Our expansion into the Northern Territory – why did we feel it was right?

Key Takeaways

Expansion driven by community need and continuity of care: Kimberley Care Group’s move into Darwin was shaped by existing client pathways, particularly for those travelling for healthcare and accommodation. This allows participants to receive consistent support from a familiar provider, even when away from home.
Focus on housing stability in remote and regional areas: Access to safe accommodation remains a key challenge in both the Kimberley and Northern Territory. By prioritising supported housing options like SIL, KCG helps reduce homelessness and supports participants to stay connected to community and Country.
Flexible supports tailored to regional lifestyles: Services in Darwin reflect the same approach used across the Kimberley (local staff, culturally informed care, and community-based support). This includes assistance with daily life, community access, and accommodation, designed to fit each participant’s environment and goals.

From its humble beginnings of community supports in Broome, it’s hard to fathom that Kimberley Care Group has expanded into another state already. Starting up on the 4th August, 2021, we’ve grown to a point where we’re able to support clients in other places in the West Kimberley – such as Bidyadanga – and the East Kimberley, in Kununurra.

Crossing into another state, providing services to a metro area like Darwin does seem distinct from our company’s other operations, but, in fact, it’s very similar.

Find out why the expansion of services felt so very right for Kimberley Care Group (ignoring the irony that Darwin isn’t in the Kimberley!)

Why Darwin?

Speaking to the CEO and Founder of Kimberley Care Group, William Gee, the move to Darwin wasn’t solely a business decision. It came from a personal adoration of the Northern Territory.

“Having worked in remote Aboriginal communities across Western Australia and the Northern Territory, specialising in Community Development and Human Rights for disengaged individuals, the expansion into the Northern Territory felt natural.”

The CEO went on to explain that, “Though Darwin is a metro area, people might not be aware that it’s a very important place for those travelling from communities in Western Australia and Northern Territory for access to basic services such as healthcare and safe accommodation. Many of our current clients head to Darwin for medical appointments or for respite, so we can be a familiar face and name when they’re away from home.”

Next steps for KCG in Darwin

Our main focus is accommodation as well as community supports. The joy of living in the Kimberley and the Northern Territory is getting out and about – despite the heat – and being a part of nature.

Kimberley Care Group team member enjoying a hands-on wildlife experience in Northern Australia.

We have qualified support workers in Darwin, all with various backgrounds that make their support sessions diverse and dynamic. One is a tour guide, and many love to get out on the water and fish. We also have backgrounds in allied health.

Kimberley Care Group team member enjoying a fishing experience in Northern Australia.

Kimberley Care Group team member enjoying a local wildlife experience in the Northern Territory.

Homelessness has been a priority for us in the Kimberley. When the company first started, two clients whose homes are Derby and Looma were facing moving to Perth for the same old story: increased access to resources. This would mean leaving Country and the possibility of never seeing family or a familiar face again. How did we solve this richly complex issue, one that brings in the concept of cultural ignorance? By prioritising a five bed property that remains their home today. Our flexible and personalised approach to care means we will find a solution for many of our clients in terms of accommodation or living needs.

In Darwin, despite its metro rating as per the NDIS price guide, homelessness remains to be a real issue. Reports from the Darwin Homelessness Response Group state that:

‘The NT has 12 times the national average rate of homelessness. 16.5% of all Territorians under the age of 18 are experiencing homelessness.’

We see accommodation, then, as a big priority, and one we’ve already managed to tackle quickly. Currently we have one SIL house with four bedrooms available for respite and medium, to long-term accommodation needs.

If you’d like to learn more about our SIL home, please send an email to: contact.nt@kimberleycaregroup.com.au

What services can we offer to Darwin clients?

Aside from accommodation, we can support with end of life care, home supports, community supports, Department of Veterans’ Affairs and mental health support.

In your NDIS plan, the names – as they are wont to be different with their terminology – will appear as below:

If you or someone you know requires diverse and committed supports, then complete our online referral form. We’d love to become your long-term companion.

Darwin, what are you waiting for?