6 Oct 2026
DCOH is delighted to be awarded the tender to design and construct the new Palmerston Secondary Special Education School for students with high and complex needs.
DCOH’s design and project team is now engaged to deliver the $90-million project, delivering 26 classrooms across five teaching blocks, a pool, a horticulture building with a farm learning area, a multi-purpose hall, covered drop off and pick up areas, and administration and specialist learning buildings.
CEO and Managing Director, Shane Dignan, said the appointment reflected DCOH’s experience and capability in delivering complex education, leisure and accommodation projects, particularly the award-winning Danala Education and Community Precinct at Charles Darwin University and the state-of-the-art Henbury Special Education School in Tiwi.
‘We’re extremely proud to have been awarded this tender and welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the NT Government again after six years primarily focussing on the private and Defence sectors.’
He also commended the establishment of a Specialist Education Advisory Team to help inform the project’s design and delivery.
‘For DCOH, the success of this project will be measured by the quality and functionality of how these spaces feel and function: safe arrivals, calm and sensory-responsive environments, accessible movement, clear supervision, durable and maintainable spaces, inclusive outdoor areas and facilities that support dignity, independence and learning.’
This specialist capability will sit alongside DCOH’s experienced Northern Territory project team, established design consultants, predominantly Territory-based workforce and strong local supply chain. The long-term identity of the school will also be underpinned by project-specific engagement, connection to Country, Aboriginal business participation, and local employment opportunities.
‘Thanks must go to our general manager, Chris Giannikouris, our commercial manager Matthew Lee, and the construction team for their work on this project,’ Mr Dignan said.
Mr Giannikouris was equally delighted with today’s announcement by the NT Government, and said the co-location with Rosebery Secondary School would create an important opportunity for up to 200 students to access specialist support while also participating in shared educational, cultural and recreational experiences alongside their peers.
‘It’s a project that brings together our Northern Territory construction experience, our direct history delivering specialist and mainstream education facilities, and our genuine understanding of what a school of this nature must achieve for its students, families, educators and community,’ said Mr Giannikouris. ‘We look forward to bringing the NT Government’s vision for the Palmerston Secondary Special Education School to the community.’
CAPTIONS: Concept drawings for the newly-awarded Palmerston Secondary Special Education School, created by Darwin-based Rossi Architects.
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