Shovels have hit the ground for a new social housing build for Elders in Adelaide's south.
Construction has begun on Purrkanaitya, meaning 'For all Elders', and independent living village on the Sturt River in Bedford Park following a sod turning ceremony for the $17 million project intended to provide long-term social housing on Kaurna Country.
It's more than "bricks and mortar," Aboriginal Community Housing chief executive Stacey Broadbent said.
Aboriginal Community Housing Limited (ACHL) are overseeing the construction delivered by Community Housing Limited, via joint-funding from the South Australian Government ($5.81 million) State Government though the state's Housing Trust, the Federal Government ($5.15 million) through Housing Australia, and 5.17 million from the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation.
ILSC chief executive Joe Morrison said it's an example of "returning Country to First Nations people".
CHL have added more than $1.5 million to the project.
"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," Ms Broadbent said.
"The space offers independent living enhanced by gathering spaces like outdoor common areas and fire pits—amenities simply unavailable in other social housing developments.
"The units are also designed to accommodate ageing in place, with the homes being disability friendly and featuring space for mobility aides like walkers."
The 40-unit village site sits near the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre, with the local Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation owning and leasing the site.
Aboriginal businesses, subcontractors and apprentices and trainees are allocated a third of the project.
In January, KYAC's Tim Agius said Kaurna Elders have needed specialised housing meeting their needs which can't be met at a typical aged-care facility.
KYAC chair Mitzi Nam said on Tuesday "It's been a long journey to get to this point", made possible by a good working relationship between stakeholders.
"Past and present KYAC Board members are proud to have contributed the land for the Aboriginal Elder's Village, which will finally create a culturally appropriate, safe and suitable accommodation for our most valued and vulnerable community members," Ms Nam said.
Social and cultural needs were considered in the design and development, including consultation with the First Nations community, to provide the purpose-based "culturally safe setting," Ms Broadbent said.
It's one of the first facilities of its kind in the state.
Purrkanaitya addresses "critical need for culturally appropriate housing for Aboriginal elders", CHL boss Danny Dracic said, while SA Minister for Housing and Urban Development Nick Champion added said it was a testament to government and community collaboration.
The project is due for completion in August 2026.
