# Darwin Aboriginal housing closure dispute > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/darwin-aboriginal-housing-closure-dispute > Updated: 2026-10-13T02:11:40.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. A dispute has emerged following the Northern Territory Country Liberal Party (CLP) government’s decision to close the Yilli Short Stay Accommodation (YiSSA) in Darwin. The facility, an Aboriginal community-controlled site, provides low-cost housing for vulnerable populations, including those undergoing renal dialysis and families escaping domestic violence. The territory government declined federal funding offers ranging from $3.5 million to $6.5 million to purchase the site’s demountables, instead opting to relocate residents to Batchelor, a location over 100 kilometres from Darwin. Critics and advocacy groups, such as Justice Not Jails, argue this move disconnects residents from essential healthcare, schools, and employment. Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy criticized the decision as “heartless” and a “deep day of shame,” warning of increased risks for those forced to sleep rough. While Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro defended the closure by labeling the facility a “waste of money,” health officials are reportedly attempting to secure accommodation for dialysis patients near Darwin. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-13: Darwin's YiSSA homeless shelter closure sparks federal criticism The Northern Territory government's decision to close Darwin's YiSSA homeless shelter has drawn federal condemnation, leaving hundreds of vulnerable residents facing displacement or homelessness. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/darwins-yissa-homeless-shelter-closure-sparks-federal-criticism ### 2026-10-06: Aboriginal residents fight Darwin housing closures Aboriginal residents in Darwin are fighting the Northern Territory government's plan to close YiSSA, a community-controlled housing facility, and relocate vulnerable tenants to Batchelor. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/darwin-aboriginal-housing-residents-fight-forced-relocation --- Cite as: Darwin Aboriginal housing closure dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/darwin-aboriginal-housing-closure-dispute