Homeland Services

Homelands (or outstations) are small, often remote, Aboriginal living areas outside larger communities and urban regions. They are defined by the residents' cultural or traditional relationship to the land. Residing on homelands is often referred to as "living on country."

There are approximately 600 homelands across the Northern Territory (NT), with an estimated population of 6,000-8,000 residents. There are an additional 40,000 people linked to homelands who reside in larger communities.

Homelands play a critical role in the social, cultural, and economic life of Aboriginal people. Living on homelands is associated with a range of social and health benefits. More recently, homelands provided alternative accommodation for Aboriginal communities as biosecurity measures were implemented throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Homelands are typically located on Aboriginal land, which is held by Aboriginal Land Trusts established under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976. There are also some homelands that are located on Community Living Areas or parcels of land within national parks. Housing in homelands is usually communally owned and not subject to the NT Government leasing or part of the NT's remote public housing system.

The NT Government recognises and supports the fundamental right of Aboriginal Territorians to live on, develop, and maintain their homelands.

Homelands Grants Program

The Homelands Grants Program provides funding for housing, municipal and essential services in eligible homelands.

To be eligible for funding, a homeland must:

• Have a sustainable, potable water supply in operating condition
• Have its own operating power supply
• Have safe and secure housing
• Be accessible
• Be the principal place of residence
• Have a recognised service provider willing to undertake the responsibility for servicing the homeland and be able to deliver services in a safe environment.

For more information, read the guidelines and fact sheet.

• 2023-25 Homelands Program guidelines PDF (375.0 KB)
• 2023-25 Homelands Capital Grant guidelines PDF (251.6 KB)

To view funding and service provider details for a particular homeland, go to Bushtel and search for the location’s profile.

Homelands Policy Review

The Australian Government began funding NT homelands in 1973 to ensure Aboriginal people could continue living on traditional lands. The Australian Government built most of the homes in homelands prior to 2005. In 2016, the responsibility for providing municipal and essential services in homelands was transferred to the NT Government.

The NT Government developed the Homelands Policy, ‘a shared responsibility’, in 2015 to guide the Homelands Grants Program. This program funds basic repairs and maintenance for housing and infrastructure in eligible homelands.

In January 2021, the NT Government released an independent review of the Homelands Policy and Grants Program. The review considered 18 submissions from homelands stakeholders and conducted over 30 face-to-face and telephone interviews to ensure the program met the needs of the people living in homelands.

In response to the review, the NT Government has committed to measures supporting the recommendations.

Get the NT Government’s initial response to the review PDF (2.6 MB).

For further information on the Homelands Policy Review:

• Homelands Policy review PDF (2.2 MB) PDF (2.2 MB)
• Homelands Policy 2015 PDF (1.4 MB) PDF (1.4 MB)

Homelands housing and infrastructure audit

In 2022, the NT Government's Ministerial Advisory Committee on Homelands commissioned an independent audit of funded homelands across all regions. The audit assessed the current state of housing, essential services, and municipal services for 100 of the 400 funded homelands.

Homelands housing and infrastructure program

On 25 October 2022, the Northern Territory Government entered into a $100 million homeland agreement with the Australian Government to deliver urgent repairs and upgrades in homelands through the Homeland Housing and Infrastructure Program (HHIP). This funding was rolled out over a two-year period and was managed by the Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities (TFHC).

On 17 July 2024, the Northern Territory and Australian Government agreed to a further investment of $40 million per annum for three years ($120 million in total) to continue urgent upgrades across Northern Territory Homelands through the HHIP. The $120 million Homelands agreement provides funding for critical repairs, maintenance, and infrastructure upgrades in homelands.

Contact

For more information, contact Homelands Services by calling 1800 031 648 or emailing homelands.program@nt.gov.au.