The Albanese and Finocchiaro governments are delivering greater education outcomes for remote students with the construction tender awarded for a new boarding facility in Tennant Creek.

The Papulu Pika Pikka-Ka boarding facility will host 40 young students across the Barkly attending the Tennant Creek High School.

The Albanese Government is providing $16 million, while the Northern Territory Government is committing $3 million towards the project. 

A construction tender has been awarded to Asbuild NT.

Construction is expected to begin in April 2026.

The new boarding facility will be built on the Tennant Creek High School grounds and will include:

• two residential buildings to separately accommodate 20 male and 20 female student boarders
• an administration building for staff office space and support services
• a communal building with commercial kitchen and dining space and landscaping works.

The facility is part of the $100.5 million Barkly Regional Deal between the Australian and NT governments, Barkly Regional Council and Barkly communities.

Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Senator Anthony Chisholm:

"The Albanese Government is committed to bridging the education gap with this facility allowing students to access a high-quality secondary education while remaining connected to their families and communities.

"This project is about investing in the future of the Barkly and ensuring that local First Nations businesses and workers are at the heart of this development, with clear targets for employment and participation."

Quotes attributable to NT Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure Bill Yan: 

“The facility will improve access to secondary education and educational outcomes for school students from remote areas of the Barkly.

“This is a great example of the NT and Australian governments listening to the community and working together to deliver a facility helping young people get access to skills and opportunities.

“It’s all part of the Finocchiaro CLP Government’s commitment to delivering a more prosperous territory, a stronger community and access to education our young people deserve in this year of growth, certainty and security.” 

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour:

"Working closely with the Barkly Regional Deal partners, we are making sure this facility meets the specific needs of local students and that it delivers a better future for the people of the Barkly. 

“Education changes lives and by investing in this boarding facility we are giving young people in the Barkly the foundation they need to pursue university, TAFE, or local employment. We want to see people living and contributing to the Barkly, making it a strong, prosperous region for generations to come.” 

Quotes attributable to NT Minister for Housing, Local Government and Community Development and Member for Barkly Steve Edgington:

“For years, Barkly bush communities have asked for a comfortable, safe and secure boarding accommodation for their children who live remotely to attend Tennant High School for a quality education, and that’s what we’re delivering.

“This facility is built with their input and will help to ensure remote Barkly children will be able learn and flourish surrounded by caring and supportive staff and mentors.” 

“The Finocchiaro CLP Government remains absolutely focussed on working with our key partners to deliver on the Regional Barkly Deal and this facility is evidence of that.”