the best pathways for a bright future. 

“A new Child and Family Centre in Katherine is great news for our community, and as the Local Member it’s something that I have been advocating for.”

Quotes from Chair of Wurli-Wurlinjang Health Service and Jawoyn Association, and Deputy Chair of Kalano Community Association, Lisa Mumbin

“It is encouraging to see the Northern Territory Government talking with us about what we can achieve together for the children of Katherine. The establishment of a Child and Family Centre for Katherine led by an Aboriginal Controlled Organisation is a fantastic opportunity for us to work together to bring about the change that we all believe in.

“The strong Aboriginal centred leadership of the Child and Family Centre will be the driver of a coordination point that brings the community together and provides access to services for everyone.”

Media Contact: Paige Nguyen 0428 727 244