Celebrating 60 Years of Somerville Community Services
Somerville is proud to mark 60 years of service to the Northern Territory. In reaching this milestone, we honour our history, the people who have been part of it, and the enduring legacy of our namesake, Margaret Somerville.
Since 1965, we’ve grown alongside the Territory, expanding from our beginnings in the Top End to Katherine and Central Australia, always adapting to meet the changing needs of the community. While our services have evolved, our core values remain unchanged, shaped by Margaret’s vision of compassion and integrity.
Today, we continue to walk alongside Territorians, supporting them to live with dignity, independence, and hope.
A Word From Our Patron
“Somerville has always responded to need — and those needs have shaped the organisation. It’s been my honour to be part of the journey.”
— Daphne Read, Patron and original Board Member
Daphne has been part of our story from the beginning. As an original board member and now Patron, she’s a living reminder of what’s possible when people show up for each other.
1960
1960s: A new begining - Somerville Homes
In 1964, Somerville Homes is established to honour Margaret’s 23 years of service as a cottage mother and leader on Croker Island, where she cared for and guided Aboriginal children separated from their families. Her leadership during the wartime evacuation of 95 children to Sydney became a defining story.
The 1960s saw our first cottage homes in Darwin.
1964: Somerville Homes established.
1965: Incorporated as an association.
1967: The last children leave Croker Island for Darwin cottages.
1970
1970s: Expansion and Inclusion
Cyclone Tracy in 1974 was a turning point and Somerville responded with flexibility and purpose.
In 1979, the Board decided that Somerville would begin caring for children with disabilities.
“This decade marked our transition from children's homes to community-wide support services.”
1971–72: Official incorporation
1974: Services adapt and rebuild after Cyclone Tracy
1975: Nightcliff Child Care Centre opens
1979: Commitment to care for people with disabilities
1980
1980s: Diversifying Support
In the eighties, we evolved into a multi-service organisation. Youth services were formalised, disability support expanded, and the first homes for adults with disabilities were opened.
By the end of the decade, Somerville had four service areas:
Homes
Child Care
Youth
Community Services
Key moments in this decade:
- 1981: Name changes to Somerville Community Services
- 1981: Bunyip House opened in Darwin, the first house for people with disabilities
- 1982: Keith Amos resigns, Graeme Bull appointed Director.
- 1988: Somerville main office opened on Lee Point Road
- 1989: First dedicated disability housing opens in Katherine
1990
1990s: Community focus
In the nineties, we opened new offices and expanded into Palmerston and Katherine. To mark our 25th year of operation, Margaret Somerville returned.
1991: Somerville celebrates its 25th anniversary with Margaret Somerville present
1994–95: Family services launch in Katherine and Palmerston
1996: Somerville Centre opens in Darwin CBD
- 1998: Vicki O'Halloran appointed as CEO.
2000
2000s: Purpose and Identity
In the 2000s, we introduced financial counselling, NILS loans, and more supported accommodation.
2002: Financial counselling offered in Darwin, Palmerston and Katherine.
2003: Juvenile diversion programs begin.
- 2008: Palmerston Centre opens.
2010
2010s: Partnerships and Progress
During this decade, our focus was to prepare for the NDIS, open in Alice Springs, and publish Crossing the Divide – a book capturing our first 50 years as an organisation.
- 2013: Transitioned to NDIS service delivery.
- 2014: Margaret Somerville passed away
- 2015: Launched the Margaret Somerville Award in Somerville's 50th year.
- 2017: Vicki O'Halloran resigns as Somerville's CEO: takes up position of Administrator of the Northern Territory.
- 2017: Lawson Broad appointed as Somerville CEO
- 2019: Somerville opens an office in Alice Springs
2020
2020s Future focused
Now focused solely on Disability Services, in 2025, we support over 70 people in 31 homes.
- 2020: Continued providing essential services through the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 2021: Expanded specialist housing capacity in Darwin and Katherine.
- 2024: Lawson Broad resigns as CEO of Somerville
- 2025: Natasha Fyles appointed as CEO.
Somerville over the years
Our Impact – At a Glance
Today, our work spans across Darwin, Katherine, Palmerston and Alice Springs, delivering high-quality care and building strong, inclusive communities.
31
Supported Accommodation Houses
74
People Living Independently
Providing services right across the Northern Territory
More than 450
staff across the NT
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