The Liberal Government has today unveiled first of its kind new accommodation that will allow Aboriginal post-secondary students from remote and regional areas of South Australia to live and study in the city.
Tika Tirka, Kaurna for “stay and learn”, is a purpose-built, 20-bed apartment style student accommodation in Gilbert St, Adelaide.
Tika Tirka was built in partnership with the State and Federal Governments and coordinated by the SA Housing Authority.
Premier Steven Marshall and Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink officially opened the new student accommodation today, enabled by $8.4 million provided under the Federal Government’s ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Partnership Agreement on Remote Indigenous Housing.
The accommodation will house and support students who are separated from their home communities while undertaking further study and training in Adelaide.
“The Liberal Government is thrilled to open Tika Tirka,” said Premier Marshall.
“The Tika Tirka service model is unique and the first of its kind in South Australia, and we are very proud to have delivered this in South Australia, in collaboration with the Federal Government.
“Tika Tirka will go a long way in assisting Aboriginal students from regional and remote areas succeed in their post-secondary studies.”
Minister Lensink said the new, modern accommodation includes residential support officers to assist students and to support and strengthen their ability to live independently in a metropolitan environment.
“One of the biggest challenges for many Aboriginal students studying far from home is overcoming the sense of isolation and a disconnection from family and community,” said Minister Lensink.
“It can also be challenging for them to learn to live independently in a new, metropolitan environment that is culturally very different.
“That is why we will ensure students receive the necessary support to ensure they thrive during their stay in Adelaide and in their study.”
Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt said: “Education creates the foundation for employment and other life outcomes”.
“The Morrison Government was pleased to work in partnership with the South Australian government to provide Indigenous students from regional and remote communities access to safe and culturally appropriate accommodation, enabling them to pursue further education opportunities in Adelaide.
“Under the 10-year ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Partnership for Remote Indigenous Housing, we are proud to have provided $287.354 million in funding to South Australia. This has delivered 264 new houses, 280 refurbishments and two education and employment-related housing facilities, including Tika Tirka.”
The SA Housing Authority consulted widely with community stakeholders and the education and training sector, to develop Tika Tirka, which includes a mix of shared and common spaces.
The project is supported by Aboriginal community leaders, schools, tertiary and vocational education providers and the not-for-profit sector.
It is available to Aboriginal students aged over 18 years with remote home communities who are undertaking post-secondary study.
Preference will be given to South Australian residents, however students studying in South Australia who come from remote locations in another state can also apply.
Partnerships with Adelaide University, Flinders University and the University of South Australia will identify eligible students for Tika Tirka in the coming months. Vocational education students are also eligible.
Students will begin living at Tika Tirka this month.
