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PLANS FOR A GROUNDBREAKING ABORIGINAL ELDERS VILLAGE UNVEILED

National tier 1 not for profit Aboriginal housing provider, Aboriginal Community Housing Ltd (ACHL), is thrilled to be involved in the delivery of a purpose-built Aboriginal Elders Village announced today that will offer ‘ageing in place’ for many Aboriginal Elders living in Adelaide.

This $12.17 million project is a collaborative effort between ACHL, Housing Australia, the South Australian Housing Authority, the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC), and the Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation (KYAC).

Funding contribution includes $4 million from the State Government via the SA Housing Authority, $3 million from the Federal Government via National Housing Infrastructure Facility Social and Affordable Housing and Indigenous Land and Sea Council grant of $5,170,000 along with their generous land donation valued at $5,675,000, located 13km south of the CBD.

ACHL will oversee construction and provide tenancy management services upon the completion of the Village, which is set to comprise 40 modern and culturally appropriate homes for the Aboriginal Elders.

Expressing pride at this landmark project, ACHL National Manager Stacey Broadbent said: “It’s a great day for the Aboriginal Elders living in South Australia. This unique Village will provide long-term, social, and cultural benefits to the residents allowing them to age comfortably while maintaining their independence in specially designed homes suited to their needs.

“This project is located strategically near Warriparinga, a traditional ceremonial meeting place for Kaurna people that is still used today and is an important part of the Tjibruke Dreaming. With access to the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre, this Village marks a significant leap towards cultural inclusivity and tailored senior living,” says Stacey.

The design, developed through extensive consultation with the Aboriginal communities will provide a range of outdoor spaces for communal gatherings, including a culturally significant fire pit near the Sturt River.

“The cultural safety of our Elders and their wellbeing is our highest priority and will be well supported by the tailor-made housing design on land of cultural significance to the Kaurna people. We thank the Federal and State governments, ILSC and KYAC for their support to this very significant project”, adds Stacey.

Construction work is expected to commence in August 2024, marking a significant step towards providing a culturally appropriate independent living solution for the Aboriginal Elders in South Australia.

 

Quote attributable to Federal Minister for Housing Julie Collins:

“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.”

 

Quote attributable to SA Minister for Human Services Nat Cook:

“This collaboration shows what can be done when we genuinely work together with Aboriginal organisations including ACHL, Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation and the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation. This new village is an outstanding outcome for both Aboriginal Elders, who will live on country in culturally inclusive homes, and the wider community.”

 

Quote attributable to CEO of ILSC Joe Morrison:

“The ILSC’s investment in the purpose-built Village for the Elders on Kaurna Country, through the purchase of the property, exemplifies our commitment to the people we serve, First Nations peoples. 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.”

Quote attributable to Chair of KYAC Tim Agius:

“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. 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.”

For media enquiries contact Preeti Daga at 0430 555 241| Preeti.daga@chl.org.au

30th January 2024

 

Explored more media articles and radio broadcasts covering this story in the lower section of this page.

ACHL Annual Report 2022-23

We are proud to present our ACHL 2022-23 Annual Report.

The report provides a detailed outline of the work we have achieved and engaged in throughout the 2022-23 financial year and reflects upon our journey and commitment as an independent national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Housing Provider focused on achieving positive outcomes for our communities.

ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY HOUSING JOINS BUILDING COMMUNITIES CONSORTIUM TO DELIVER PIONEERING HOUSING PROJECT IN VICTORIA

In a groundbreaking milestone for housing initiatives nationwide, Aboriginal Community Housing (Vic) Ltd (ACHVL) is thrilled to join the Building Communities consortium as the specialist Aboriginal housing provider of the Victorian Government’s Ground Lease Model 2 project that will deliver 1,370 new affordable and accessible energy efficient homes in Melbourne.

In addition to offering culturally sensitive tenancy services that meet the unique requirements of Aboriginal communities, ACHVL will also play a financial role in this project which will deliver integrated housing development across four Melbourne sites in South Yarra, Prahran, Hampton East, and Port Melbourne.

Acknowledging the importance of the partnership, CEO of ACHVL, Stacey Broadbent said, “This is the first time that an Aboriginal community housing provider has been a part of such a significant housing project anywhere in Australia. The financial commitment signifies ACHVL’s long term commitment to the project.

Our organisation is delighted to be part of this transformative project along with our market-leading consortium partners. It is a testament to the power of collaboration and cultural respect. We are excited to contribute our expertise and work hand in hand with our partners, the Victorian government and Aboriginal communities to create a brighter future for all.”

ACHVL is a subsidiary of Aboriginal Community Housing Ltd which is growing independent national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community housing provider (ACHP) and Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation (ACCO) with over 700 properties under management and extensive relationships with a range of local support organisations.  ACHVL will oversee 10% of these new homes allocated to Aboriginal Victorians respecting their needs and cultural beliefs.

“We are looking forward to working with our partners Community Housing (Vic) Ltd and Women’s Property Initiatives to ensure the needs of Aboriginal communities are foremost when providing tailored services to Aboriginal individuals and families”, she said.

Thanking the Victorian government for this significant decision, Stacey emphasised the historical significance of this collaboration.

“Being selected to deliver a major housing project is a momentous occasion, not only for our organisation but for all Aboriginal community housing providers in Australia. We are committed to making a lasting impact by addressing housing disparities and ensuring that every individual in our community has access to quality housing as it can truly change lives”, adds Stacey.

Building Communities retains the experienced team delivering the $500 million Ground Lease Model 1, with Community Housing Victoria Limited (CHVL) as an operator, service provider and owner, Icon as the builder and Tetris Capital as bid lead, financial advisor and asset manager. The consortium is now further strengthened with the specialist skills and deep understanding of social housing renter needs, with new partners Women’s Property Initiatives (WPI) and ACHVL.

Ryan Slocombe, Principal, Tetris said ACHVL was an important part of the Building Communities consortium.

“We are delighted to have the expertise and experience of ACHVL as part of the team and have already seen the benefits of their insights in our planning and design work. We look forward to seeing the tremendous impact they will bring to future residents and the community.”

For media inquiries, please contact Preeti Daga on 0430 555 241.

2 November 2023

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