Darwin Airport Lodge
Darwin Airport Lodge (DAL)
This fenced off motel is the least oppressive of Darwin's huge detention capabalities. Around 3000 people can be accommodated in the three other immigration facilities in Darwin.
The lease on the DAL ends in mid 2014 and ChilOut suspects it will not be renewed. Whilst we are completely opposed to indefinite detnetion, particularly of children, this site is far less prison-like than Blaydin Pt and Wickham Pt where children in Darwin are held.
There are presently around 80 people detained at the DAL, over 30 are children. Only one of the three compounds is being used (December 2013).
ChilOut has just visited all three Darwin "APODs" and released the report; Darwin Detention : Damaging Children.
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The Asti Motel in Darwin was another site where families, people with mental illness and unaccompanied minors were detained. This facility ceased being operational in 2010.