New work camps
Katherine work camp
The Department of Corrections has partnered with Charles Darwin University (CDU) to deliver the Katherine Corrections Skills and Training Centre, also known as the Katherine Work Camp.
It is a national first initiative combining rehabilitation, vocational education and employment pathways for prisoners approaching the end of their sentence.
The project is a key part of the Northern Territory Government’s commitment to reduce crime, rebuild the economy and restore the Territory lifestyle.
What it will do
The Katherine work camp will provide low and open security adult men serving a prison sentence with access to accredited education and vocational training.
It will be delivered by CDU and align with local industry needs in the Big Rivers region.
The focus is on building job-ready skills that support successful reintegration into the community, which will also reduce reoffending.
It will initially accommodate 99 prisoners, with expanded capacity of 198 beds.
Priority will be given to people from the Big Rivers region or those with employment opportunities lined up locally after release.
Location and site planning
The Katherine work camp will be located at CDU’s Katherine rural campus, approximately 17.9km from the Katherine township.
It will operate as a low-security facility designed to provide access to education and training while maintaining the safety of students, staff and the broader community.
The CDU Katherine rural campus spans about 4,400ha, allowing for clear separation between CDU students and the corrections facility.There will be no impact to CDU's programs or activities. It will be business as usual at the Katherine rural campus, with continued delivery of VET programs, rural courses, and research initiatives for the Big Rivers community.
It will be established using new and existing infrastructure to ensure CDU can continue delivering education, training and research on campus, including existing VET programs and research initiatives without disruption.
Safety, staffing and security
Safety is the top priority for the Department of Corrections and CDU.
Only low and open security adult male prisoners who meet strict eligibility criteria will be accommodated at the Katherine work camp, including completion of offence-specific programs and medical clearance, with 18 months or less remaining on their sentence.
Secure fencing and other necessary security measures will be in place before the Katherine work camp becomes operational.
The facility will be managed by correctional officers, with education and training delivered by CDU educators and corrections industry officers.
The project has been designed to ensure the Katherine rural campus remains a safe learning and working environment for students, staff, campus residents and visitors.
Only low and open security adult male prisoners will be accommodated at the facility under the supervision of correctional officers. The prisoners must meet strict selection criteria.
Correctional officers will manage the Katherine work camp, while CDU educators and correction’s industry officers will deliver education and training.
Benefits for the Katherine and Big Rivers communities
The Katherine work camp is designed to deliver benefits to the broader community beyond the facility itself and will drive economic growth through local workforce participation.
It will generate construction, management, and correctional services jobs, with a strong focus on employing local workers.
The education and training provided will support regional workforce needs in agriculture, land management, construction, and community services, with prisoners expected to gain employment in grounds maintenance, woodwork, metal work, laundry and commercial kitchen roles.
By supporting rehabilitation, work readiness and local employment pathways, the Katherine work camp will contribute to safer communities and stronger regional outcomes.
Project timeline
The Katherine work camp is expected to commence operations under a phased approach in 2026 .
- December 2025: Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Northern Territory Government and Charles Darwin University.
- Early 2026: Detailed project design, scoping works, development approvals, construction tenders released and stakeholder engagement.
- 2026: Phased commencement of operations, subject to approvals and infrastructure readiness.
A shared commitment
The Department of Corrections and CDU have a strong partnership history in delivering education programs to prisoners including literacy, numeracy and accredited vocational courses spanning visual arts, retail, tourism and construction.
This project builds on that success with a focus on positive outcomes for individuals and Territory communities.
CDU has entered into a nominal lease arrangement with the Northern Territory Government for the Katherine work camp, driven by a shared focus on rehabilitation, safety and long-term community benefit.