Alongside the long-running Kurlana Tampawardli (KT) specialised housing support program, Uniting Communities developed the service in consultation with key community groups, Elders, and Aboriginal Community Controlled organisations.
Together, the ACC and KT programs aim to address the unique challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and families, providing support that is not only practical but also culturally safe and respectful. By recognising and respecting cultural traditions, these programs help to build trust and connection within the communities they serve.
Eva Pratt, a proud Arrernte woman who heads up the programs, says they provide holistic services ranging from help with housing and treatment for substance misuse, to mental health support, and community development programs.
“Everything we do is tailored to meet the specific needs of Aboriginal individuals, families and communities, ensuring that clients receive the care and support they need in a way that acknowledges and respects their cultural identity.”
“Key to this is the employment of Aboriginal people, as the innate skills, knowledge and experience that cannot be taught through academia are a vital element of our service models.”
“Our team’s commitment to culturally appropriate care makes us a trusted partner within Aboriginal communities, fostering an environment where people feel safe, understood, and supported.”
Aboriginal Community Connect helps individuals and families feel empowered to make sustainable positive lifestyle choices by prioritising harm minimisation alongside social and emotional wellbeing.
With a focus on treatment for the individual as part of their family and broader kinship connections, the program offers community-supported residential rehabilitation and outreach case management services in metropolitan Adelaide and regional locations in Murray Bridge, Berri and Mount Gambier.
The impact of this support is profound. Over the past decade, thousands of people have made positive, lasting changes, reconnected with their culture, and built stronger, healthier lives. Over the past six months, 85 per cent of ACC clients who took part in the residential rehabilitation program completed at least 12 weeks of holistic treatment, and over half had sustained their recovery for three months or more.
Through a combination of short-term crisis accommodation, transitional accommodation, and culturally responsive case management, Kurlana Tampawardli achieves similarly remarkable results. Over the past year, an average of 94 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people engaged in the program have transitioned to long-term accommodation, and 70 per cent have been connected with education and employment opportunities.
