The wellbeing of the Ngarrindjeri people was given a major long-term boost on Friday with the long-awaited opening of a multi-million-dollar health centre for the community in Murray Bridge on Ngarrindjeri Country.

Moorundi has provided three pillars of care (cultural and country, spiritual and mind, physical and body) to Aboriginal people in the Murray Mallee, Southern Fleurieu, Kangaroo Island, Coorong and Adelaide Hills regions since 2015.

Its services previously operated from three locations in Murray Bridge.

The total project funding included $1.1m from the ILSC and almost $9m from the Commonwealth.

The building and its services were designed in collaboration with Moorundi staff and Aboriginal members, ensuring a culturally safe space for care, celebration of Ngarrindjeri culture and the accommodation of wellbeing services, allied health, and Elders and children's programs.

Moorundi Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service chair Tahlia Lloyd said the health centre, and its new services and programs – of which a big focus is sharing cultural knowledge and language – would boost the broader holistic health of the community, as local Indigenous practices are revitalised now and for future generations.

"The centre is a major step in the right direction for the Ngarrindjeri people and their self-determination … and is more than just a building," Ms Lloyd said.

"It symbolises cultural strength and our community's right to accessible, holistic and culturally safe healthcare."

She reiterated the wellness centre's importance in delivering vital health services required in the community, and its position as a place of healing, belonging, and cultural connection.

"It reflects our commitment to addressing health inequities and ensuring our children and future generations grow strong in culture and wellbeing," she said.

Moorundi CEO Steven Sumber said it had been 23 years since the Ngarrindjeri community called for an Aboriginal community-controlled health service in Murray Bridge, with serious health and wellbeing issues existing in the community even then.

"A purpose-built facility allows Moorundi to bring cultural safety and integrity, in alignment with key primary health care principles … including technology and accessibility," he said.

"I truly hope this new build is a beacon for all similar organisations across Australia to deliver quality primary healthcare services to our communities, decrease rates of chronic disease and poor health outcomes through intervention and prevention processes."

Larger office spaces and conference rooms feature as part of the fit-out, as well as an administration and reception area, a playroom with nature play space, and increased storage, with an increase in community participants and clients expected.

ILSC group chief executive Joe Morrison said the Moorundi Health Centre was a significant milestone for the community.

"This health centre is vital for the local Aboriginal people… they will benefit greatly from its holistic care in the years to come," he said.