YiSSA closes as short-stay residents prepare to be bussed to Batchelor

Dozens of Darwin residents have been faced with a stark choice between homelessness and relocation 100 kilometers away following the closure of the city's short-stay facility, YiSSA. The closure was delayed by a day, as tradespeople worked to set up the new facility in Batchelor. Despite concerns about access to healthcare and other essential services, remaining YiSSA residents are being moved to the remote town of Batchelor today.

Up to 120 people still living at the facility in Marrara will be relocated to a town of about 500 people on the edge of Litchfield National Park. The Northern Territory government opted not to share ownership of the site with the Commonwealth, leading to protest outside YiSSA where residents felt dehumanized and disregarded. Some residents expressed uncertainty about their living arrangements, one saying they didn't even have the money to secure temporary accommodation.

NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro confirmed the closure, stating residents would move to Batchelor where they would receive food, care, clothing, and shelter. However, residents expressed worry about the lack of access to healthcare and education in Batchelor. Harry Garrawurra, a resident from Elcho Island, expressed concern about the impact on medically vulnerable people from surrounding communities.