Our History

Anglican Church involvement in the Northern Territory

On 8th July 2006, 100 years of Anglican Church involvement in the development of the Northern Territory was celebrated. Since 1946 the Anglican Church has been actively involved in the delivery of welfare services to the people of the Northern Territory. This work started with the provision of accommodation and educational support services to Indigenous children from remote communities in the Central Australian region. These activities were provided at the site still known as the St Mary’s campus on the South Stuart Highway 5km from the centre of Alice Springs.

The Emergence of Anglicare NT

The growing service delivery base in the Alice Springs evolved into what was known for many decades as St Mary’s Family Services, a local welfare agency of the Anglican Church. In latter years this organisation became known as Anglicare Central Australia. 1989 saw the establishment of Anglicare Top-End, which commenced with the delivery of community services in Darwin and the integration of services previously provided through the Church Missionary Society on Groote Eylandt, East Arnhemland.

Anglicare NT was established in June 2002 by an Ordinance of the Synod of the Diocese of the Northern Territory, this process involved the merger of two large entities namely Anglicare Central Australia (St Mary’s Family Services) and Anglicare Top End.

Anglicare NT Today

Anglicare NT is now a significant provider of government funded welfare, social justice and community development programs in the Northern Territory. With over 85 different programs in urban, regional and remote communities, our staff work in partnership and continue to respond to the needs of Territorians.

Anglicare NT is accredited against the Quality Improvement Council Health and Community Services Standards.  Reviewed every three years, accreditation ensures Anglicare NT delivers quality person-centred services at a recognised national level.