21 April 2026
HOMELESS DARWIN VETERANS TO BENEFIT FROM NEW HOUSING CENTRE
As a nation, we have a duty to ensure no veteran is left behind.
The Albanese Government is investing $3.245 million to deliver a purpose-built facility in Darwin for veterans and families of veterans, named the Scott Palmer Services Centre.
The grant has been awarded to The Salvation Army (Northern Territory) and is part of the Government's commitment to act on veteran homelessness.
Homelessness rates in the Northern Territory are up to 12 times higher than the national average, and veterans are almost three times more likely to experience homelessness than the general population.
This initiative aligns with recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, which highlighted homelessness as a major risk factor for poor mental health and suicidality, especially during the transition from military to civilian life.
The Centre will provide the transitional housing and tailored support services needed to help veterans rebuild their lives with dignity and stability.
The Centre will offer several self-contained transitional accommodation units and access to wraparound services including mental health and employment support through connections to veteran-specific programs such as Open Arms and the Darwin Veterans' and Families' Hub.
The Centre will be named in honour of Private Scott Travis Palmer, a Commando who tragically lost his life in Afghanistan in 2010 after completing three tours there as well as deployments to East Timor and Iraq.
Private Palmer was born and raised in the Northern Territory, and was known for his professionalism, courage, and deep commitment to his mates. His legacy lives on through this initiative, reflecting the values he embodied.
The Salvation Army (Northern Territory) is currently looking to secure a suitable property, and further timelines will be confirmed once a site is secured.
