History of Harry’s Place

The idea of creating a shared community space was sparked some years ago. The positive impact this type of building could bring to the Darwin community sector was embraced by the Board of Carpentaria Disability Services and discussions commenced with stakeholders, staff and clients to develop a funding proposal for the Northern Territory and Australian Governments.

Harry’s Place aims to:

  • Serve a vital role in the community by creating the opportunity for the co-location of a range of community, allied health, education and training and direct care services
  • Develop critical mass, economies of scale and efficiencies across the community services sector so more resources are directed at front line services to build organisational capacity, self-sustainability and less reliance on Government funding
  • Address disadvantage by providing purpose-built, multi organisation, integrated community infrastructure that creates opportunities and improves the lives of disadvantaged Territorians
  • Enhance the long term sustainability of community service providers

Carpentaria was fortunate to secure $10m from the Northern Territory Government through the ‘Boosting Our Economy’ funding package for the Stage 1 Administration Building and $8.5m from the Australian Government through ‘Building Our Future’ funding for Stage 2 buildings. Carpentaria has also made a significant financial commitment to the project.

The name Harry’s Place was developed to recognise the significant contribution made by Harry Giese, who was the Director of the Welfare Branch of the Northern Territory Administration, Commonwealth Department of the Interior (1954 – 1970) and the first President of the then Northern Territory Spastics Association which was established in 1973. He was integral to the continued development and growth of the Association, which subsequently became known as Carpentaria Disability Services.

The Harry’s Place logo utilises a multi coloured circle of people to represent both the participants and staff, as well as the organisations co-locating and utilising the shared services model of delivery and outcomes. The tagline clearly articulates what Harry’s Place is and represents – a shared community space for all to enjoy.