The new Aboriginal Elders village is located near ‘Warriparinga,’ a culturally significant Kaurna site in Adelaide’s southern suburbs.
National not-for-profit social housing provider, Aboriginal Community Housing Limited (ACHL), has officially broken ground on the new Aboriginal Elder Independent Living Village named ‘Purrkanaitya,’ meaning ’For All Elders,’ near the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre on Kaurna country by the Sturt River in Bedford Park.
Located 13 km south of the CBD, this 40-unit development provides culturally appropriate, long-term social housing for Aboriginal Elders. From inception, Purrkanaitya has been guided by Aboriginal voices, aligning with the South Australian Aboriginal Housing Strategy (2021-2031) and the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
Aboriginal communities have directly influenced the design, location, and economic opportunities, with 33% of the project’s delivery allocated to Aboriginal enterprises, subcontractors, and employment pathways for Aboriginal apprentices and trainees.
Partners include native title holders and state and federal governments, as well as the Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation, which owns and leases the sites to ACHL.
The project is jointly funded, with contributions from the state government ($5.81 million via the SA Housing Trust), the federal government ($5.15 million through Housing Australia), Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation ($5.17 million) and Community Housing Limited (CHL) ($1.55 million).
“The significance of the Elders Village is more than just bricks and mortar; it is acknowledging and respecting the Home of the Kaurna Yerta Elders – being home on country, being home with each other and family and being home in a place of belonging,” said ACHL CEO Stacey Broadbent.
Designed by Adelaide-based C4 Architects, the village was developed in consultation with the Indigenous community to meet social and cultural needs, offering a meaningful alternative to public housing.
ACHL is overseeing construction, which is being delivered by CHL. Once complete, ACHL will also manage tenancies as part of its ongoing commitment to providing culturally appropriate housing services to Indigenous communities.
“CHL is delighted to see construction begin on this significant project addressing the critical
need for culturally appropriate housing for Aboriginal elders,” CEO Danny Dracic said. ”We are honoured to be overseeing construction alongside ACHL managing tenancy.”
ACHL is excited to announce this sod-turning and mark a momentous step towards delivering culturally safe and inclusive homes for Aboriginal Elders, where connection to country, community and culture is at the heart of their home.
Read also: QLD receives $2 billion fund to unlock thousands of new homes
Geraldine is currently the Content Producer for Third Sector, an Akolade channel. Throughout her career, she has written for various industries and international audiences. Her love for writing extends beyond the corporate world, as she also works as a volunteer writer at her local church. Aside from writing, she is also fond of joining fun runs and watching musicals.
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