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 unstinting 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 ensuring clients effective progress through recovery.

At approximately 8 week intervals, 3-way client inventories (ie comprising self, peers and staff assessments) are undertaken to assess each client 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.

Banyan Tree logo

Banyan House has adopted the Banyan Tree as its logo.

Banyan trees are important as shady gathering places and feature strongly in South Asian mythology. The banyan tree is named after 'banyans' or 'banians', the Hindu traders seen resting or carrying out their business under the tree. In fact banyans have become important meeting places for many people who gather in its shade to relax or chat.

In religion and mythology, the banyan is thought of as perfectly symbolizing a tree of life due to its seemingly unending expansion. It is also known as a wish-tree, enabling fulfillment of a wish or desire.

These characteristics supporting of community, desire for change and life make the banyan the ideal symbol or logo for the Banyan House therapeutic community.