Yitpi Yartapuultiku background

In March 2022 Council endorsed a Concept Plan and Business Case for the project, and agreed to start on detailed designs. The occasion was momentous with Project Custodian Group members present, some of whom have been actively advocating for a Centre for over twenty years.

We've undertaken intensive culturally-embedded co-design processes with Custodians to establish a Concept Plan for the Centre. The shared design direction includes strong cultural principles developed in partnership with leadership from Custodians. The Concept Plan sets up a framework to ensure the delivery and ongoing management of the Centre is grounded in people and place.

A tender process is currently underway to select the principal contractor to construct Yitpi Yartapuultiku. This process will ensure the project achieves value for money, high quality, respect for cultural principles and design direction, employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and engagement with Aboriginal supply chain.

Concept Design Overview - Aboriginal Culture Centre open in new window
Sorry Day (annoucement)
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Our shared vision

The concept of an Aboriginal Cultural Centre in PAE has been discussed for more than 20 years.

Our Aboriginal Advisory Panel, Elders and community, our Project Custodians, have been instrumental in developing this shared ambition.

Our shared vision is

  • A place for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people to learn, experience and be immersed in Aboriginal culture.
  • A culturally safe place to gather. A place to practice, share, celebrate and record culture past, present and emerging.
  • A place to connect to country and culture.
Ingrid O'Loughlin artwork - Orange circle

What is Yitpi Yartapuultiku (the Aboriginal Cultural Centre)?

The Aboriginal Cultural Centre is envisaged as a community place providing a range of activities and opportunities for both First Nations and non-First Nations people. It will be an authentic place to be immersed in local culture.

The Centre will have indoor and outdoor activity and performance spaces, public amenities, office and meeting rooms, extensive landscaping, artwork and entry statements and areas with access to the water.

Ingrid O’Loughlin artwork, orange circle

Where will Yitpi Yartapuultiku be located?

The proposed site is formally known as Western Region Park, Port Adelaide, with its direct connection to Yerta Bulti Country (the area around the Port River) and the rich cultural history of the Kaurna People.

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Parnpa-parnpalya (Kaurna for Conference)

Art Work by local Narungga Artist Ingrid O'Loughlin

Artist story

Many people gather on country connecting our soul to place. A place to be safe, share, learn and experience together A place we sense and feel through practices, environments and attitudes that bring us greater relationship, connection and belonging

Parnpa-parnpalya (Kaurna for Conference)