$60m earmarked for new Darwin home

The government is looking for expressions of interest from aged care providers who are interesting in being a delivery partner for a new residential care home in greater Darwin.

The home will have a minimum 120-bed capacity, and the government will invest up to $60 million through the Aged Care Capital Assistance Program.

EOIs are being sought from residential care providers who have:

• a track record of delivering high-quality care and large-scale infrastructure projects
• an understanding of and capacity to deliver culturally safe care
• the capacity to attract and retain workers at the new home
• the capacity to co-contribute funding
• the capacity to complete the build within 18-36 months.

The Northern Territory Government is offering land next to the Palmerston Regional Hospital at no cost but other locations will also be considered – where funded by the provider.

Minister for Aged Care and Seniors Sam Rae said the government is on a mission to boost the availability of aged care in the Northern Territory, with the latest $60 million commitment building on the near $40 million already provided to providers in the area through the Aged Care Capital Assistance Program last month. 

“This new home will take a great deal of pressure off local hospitals and those experiencing delayed discharge and give more First Nations elders access to culturally safe care that allows them to stay close to their families and connection to Country,” Mr Rae said.

The new aged care home will deliver targeted services to address the needs of Territorians, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders and people with complex and higher care needs.

Minister for Indigenous Australians Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said she is pleased the facility will deliver targeted services to First Nations elders, many of whom have complex care needs.

“Our Elders are important members of our Darwin community and deserve dignity, safety and respect in their later years,” she said.

“The Albanese government’s $60 million investment is about ensuring more older Territorians can access the aged care they need, closer to their loved ones.

Submissions are open until 27 November, and EOI documents, including instructions on how to participate, are available here.

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