Last month, Renewal SA gathered with Kaurna Elders, project partners, consultants and community representatives at the site, to engage in deep and meaningful conversations about its significance.
Known as a Yarning Circle - one of a series of similar ongoing events by Renewal SA, first started in 2022 - it aims to embed Aboriginal voices and cultural knowledge into the planning and development of communities.
Insights shared through the series help inform and educate developers and contractors involved in shaping the future of the 1,700+ home community.
The day began with a traditional smoking ceremony before Kaurna Elders and Cultural Advisors on Renewal SA's Reconciliation Committee shared stories and perspectives on the land's history, the cultural significance of Karrawirra Parri/River Torrens and aspirations for the future community.
Uncle Frank Wangutya Wanganeen, Kaurna and Narungga Elder and Reconciliation Cultural Advisor, spoke about the rich cultural stories connected to the river and the surrounding Country, stories he said deserved to be embedded into the future development.
"There are so many great stories. For me, it would be about celebrating that shared relationship and, into the future, showcasing that relationship with the Traditional Owners as part of this multicultural society."
Kaurna man Darren Wanganeen, who serves on the Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation (KYAC) Board and works with RAW SA, spoke about the deep connection Kaurna people have shared with the Karrawirra Parri/River Torrens for thousands of years, describing it as central to culture, identity and community life.
He also encouraged project partners to continue building genuine partnerships through meaningful engagement and collaboration.
"We encourage a shared prosperity and benefit sharing, we hope a clientele and stakeholders are willing to challenge themselves in creating new pathways and walking together, he said.
"Relationships are just so, so important. We don't want to leave today with just a good conversation - we want to carry these conversations through and make them reality."
KYAC Chairperson and Elder Tim Agius echoed the call for genuine prosperity over process.
"We want to create a legacy here, but we want to do this together,” he said. “We have a responsibility, we have a deep obligation to our young people."
Aunty Yvonne Agius, Kaurna and Narungga Elder and Reconciliation Cultural Advisor, has dedicated more than 40 years of public service to preserving Aboriginal heritage and advocating for community across heritage, Native Title and reconciliation.
Gatherings like the Yarning Circle demonstrated the value of collaboration and gave her cause for hope, she said.
"I continue to work alongside Renewal SA because of its genuine commitment to engagement and the future of this community."
Renewal SA Acting Executive Director, Property and Major Projects, Matt Hogan, said that understanding the cultural significance of the Land was central to shaping the future community.
"One of the key priorities is working closely with Traditional Owners to better understand the history and cultural significance of this place, so those stories and connections can be meaningfully reflected in design and planning for the project" he said.
"That is why these conversations are so important.”
Mr Hogan said Southwark Grounds also presented an opportunity to create meaningful pathways for First Nations participation in the development.
"There are significant opportunities that come from a project like this, given its scale and its deep connection to Karrawirra Parri/River Torrens. We look forward to continuing the conversation with Kaurna representatives, community members through design and exploring opportunities for First Nations businesses to be involved,” he said.
Yarning circles create a space for open and respectful conversations, bringing together project partners and First Nations voices.
For those who gathered in April, the message was clear: meaningful reconciliation in development starts with listening, building genuine relationships and creating a shared legacy for future generations.
