Two aboriginal women engaged in a friendly conversation

Transitional Accommodation Centres  - Have your say  

The South Australian Aboriginal Housing Strategy 2021-31 commits to delivering substantial reform and benefits for Aboriginal People in South Australia by providing opportunities for homeownership and economic participation, access to culturally responsive and appropriate services, and by supporting self-determination and self-governance that will strengthen the capability of Aboriginal corporations and organisations.

We are committed to creating a new service delivery model for Transitional Accommodation Centres that is responsive, culturally informed and meets the needs of local communities.

If you would like to have a say in how the Centres work best in and for their communities, please come along to an information session.

  • Port Augusta – 2pm to 4pm Tuesday 9 April 2024, Flinders Room, Central Oval, 10 Augusta Terrace, Port Augusta.
  • Ceduna – 2 pm to 4 pm Thursday 11 April 2024, Foreshore Hotel, 32 O’Loughlin Terrace, Ceduna

If you’re a local Aboriginal business wanting to work with the SA Housing Authority to deliver services at the Centres, we also want to hear from you in advance of procurement processes! These will explore opportunities for local businesses, with capacity and capability, to deliver services at the Port Augusta and Ceduna Transitional Accommodation Centres. The services might include:

  • catering/food provision for TAC guests
  • grounds/minor building maintenance
  • cleaning services
  • labour hire services.

For further information on or to indicate your interest in attending these events please contact housingcustomers@sa.gov.au

Transitional Accommodation Centres - Background

SA Housing Authority has two transitional accommodation centres offering affordable short-term accommodation for Aboriginal people from remote communities 7 days a week:

  • Lakeview, Port Augusta
  • Wangka Wilurrara, Ceduna.

These centres provide accommodation catering for singles or family groups is offered at the centres and includes a mix of:

  • Wiltja/campsite tents
  • Single or double room units
  • Independent living units with a kitchenette and bathroom.

Meals including self-serve breakfast and hot dinners are provided at both centres.

Both centres are currently run by South Australian Housing Authority staff supported by others fulfilling several roles (out of business hours) including:

  • Cooks
  • Cleaners
  • Accommodation Workers
  • Facilities Officers.

For more information about these services, see our service information pack.

Why is SA Housing Authority looking at changing the way it delivers services at the TACs?

Changing the way services are delivered at the TACs aligns with Aboriginal Housing Strategy pillars and actions including:

  • AHS Pillar 1 – Action 1.3 – Build partnerships between mainstream housing sector and the Aboriginal Community Controlled sector to inform and deliver localised, customised service models.
  • AHS Pillar 2 – Action 2.2 – Ensure the mainstream housing system is culturally safe and responsive, through the identification and implementation of innovative best practice models for ensuring housing options are tailored to the different needs of Aboriginal people.
  • AHS Pillar 3 – Action 3.1 Create economic development opportunities for Aboriginal communities to equitably participate in the housing sector economy.
  • AHS Pillar 4 – Build a culturally informed and responsive homelessness sector that meets

In addition, these changes align to the strategic priorities outlined in:

  • SA Housing Authority Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2021-2023 – Action 13 Increase the Housing Sector’s commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s unique service needs and interests.
  • National Agreement on Closing the Gap July 2020 – Priority reform 2 – building the Community controlled sector.
  • South Australia’s implementation plan for the National Agreement on Closing the Gap 2021
  • Our Housing Future 2020-2030.

It is hoped the SA Housing Authority will be able to achieve the following outcomes through a review of service delivery including:

  • Provision of a Place based service response
    • Aboriginal Communities in South Australia are diverse and there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution, so services should be delivered by local Aboriginal people with strong ties to their communities.
    • Services delivered should be aligned to the needs and interests of local Aboriginal peoples.
  • Development of Community partnerships
    • Provide opportunities for the SA Housing Authority and Community to work together to ensure the community has the necessary capacity, structures, and information to participate effectively at the levels they choose.
    • Enable Aboriginal people have a greater voice about the way they want the housing sector to operate within their communities
  • Increased opportunities for economic participation for local Aboriginal Businesses and Community Controlled organisations.
    • Create employment and contracting opportunities for local Aboriginal people and businesses in their own communities.
    • Community money stays in the community, helping build a stronger and safer community for everyone to live and work in.
  • Clients receive services that are culturally competent
    • All Aboriginal peoples in South Australia have a fundamental right to access culturally safe, secure, and affordable housing.
    • Existing services should be culturally responsible and flexible to better meet the needs of Aboriginal Communities.