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Managing Australia's Borders

Northern Immigration Detention Centre at Darwin

An immigration detention centre at Darwin was originally constructed following the decision announced in August 2001 to establish contingency centres. The original facility was located within the fence line of Defence Establishment Berrimah, formerly known as HMAS Coonawarra.

The existing facility is currently being upgraded.

A facility upgrade was necessary due to the increased apprehension of illegal foreign fishers in the northern waters of Australia. Most illegal foreign fishers who are detained only stay for a short period at the facility prior to repatriation to their home country.

Accommodation and facilities

The Northern Immigration Detention Centre at Darwin comprises new and good quality second-hand transportable buildings. The majority of the buildings came from an engineering camp in Western Australia.

The upgraded immigration detention centre contains:

  • 3 compounds
  • accommodation buildings
  • commercial kitchen/ recreation area/ cyclone shelter
  • recreation buildings
  • health services buildings
  • interview centres
  • induction centre
  • visits areas
  • cabanas
  • laundries
  • administration buildings.

The accommodation buildings have either 4 or 5 rooms per building, each with a double bunk, wardrobe, desk and chairs.

Features

Other features being made available are:

  • telephones specifically for use by the people in immigration detention
  • outdoor recreation areas
  • purpose built beach volley ball court
  • satellite television with access to Indonesian programs
  • shade structures (cabanas where residents can access tea and coffee making facilities, cold drinks.)
  • laundry facilities with washing machines, dryers and ironing facilities
  • visits area catering for both indoor and outdoor visiting
  • a large indoor dining and recreation area (designed to act as a certified cyclone shelter in the event of a cyclone).

All operational and maintenance aspects of the centre are undertaken by the Detention Services Provider.
See: Detention Services Provider Contract

Capacity

Information on accommodation capacity at immigration detention facilities is available on the department's website.
See: Accommodation Capacity

Contact details

Contact details and visiting hours information is available on the department's website.
See: Contact Details for the Northern Immigration Detention Centre