A village built and managed by Aboriginal people near the Sturt River in Adelaide’s inner south will provide social housing for First Nations Elders at risk of homelessness.

To be called Purrkanaitya - meaning "for all Elders" in Kaurna - it will feature 40 modern and culturally appropriate homes designed for Elders to live independently on country in affordable, safe and secure community housing.

Construction on the $12.17 million project – located at Warriparinga near the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre – will start in August and residents are expected to move in by the end of 2025.

The State Government is contributing $4 million towards Purrkanaitya, assisted by the Federal Government ($3 million) and Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation ($5.17 million), which is donating the 1.5 hectare site.

The village is a collaboration between not-for-profit housing provider Aboriginal Community Housing (ACHL), Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation, Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation (KYAC), SA Housing Authority and Housing Australia.

The project will include communal areas and culturally significant outdoor firepits.

Tenants will be aged over 50 and include Elders at risk of homelessness and those already living in social housing who will move from their existing homes to Purrkanaitya. ACHL will manage the properties and tenancies.

Housing SA properties vacated by tenants moving to the village will be offered to Aboriginal clients seeking public housing in the most urgent category, Category 1.

SA Housing Authority Head of Aboriginal Housing Cheryl Axleby-Keeffe congratulated the Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation for having “achieved their aspiration to create a safe and supportive independent Elder living environment”.

“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,” Ms Axleby-Keeffe said.

KYAC Chair Tim Agius said the development was a long time coming.

"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," Mr Agius 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.”