The Northern Territory Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects, Engineers Australia Northern Division, and the Planning Institute of Australia held a trivia night at the Darwin Trailer Boat Club on 18 July 2024, raising over $3,200 to support Dawn House, a shelter for women and children escaping domestic, family, and sexual violence in the Northern Territory.
Debbie Reeves, CEO of Dawn House, expressed her gratitude:
“Dawn House is very appreciative of the support we’ve received from The Australian Institute of Architects, Engineers Australia, and the Planning Institute of Australia. We are currently working with the Department of Infrastructure, Planning, and Logistics, and Hames Sharley on the development of our emergency accommodation units, funded by a Northern Territory Government grant.”
The recent focus on unacceptable levels of Domestic Violence in Australia by the Federal Government has provided organisations such as Dawn House with greater support and public awareness than they have previously had. Associate Director / Acting NT Studio Leader Alex Quin said,
“Hames Sharley is proud to work with Dawn House and the Northern Territory Government to provide new administration facilities, counselling spaces, and crisis accommodation that meet the critical needs of the women and children they support.”
The Australian Institute of Architects is a strong advocate for social and affordable housing. The Institute’s Northern Territory Chapter President, Miriam Wallace, emphasised the role of thoughtful design in addressing diverse needs:
“Architects recognise that good social and affordable housing outcomes hinge on designs that are especially responsive to the needs of various groups, including people with disabilities and women and children escaping family violence.”
Wallace also commended the event’s success:
“We were proud to organise this event with Engineers Australia and the Planning Institute of Australia. As the Institute’s Northern Territory Chapter President, I was even more proud that two-thirds of our members turned out for this fundraiser—a true testament to our community’s commitment to supporting Dawn House.”
Over 100 people attended the trivia night, with Fulton Hogan winning the event. This year marks 90 years since the founding of Fulton Hogan, a company that has emerged as a progressive industry leader in the Northern Territory.
Alex Quin added:
“In such a challenging environment, it’s vital that organisations like Dawn House not only provide functional spaces but also create safe and engaging environments that make a meaningful difference in the lives of the women and children they support.”
A cheque presentation was held on 29 August at Engineers Australia Northern Division, attended by Debbie Reeves, NT Chapter Manager Karen Relph, Engineers Australia General Manager Jenny Jan, and Planning Institute Northern Territory CEO Cat Tatum.
The trivia night has become an annual highlight on the NT calendar for architects, engineers, and planners, solidifying their commitment to supporting domestic violence relief across the built environment.
For further media enquires please contact:
Karen Relph – Interim NT Chapter Manager, Australian Institute of Architects
(08) 7969 6000 | karen.relph@architecture.com.au
Paul Zanatta – Policy and Advocacy Manager, Australian Institute of Architects
0400 340 292 | paul.zanatta@architecture.com.au
