Monthly native title updates
Reflecting on 30 Years of Native Title in SA
SANTS is embarking on an exciting project about the history of native title in South Australia. The project will include a publication, exhibition, virtual reality experience, and gala dinner to celebrate and reflect on the last 30 years of native title.
We’re compiling photographs and stories from the archives, and interviewing PBCs and influential native title figures, who’ll feature in a special edition of Aboriginal Way. Not only that, we’re also creating virtual reality videos that will allow everyday Australians to learn more about native title rights and interests directly from Elders on their Country.
Look out for our next newsletter to find out more! If you’ve been involved in native title and want to share you story, please reach out to calebs@nativetitlesa.org.
(Image: Capturing 360 degree views at Port Lincoln National Park, Nauo Country).
Development underway at Elders Village
Construction has officially begun on Purrkanaitya, a $17.68 million Aboriginal Elders living village that will be located near Warriparinga in Bedford Park.
Purrkanaitya means for ‘for all Elders’ in Kaurna language, and will be a 40-unit development providing culturally appropriate, long-term social housing for Aboriginal Elders in South Australia.
This important project is funded through a collaboration between the State Government ($5.81 million), the Federal Government ($5.15 million), the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation ($5.17 million), and Community Housing Limited ($1.55 million).
Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation (KYAC) owns the land and leases it to Aboriginal Community Housing Limited (ACHL), which is overseeing the construction managed by Community Housing Limited (CHL). KYAC Chairperson, Mitzi Nam, is excited to finally see progress happening at the site.
“It’s been a long journey to get to this point, and it’s been made possible through strong partnerships among all stakeholders,” Mitzi Nam said. “Past and present KYAC Board members are proud to have contributed the land for the Aboriginal Elders Village, which will finally provide culturally appropriate, safe, and suitable accommodation for our most valued and vulnerable community members.”
Listen on Aboriginal Way podcast
Federal Election announcement
The Australian Law Reform Commission (‘ALRC’) has been asked to review the future acts reHave you heard? The Federal Election is officially set for Saturday, 3 May 2025, and SANTS is teaming up with the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) to keep you informed every step of the way.
Don’t forget, you need to be enrolled to vote, with up to date details, by Monday, 7 April 2025. Remember there are fines for not voting!
Adnyamathanha native title holders win right to access mining royalty records
Native title holders in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges have won the right to access financial records detailing how tens of millions of dollars in uranium mining royalties were spent.
South Australia’s Supreme Court upheld a 2023 ruling allowing the Adnyamathanha Traditional Lands Association (ATLA) and its members to review documents from a “master trust” controlled by Rangelea Holdings, a company run by former ATLA CEO Vince Coulthard.
The court found that the native title holders were beneficiaries of the trust and had a statutory right to access the documents. It also confirmed the need for an inspector to review the trust’s activities. The court’s decision follows the suspension of mining royalties in 2021, with around $20 million now held in a court-controlled account.
Construction begins at Ceduna health centre
Construction has begun on a new health care centre in Ceduna, designed specifically for First Nations people in the Far West Coast region. This new facility will provide culturally appropriate, modern health infrastructure to meet the growing demand for these health services, while strengthening the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service sector.
The development has been made possible through contributions from the Federal Government, South Australian Government, and Yadu Health Aboriginal Corporation.
Yadu Health chief executive officer, Torrien Lau, said the milestone marks an important step forward in a commitment to delivering culturally safe and accessible healthcare.
“This new clinic will expand our services, provide modern facilities, and ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Ceduna, Koonibba, Scotdesco and surrounding homelands continue to receive the best possible care, close to home,” Mr Lau said. “With increased space, improved resources, and state-of-the-art medical facilities, this clinic will empower our people to take charge of their health and wellbeing.”
Protected by Patchstack