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A residential therapeutic community

Banyan House is a residential therapeutic community located in Darwin, Northern Territory offering treatment for people recovering from alcohol and drug addiction. We  hold current accreditation service status with Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001-2008) and maintain organisational membership of the Australian Therapeutic Communities Association (ATCA).     

In addition to our residential program we provide:

  • Relapse prevention programs
  • Alcohol and drug assessments
  • Courts and Police diversion programs
  • Counselling, education and information

The Forster Foundation acknowledges the traditional owners of the country on which we work and live and recognises their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay our respect to them and their cultures and to elders both past and present 


Mission and Vision

Our mission is...

To understand and reduce the harm to people, families and communities caused by substance misuse and any Co-occurring mental health disorders.

Our Values

  • Community Encompassing collaboration, participation and fellowship with others
  • Respect Prejudice free consideration of the rights, values and beliefs of all people.
  • Transparency
  • Openness in relation to the decisions affecting others and any limitations on such decisions
  • Self Improvement to be the best we can be.

Our Story

Banyan House was established in the mid-1970s as a result of concerns about the growing problem of heroin addiction in the Darwin area and the sustained efforts of concerned people in the legal profession, health sector and government agencies including police, Courts and health. 

Banyan House was originally located in a small cottage in Rapid Creek and derived its name from a banyan tree planted in the front garden of its original location. Activities outgrew this location and through the generosity of the NT Government, Banyan House was provided a lease on ex-institutional residential facilities at Berrimah and moved into these premises in 1992.

The Northern Territory Government was again generous in providing funds to rebuild the facility in 2007 into a modern residential rehabilitation facility. Rebuilding was completed mid 2009 providing the Northern Territory with a first class residential drug rehabilitation and treatment facility.

Banyan House clinical practice has been subject to similar continuous improvement since inception. The Forster Foundation’s Board and Banyan House staff are committed to good clinical and corporate governance and practice, all focused on assisting clients effective progress through recovery.

At approximately 8 week intervals, 3-way client inventories (ie comprising self, peer and staff assessments) are undertaken to assess each client's progress in areas covering personal maturity and responsibility, socialization, psychological skills and self esteem and behaviour as a community member. The inventories also provide useful evidence in relation to the effectiveness of the various elements of Banyan House programs.

The new facility, an energetic Board and the focus and commitment of our people on holistic client recovery and growth equip Banyan House enter a new phase of improved and expanded services in the Northern Territory to people seeking treatment for drug addictions.