Community housing project breaks ground on new elders village

Leading national not-for-profit social housing provider Aboriginal Community Housing Limitedh has officially broken ground on ‘Purrkanaitya’, a new $17.68 million Aboriginal Elder Independent Living Village near the culturally significant Kaurna site ‘Warriparinga’ in Adelaide’s southern suburbs.

‘Purrkanaitya, meaning “For All Elders’, is situated 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 (KYAC) who owns and leases the sites to ACHL.

The project is jointly funded, with contributions from the State Government, providing $5.81 million via the SA Housing Trust, the Federal Government has contributed $5.15 million through Housing Australia, Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation has invested $5.17 million, and CHL
has contributed $1.55 million.

Aboriginal Community Housing Limited CEO, Stacey Broadbent highlighted the deep cultural significance of the development, emphasising that it represents much more than housing.

“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.

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.

“The space offers independent living enhanced by gathering spaces like outdoor common areas and fire pits—amenities simply unavailable in other social housing developments,” Ms Broadbent said.

“The units are also designed to accommodate ageing in place, with the homes being disability friendly and featuring space for mobility aides like walkers.”

ACHL is overseeing construction, which is being delivered by Community Housing Limited. Once complete, ACHL will also manage tenancies as part of its ongoing commitment to providing culturally appropriate housing services to Indigenous communities.

Community Housing Limited CEO, Danny Dracic, views this commencement of construction as a significant milestone in delivering safe housing for Indigenous people across South Australia.

“CHL is delighted to see construction begin on this significant project addressing the critical need for culturally appropriate housing for Aboriginal elders. We are honoured to be overseeing construction alongside ACHL managing tenancy,” Mr Dracic said.

Minister for Housing and Urban Development Nick Champion said the collaboration showed what can be achieved when governments and community work together.

“The State Government is proud to be part of this project that provides crucial housing security for Elders in a culturally welcoming place,” he said.

Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation Chairperson, Mitzi Nam, said had been a long journey “made possible by a good working relationship between all the stakeholders”.

And Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation CEO, Joe Morrison said his organisation was proud to support the “transformative project, which reflects our commitment to returning country to First Nations people and creating lasting social, cultural, and economic benefit.”