New $35 million Aboriginal Cultural Centre opens this Sunday in Port Adelaide

Yitpi Yartapuultiku is a major milestone in community co-design, environmental regeneration, collaboration, connection, and regional economic growth. This new Cultural Centre opens as a path to reconciliation and regional growth.

A landmark $35 million Aboriginal Cultural Centre will officially open in Port Adelaide on Sunday 1 June. Yitpi Yartapuultiku, translated in Kaurna means the Soul of Port Adelaide, is situated on the banks of the Port River.

 

 

This one-of-a-kind facility celebrates the region’s diverse culture and Kaurna heritage, will boost tourism, and strengthen the local economy through inclusive community participation, and immersive learning experiences. It offers a mix of attractions and services including guided tourism experiences, art exhibitions, nature play spaces, community services, and educational programs that invite exploration in a rich natural setting.

Developed in collaboration with Kaurna Custodians and the Yitpi Yartapuultiku Aboriginal Working Group, the City of PAE, Ashley Halliday Architects and WAX Design, the project is the largest ever undertaken by the Council and launches during National Reconciliation Week, amplifying its powerful message of unity and healing.

 

 

City of PAE Mayor, Claire Boan:

Yitpi Yartapuultiku is a place for everyone to come together to share life with one another.

People can enjoy play areas, sculptural art, and a revitalised public parkland featuring large event spaces, walking paths, fishing spots, and dolphin viewing areas. It boasts state-of-the-art facilities, flexible meeting spaces, and a commercial kitchen, making it ideal for any type of gathering.

Yitpi Yartapuultiku is more than a building. It’s a space where all people can come together to learn, share and grow.

Designed as a shared space for collaboration and connection, Yitpi Yartapuultiku brings people together through storytelling, art, culture, and environment – building understanding and creating a stronger, more inclusive future for all South Australians.

As a catalyst for growth, the centre is set to generate new employment opportunities and attract visitors to the region, further strengthening its impact for generations to come.

Top Takeaways:

• It’s a space for everyone – a place to connect, learn, and grow together.
• It’s a significant tourism drawcard, a destination for community connection, education, business, and environmental stewardship.
• It supports reconciliation by honouring and celebrating Aboriginal culture and history.
• It’s a driver of regional growth, creating jobs and attracting tourism.

APPROVED QUOTES

Uncle Lewis and Aunty Pat Waria-Read, Aboriginal Elders and contributors to Yitpi Yartapuultiku’s co-led design:

The opening of this cultural centre on Kaurna Yarta is a powerful step forward for our people and the wider community. This is more than just a building – it is a living space where Kaurna knowledge, language and stories can be shared respected and passed on to future generations. It stands as a place of truth telling, healing and pride.

We welcome everyone to walk with us, to learn from this land and its First Peoples, and to help carry our culture forward with strength and unity.

Ashley Halliday: Director at Ashley Halliday Architects and lead architect for Yitpi Yartapuultiku

This Project stands on the shoulders of those Elders and senior people who fought for recognition, truth and justice on an around Yertabulti. Walking together, PAE and the Aboriginal community have demonstrated great vision, leadership, courage, patience, and generosity in realising Yitpi Yartapuultiku.

Yitpi Yartapuultiku has been designed with the collective skill, knowledge, and passionate contributions of many, underpinned by strong Aboriginal cultural direction and PAE support.

Warwick Keates: Director at WAX Design and lead landscape architect for Yitpi Yartapuultiku:

The knowledge that was generously shared by First Nations cultural advisors was critical in creating a culturally safe place to gather, practice and connect to Country and culture.

This project is a testament to the visionary thinking, generosity, and courage of the Kaurna community. Being part of this incredible co-design process, and seeing Yitpi Yartapuultiku come to life, has been an honour and privilege.