Natasha is a passionate advocate and supporter of ensuring people living with a disability can access the quality care they need. She has extensive experience and knowledge of the Territory’s disability sector and an unwavering commitment to person-centred care.

Natasha oversaw the Territory’s transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme and understands its complexity and importance in the lives of people with diverse needs, as well as their carers and families.

“Natasha is a compassionate and skilled leader with a history of working across diverse industries with people from all corners of the Territory to deliver outcomes for the communities she serves,” Somerville Chairperson Andrew Caddy said.

“Her professional attributes and personal devotion to supporting people with disabilities aligns seamlessly with Somerville’s vision and mission and makes her an excellent fit for CEO as the organisation approaches its 60^th anniversary.”

Natasha is a long term Territorian with an intrinsic understanding of all levels of government and the Territory’s unique operating environment. She can meaningfully engage with diverse stakeholders and influence policy and sector developments related to supported independent living and the broader NDIS framework.

Natasha’s appointment follows a competitive and rigorous recruitment process led by People for Purpose. Chief Operating Officer Ashely Perez will continue to provide Somerville with stable leadership as the acting Chief Executive Officer until Natasha commences in February 2025.

Somerville provides a range of services, including support coordination, supported independent living, specialist disability accommodation and independent living options.

This project was a partnership between Somerville Housing and M + J Builders, a majority indigenous owned building company with more than 25 years’ experience in the building industry.

These houses in Katherine and Palmerston were designed by Troppo Architects and built by M+J Builders.

Our aim at Somerville Housing is to provide Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) to people with disability and specialist housing needs, with the focus on thoughtfully designed dwellings that offer independence, functionality and comfort.

CEO of Somerville Housing, Lawson Broad says engaging with M+J Builders has been an amazing experience.

“From the beginning they really understood the purpose of these projects, what we were trying to achieve and what the impact would be, he said.

They’ve been pragmatic and solutions focused and maintained a very high standard of work throughout.”

Lawson also acknowledges the support from Troppo Architects.

“Credit also to Jo and the team from Troppo Architects for outstanding designs that have delivered truly life transforming homes.”

“Somerville has always aimed to set the standard for the services we deliver and partnering with M&J has proven to deliver on that commitment through this national recognition.”

Somerville Housing is a not-for-profit specialist housing provider in the NT.

We are proud to launch Somerville Housing, a not-for-profit specialist housing provider in the Northern Territory.

Somerville Housing provides Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) to people with disability and specialist housing needs. The SDA is thoughtfully designed to strike the right balance of independence, functionality and comfort.

The architect designed homes are purpose built, high quality and well-presented with appropriate technology and accessibility features so that Territorians with specialist housing needs can have a comfortable place to call home.

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“Well done to M&J Builders for its prowess in the construction of medium density housing which won it the Medium Density 2 – 5 Dwellings Award at Master Builders NT’s Excellence in Building & Construction (EBC) Awards. Subcontractor Olympic Concreting and Construction NT is also a winner for of this award for its work on the projects.” -Master Builders NT

Following the completion of the construction phase, M&J handed the buildings over to Somerville Housing on April 17.

This is an extremely important milestone on the way to residents being able to move into their houses. We look forward to sharing more information soon!

Minister Ah Kit says: “After delivering the first purpose-built SDA in the Northern Territory in November, Somerville is currently progressing five new SDA homes in Katherine.

The delivery of these new homes will have a major impact on disability accommodation and is a welcome boost for the Katherine region.

Building commenced in 2022 and will be completed in April 2023.