Hall & Wilcox facilitates funding for indigenous elders village in Adelaide

In a significant achievement, Hall & Wilcox has played a pivotal role in advising and supporting the Aboriginal Community Housing Limited (ACHL), a Tier 1 Aboriginal housing provider, in securing funding for the development of a $12.17 million Indigenous Elders village in Bedford Park, Adelaide. The project, situated on land owned by the Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation, aims to provide culturally inclusive housing for Indigenous Elders from the Kaurna Yerta community.

The 40-unit village will allow Indigenous Elders to age in place, incorporating culturally sensitive features to meet the community's unique needs. The collaboration with Hall & Wilcox enables the Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation to own and operate the village, ensuring long-term benefits for the community.

The complex deal involved coordination with various state and federal government bodies, including the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation, Housing Australia, and the South Australian Housing Trust, to secure funding for the development. Partner Shaun Whittaker, alongside Senior Associate Lauri Reid, played a crucial role in structuring the transaction, procuring funding from stakeholders, and negotiating development and operational documentation.

Partner Shaun Whittaker expressed pride in the collaborative effort, stating, "This is a tremendous achievement for the Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation, ACHL, and us. We have worked collaboratively at all government levels to secure the funding for this significant investment in much-needed housing for the Kaurna Yerta community."

The project serves as a testament to the ability of state and federal bodies to collaborate on funding for essential community projects. ACHL, in partnership with Hall & Wilcox, is actively involved in several projects across Australia aimed at securing housing for Indigenous Australians.

Highlighting their commitment to social and affordable housing, Hall & Wilcox considers this project as part of its broader purpose. The law firm has emerged as one of the leading advocates and advisors in the social and affordable housing sector nationally. In 2023 alone, their specialized team advised on housing projects totalling over $2.5 billion across Australia, showcasing a dedication to making a positive impact in the community.