1. Where does the name Somerville originate from?
2. Where does Somerville receive its funding from?
3. Where are your facilities located in the Territory?
4. Is Somerville a Territory or National Body?
5. How many staff do Somerville employ?
6. What is Somerville's Mission?
7. Who is eligible for Somerville's services?
8. How do people access Somerville Community Services?
9. What services do Somerville provide?

Where does the name Somerville originate from?

Somerville Homes came into existence in 1965. The homes were named in honour of Margaret Somerville MBE who helped evacuate 95 children from Croker Island to Sydney in 1942 and who returned to Croker Island with the children after the war and continued as a house mother and care giver until 1965. A book entitled "They Crossed A Continent", the story of Margaret Somerville’s epic journey, will tell you how it all began and is available at our office, please call (08) 8920 4100 (also see Publications).

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Where does Somerville receive funding from?

Somerville receives funding primarily from the Northern Territory Department of Health & Families, Commonwealth Government, donations, fundraising activities, individual and business sponsorships and returns on investments.

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Where are your facilities located in the Territory?

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Is Somerville a Territory or National Body?

Although Somerville is an agency of the Uniting Church in Australia, we are only operational in the Northern Territory. Somerville was established in 1965 and is indigenous to the Territory, your local community service.

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How many staff do Somerville employ?

With a staff of over 170, Somerville brings together the labour, skills and enthusiasm of its employees and volunteers to give practical expression to the Christian-humanitarian ideal of a caring and sharing society.

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What is Somerville’s Mission?

To impact positively on the dignity and quality of life of people who are affected by social and economic disadvantage.

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Who is eligible for Somerville’s services?

Disability Services

• Both male and female applicants.
• Both ambulatory and non-ambulatory applicants.
• Persons described as having high support needs or a severe to profound disability due to physical, intellectual or multiple disabilities.
• Persons assessed as being likely to benefit from cooperative living and from the programs offered in the supported accommodation service.

Family Services

• Counselling and Family Support is currently available to the general community in Darwin/Palmerston area.
• Limited Supported accommodation in Palmerston is generally able to be accessed by families.
• Financial Counselling is available to the general community in the Darwin/Palmerston area.
• Youth & Family Support is available to people aged 12-24 and their families in the Katherine region.

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How do people access Somerville Community Services?

Our telephone numbers are:

Office Hours are 8.00 am - 5.00 pm Monday to Friday. No referral required.

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What services do Somerville provide?

Please check the Our Services section of this website.

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