Santa swapped his sleigh for a sunny Darwin visit this week, bringing Christmas cheer and plenty of smiles to families at Litchfield Court in Coconut Grove.
Mission Australia NT hosted a tenant Christmas and gift-giving celebration at the 127-unit public housing complex, creating a joyful opportunity for residents to come together, connect with services and celebrate a year of positive change.
Department of Children and Families CEO Brent Warren said it was heart-warming to see the community come together at such a special time of year.
"Christmas is about connection, kindness and joy and today was a beautiful example of that," Mr Warren said.
"Seeing services, community partners and families come together, and the excitement on children's faces as Santa arrived with gifts, really shows the power of place-based support done well."
The event also highlighted the impact of the Supported and Safe Integrated Tenancy Program, delivered onsite by Mission Australia and funded by the Northern Territory Government through the Department of Children and Families (DCF).
The program was launched as a pilot in October 2024 and, following strong early results, is now funded at $1.36 million per year for 4 years until 30 June 2029 under DCF's Integrated Tenancy Sustainability Program.
Acting Executive Director of Homelessness Shakira Baulderstone said the Christmas celebration reflected the growing sense of community at Litchfield Court.
"Community spirit was high throughout the event," Ms Baulderstone said.
"It was a fantastic opportunity for residents to connect with each other, ask questions, and access support in a relaxed, festive environment - exactly what this program is designed to encourage."
Delivered on site, the Supported and Safe Integrated Tenancy Program combines tenancy support, cultural liaison and after-hours security to help residents stay safely housed and prevent homelessness. Mission Australia employs a dedicated team including a Program Manager, 2 case managers and a domestic and family violence practitioner, and sub-contracts Territory Protective Services to provide after-hours security.
Mission Australia NT Regional Leader Dr Paul Royce said the integrated approach was making a real difference for residents.
"Through this integrated tenancy program at Litchfield Court, the onsite support and security provided by Mission Australia, Territory Protective Services and our partner organisations have increased safety, particularly for women and children," Dr Royce said.
"By supporting tenants to manage their tenancies and resolve issues early, we're helping people stay safely housed and build more secure, long-term tenancies."
Early results from the pilot demonstrate the impact of investing in prevention and early intervention. Outcomes include no evictions for tenants supported through the program, more than 2,000 tenant interactions and 600 support services delivered.
Mission Australia NT State Director Sue Budalich said the success of the program belonged to the community itself.
"We're incredibly grateful to the Northern Territory Government and the Department of Children and Families for backing this program," Ms Budalich said.
"But the real stars are the residents who call Litchfield Court home. They're embracing the support, looking out for one another, and helping to build a stronger, safer community."
The program is having a positive impact on public housing at the complex, with the pilot program reducing rental debt by 26%, as well as a 42% increase in supported responses to antisocial behaviour, enabling earlier de-escalation.
Department of Housing, Local Government and Community Development CEO Tom Leeming said safe, well-managed public housing benefits everyone - tenants, neighbours and the wider community.
"Reducing rental debt and antisocial behaviour helps protect public housing assets and creates places people are proud to live," Mr Leeming said.
With Santa's visit wrapping up a year of progress, the message from Litchfield Court was clear: when the right support is in place, communities can thrive. At Christmas, and all year round.
