From revitalising the Tauondi Cultural Ground in Port Adelaide to creating a native garden in the Flinders Ranges, SA Water is building six new partnerships with groups making a difference for Aboriginal communities, as part of its 2022-23 Pirku-Itya (Reconciliation Partnerships Program).

Pirku-Itya is a Kaurna word meaning ‘for community’, with the annual program providing funding for grassroots community events and projects run by not-for-profit organisations that contribute to reconciliation in South Australia.

SA Water's General Manager of Strategy, Engagement and Innovation Nicola Murphy said this year’s recipients are all delivering reconciliation-driven activities with a clear link to sustainable water use.

"Born from our 2020-23 Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan, Pirku-Itya is entering its third year, and we’re excited to continue partnering with organisations that deliver a positive impact for Aboriginal people,” Nicola said.

"Like us, these groups are dedicated to taking meaningful steps towards reconciliation, while also achieving broader community wellbeing and environmental outcomes.

"There’s a large variety in this year’s successful partnerships, with our support helping to create a mural amongst native suburban vegetation, expand community gardens, develop a film focused on the significance of water to First Nations communities, and revamp an important outdoor cultural space.”

The successful initiatives and events of the 2022-23 program include:

• Partnering with the Australian Science and Mathematics School to paint a mural adjacent to revegetated Grey Box woodland in Bedford Park.
• Creating a native, drought resistant garden around the new Yappala Art Gallery with the Viliwarinha Yura Aboriginal Corporation near Hawker.
• Working with the Flinders View Primary School and Preschool to enhance their bush garden.
• Revitalising Tauondi Cultural Ground to perform cultural practices including storytelling, dancing, cultural cooking and smoking ceremonies around the fire pit.
• Installing water efficient garden beds in the community garden at Jerry Mason Senior Memorial Centre in the Rivlerland town of Glossop.
• Adelaide Contemporary Experimental developing a film that gives voice to the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth and presenting a symposium on water and its cultural significance to local Aboriginal communities.

For more information on Pirku-Itya, visit sawater.com.au.

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