Katherine business NJ Homes awarded $5.67 million construction contract for stage one of the Katherine Work Camp.
This project will create local jobs while delivering a nation-first rehabilitation and training partnership with Charles Darwin University and NT Corrections.
Work Camps are part of the Finocchiaro CLP Government's plan to reduce crime, strengthen rehabilitation and build safer communities.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government has reached a major milestone in the delivery of the Katherine Work Camp, awarding a $5.67 million construction contract to local company NJ Homes for stage one upgrades.
The contract award will support local jobs and economic activity in Katherine while progressing a key initiative designed to reduce reoffending, improve rehabilitation outcomes and strengthen community safety.
The initial 99-bed open-security facility, with plans to expand to198-beds, will be established at the existing CDU Katherine Rural Campus.
The Katherine Work Camp forms part of the Corrections Infrastructure Master Plan, delivering modern and future-ready correctional infrastructure across the Northern Territory.
Minister for Corrections Gerard Maley said awarding the contract marked an important step in delivering a practical rehabilitation model focused on education, employment and community safety.
"Reducing crime isn't just about stronger laws and more police - it's also about breaking the cycle of offending and helping people build productive lives when they leave custody," Minister Maley said.
"The Katherine Work Camp will provide prisoners approaching the end of their sentence with access to education, vocational training and employment pathways that improve their chances of securing work and staying out of prison.
"Importantly, this project is also creating opportunities right now, with a local Katherine business winning the construction contract and local workers helping deliver the project."
Member for Katherine, Jo Hersey said NJ Homes has a strong reputation in the community, and it's great to see a local business winning work that will support local jobs and deliver real economic benefits for Katherine.
"When local companies like NJ Homes are awarded government contracts, the benefits flow throughout our community - supporting local workers, local suppliers and local families.
"The CLP Government is committed to backing local businesses wherever possible, and this contract is a great example of taxpayer dollars being invested back into the Katherine economy."
The Katherine Work Camp is a nation-first partnership between the Finocchiaro CLP Government and Charles Darwin University, combining an on campus correctional services work camp with accredited education and vocational training.
The construction contract includes initial upgrades to accommodation facilities, supporting infrastructure, security systems and staff facilities, ensuring the Katherine Rural Campus remains a working environment for students, staff and visitors.
Education and training opportunities will support industries including agriculture, land management, construction and community services, helping participants develop practical skills and improve employment prospects upon release.
Minister Maley said the project reflected the Finocchiaro CLP Government's commitment to tackling the causes of crime while delivering better outcomes for communities.
"Every prisoner who gains skills, secures a job and avoids returning to custody represents a better outcome for our community and a better use of taxpayer dollars," he said.
"This project is about rehabilitation with purpose - giving people the opportunity to contribute positively to the community while helping address workforce shortages across regional industries."
Works will commence this month and are expected to be completed in early 2027, with operations commencing through a staged opening and gradual prisoner intake.
