Darwin Family Relationship Centre

  

Who we are

The Darwin Family Relationship Centre is managed by Relationships Australia (RANT).   

Consistent with Family Relationship Service Program (FRSP) principles and the Centre’s objectives, the Darwin Family Relationship Centre will be available to all people and directed to the needs of all family members which includes men, women, couples, children, and grandparents and also responsive to cultural groups whose families involve a wider kinship group.   

The Family Relationship Centre also provides direct support services to Indigenous families and communities.

The Centre provides a wide range of services which assist people at all times in their relationship with both preventative services (warm referral to appropriate services) and assistance once difficulties have arisen.  This includes pre-marriage, relationship enhancement and separation support.

Where we are

The Centre is located in Central Darwin, Ground Floor, Winslow House, and 75 Woods Street.  It’s discretely located in a quiet street and is diagonally opposite a large free-form park area (Frog Hollow).

The site is within easy walking distance (200m) of a major bus interchange and is close (200m) to the Post Office car park, Darwin’s largest public car parking area.  The Centre is similarly close to the major CBD retail centre (The Hub, 250m) and the RANT head office (300m).  There is also ample three-hour metered street parking available in Woods Street. 

Through existing Relationship Australia NT (RANT) locations and our Consortium partner Anglicare’s existing locations, the Family Relationship Centre also provides services for offices in Alice Springs and Nhulunbuy.  Outreach service will be provided to Katherine and to Tennant Creek from RANT Alice Springs.

The Alice Springs outlet is also centrally located in Railway Terrace (the Old Repeater Station, heritage listed) and has 150 car parking spaces available on-site. Several staff are permanently located there to service the Central Australia and Barkley region; these include an Indigenous advisor and part time FDR practitioners.

About the Centre

When you call, or drop in, you will speak with a Family Information Officer (a.k.a. Intake Officer) who will provide you with information and arrange a time for an appointment with a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner or referral out to a more appropriate service.  The Practitioner will talk with you about the relationship matters that you wish to discuss.  Once they understand your family’s needs, they will work with you to plan the next step forward.  Often this will involve inviting your spouse or partner (current or former) to attend a similar session.

It is compulsory for clients entering into the Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) process that they must attend a Parenting Education group session.  For those who are unable to attend the Parenting Education session they required to complete a correspondence course and evaluation form.  One-to-one sessions will also be provided to those who have special circumstances.

The practitioners focus on in the FDR process to work with parents separately and together to facilitate ‘child focussed’ discussion about ongoing family issues/disputes.  For some families FDR will require two practitioners to ensure the best outcome is achieved for assisting parents reach agreements on parenting arrangements that are best for their children.

Issues that you might want to discuss

Family Relationship Centres have been established to help people discuss any matters relating to strengthening family relationships, keeping families together, and assisting families through separation.  We have a wide range of resources available including printed material, CDs and DVDs and you can also access the Family Relationships Online website and the Family Relationships Advice Line free of charge.

Referrals and other services

The Centre works closely with and refer to many other community and government organizations providing a variety of services including counselling, legal advice, and group work 

Darwin provides fortnightly Parent Education sessions which explain changes in the Family Law Act, what the FDR process is, and the importance of focusing on children, plus Child-Inclusive practice is introduced.  Parent Education sessions are also delivered in the Palmerston area.

Alice Springs provides fortnightly Parent Information Sessions which explains the FDR process and introduces Child-Focussed practice to clients.

Outreach Services

We also provide outreach services from Alice Springs, with visiting services to Tennant Creek and a number of remote communities.  Additional outreach services can be made available on request.

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Services

The service has access to interpreter services.

Cost

Services are offered free including the first three hours of joint family dispute resolution, after which fees may be charge on a sliding scale depending on income.

Attorney-General's Department Disclaimer - The information on this page has been provided by this Family Relationship Centre.

Contact us

Darwin:
Address: Ground Floor, Winlow House, 75 Woods Street, Darwin NT
Phone: (08) 8923 1400    Toll Free: 1800 650 276    Fax: (08) 8941 7941
Email: info@darwinfrc.org.au
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Operating Times

• 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday
• Closed on public holidays

Alice Springs outlet

Address: 4/11 Railway Terrace, Alice Springs 
Phone: (08) 8950 4100
View Map

Operating times

• 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday
• Closed on public holidays

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