Aboriginal Elders at risk of homelessness in Adelaide's south will soon have a secure roof over their heads, with construction of a new $12 million village to commence in August.
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Purrkanaitya Aboriginal Elders Village will feature 40 modern, culturally appropriate homes at Bedford Park (Warriparinga) - located near the Sturt River.
The village will be built and managed by Aboriginal people, providing safe, affordable and secure housing, with residents expected to be moving in by the end of next year.
The 1.5 hectare site - located near the Kaurna Cultural Learning Centre - is owned by the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC). The corporation will contribute $5.17 million towards construction, with the state government to chip in $4 million, and the federal government to contribute $3 million.
The village is a collaboration between ILSC, Aboriginal Community Housing, Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation (KYAC), the South Australian Housing Authority and Housing Australia.
ILSC chief executive Joe Morrison said the investment exemplified the organisation's commitment to First Nations people.
"We welcome today's additional funding boost to this project, that is a genuine partnership between organisations with a mutual goal in mind - deliver a culturally appropriate housing solution for the Elders," he said.
KYAC chair Tim Agius said the development was long overdue.
"Our Elders have needed a place like this for a long time, their needs can't be met at a typical aged-care facility, and this village starts to fill the gap," he said.
"KYAC is proud to be involved in the development that will include homes and shared spaces that are culturally appropriate and close to an important Dreaming story. Our Elders deserve nothing less."
Tenants will all be older than 50. Some will move from existing social housing, with their former properties to be offered to Aboriginal clients in most urgent need.
Accessible and inclusive design features will include bathroom grabrails, communal areas and outdoor firepits.
SA Housing's head of Aboriginal housing Cheryl Axleby-Keeffe congratulated the Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation on creating a safe and supportive independent living environment for Elders.
"This significant milestone proves how great outcomes can be achieved by working in a collaborative partnership approach with Aboriginal communities," she said.
Aboriginal Community Housing national manager Stacey Broadbent said the organisation was proud to be part of an initiative that would help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people age in place.
"It is wonderful to see that Aboriginal organisations are leading this project and working in partnership to deliver positive social outcomes for their own people," she said.
