Adelaide is set to receive a significant boost in social housing tailored for Aboriginal Elders at risk of homelessness with the development of Purrkanaitya, the Aboriginal Elders Village. This $12.17 million project, located at ‘Warriparinga’, or Bedford Park near the Sturt River, will provide 40 modern and culturally appropriate homes.
Named Purrkanaitya, which means “for all Elders” in Kaurna, the village is specifically designed to allow Elders to live independently in a community setting that is affordable, safe, and secure. Notably, the village will be built and managed by Aboriginal people, ensuring that it meets the specific cultural needs and preferences of its residents.
The project is a collaborative effort involving several organizations. The Malinauskas Government has pledged $4 million, with additional funding coming from the Federal Government and the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation, which is also donating the 1.5-hectare site. The village will be situated near the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre, a significant location that adds to the cultural relevance of the development.
The village’s design focuses on accessibility and inclusivity, featuring stepless entries, bathroom grab rails, communal areas, and culturally significant outdoor firepits. These features are essential to help residents with mobility issues ‘age in place’ comfortably.
The primary beneficiaries of this project will be Elders over the age of 50, including those at risk of homelessness and those currently living in social housing who will relocate to Purrkanaitya. Aboriginal Community Housing (ACHL) will oversee the management of the properties and tenancies.
This development is not just about providing housing; it’s also a step towards fulfilling broader goals. The vacated homes from tenants moving to the village will be offered to other Aboriginal clients in urgent need of public housing. This initiative aligns with the SA Housing Authority’s Aboriginal Housing Strategy 2021-2031, aiming to reduce homelessness among Aboriginal people, increase housing supply, and foster innovative housing solutions.
Purrkanaitya represents a significant stride in offering culturally sensitive, safe, and secure housing solutions for Aboriginal Elders, ensuring they can live with dignity and respect on their ancestral lands.
State Minister for Human Services Nat Cook said “We are so pleased to work in collaboration with all our partners to create this wonderful community. Elders can live on country in secure and safe housing, on the Adelaide Plains where Kaurna people have gathered for thousands of years.”
“This new village at Warriparinga, a culturally significant place, will be home to so many and shows what can be achieved when governments work in genuine partnership with Aboriginal people and organisations.”
“As we move toward the election of South Australia’s First Nations Voice, this new village is an example of the journey that our whole community is taking together.”
Federal Minister for Housing Julie Collins said “These new homes underline the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to providing secure housing to more Australians.”
“We’re proud to be working with partners on this important project for Aboriginal elders in South Australia.”
“This is exactly what the Albanese Labor Government will achieve through our new historic investments in housing including the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund and $2 billion Social Housing Accelerator.”
“Our ambitious housing reform agenda is working across the board – with more help for homebuyers, more help for renters and more help for South Australians needing a safe place for the night.”
Member for Davenport Erin Thompson said “This is a great way for Aboriginal Elders to receive support on country in community housing that suits their needs.”
“The village will be an important addition to our thriving community and builds on the culturally inclusive environment we pride ourselves on.”
SA Housing Authority Head of Aboriginal Housing Cheryl Axleby-Keeffe said “Congratulations to the Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation, who have achieved their aspiration to create a safe and supportive independent Elder living environment called ‘Purrkanaitya’, Kaurna meaning ‘for all Elders,’ to live together on country.”
“This significant milestone proves how great outcomes can be achieved by working in a collaborative partnership approach with Aboriginal communities and through applying the principles of the SA Aboriginal Housing Strategy of, self-determination, place-based approach in decision making, co-design, inclusivity, and transparency.”
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