Arabic version: سكان مركز ييسا في داروين يواجهون الإغلاق في أكتوبر
According to ABC News, more than 230 residents of Darwin’s YiSSA short-stay accommodation centre could face homelessness when the facility closes on October 11. The residents include 85 children, people receiving renal dialysis or experiencing serious health problems, and families escaping domestic violence. More than 300 people are also on a waitlist for the centre.
The Northern Territory government announced two months ago that YiSSA would close in October after its $3 million offer for the buildings was rejected by owner Ausco Modular, which is seeking $6.5 million. In August, federal Senator Malarndirri McCarthy offered a Commonwealth contribution of up to $3.5 million to split the purchase cost with the Territory government and keep the centre open.
Negotiations appeared to stall last week after NT Children and Families Minister Robyn Cahill criticised the conditions attached to the Commonwealth proposal. Those conditions include funding Yilli Rreung Housing Aboriginal Corporation to operate YiSSA for at least five more years and requiring the NT government to decommission the site when it eventually closes. The Territory government has said the ageing facility is not fit for purpose beyond another two to three years.
Residents said they remained uncertain about where they would live. Rose Laynba said people were worried and sad, while Christine Martin said she feared the centre could close before she received a promised house. Aboriginal service providers, including the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency and Danila Dilba Health Service, have called on the Territory government to negotiate. They said closure could increase rough sleeping and place further pressure on hospitals, emergency departments and frontline agencies.
