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History

Our Story

Aboriginal Community Services was officially established in Adelaide on July 28, 1995, by a group of Aboriginal men and women concerned by the lack of support for increasingly isolated Elders. 

It has grown from a small not-for-profit, to today delivering aged care services to Elders in their homes across metropolitan Adelaide and regional South Australia and operating Adelaide’s only residential aged care home for First Nations peoples, in Davoren Park.

1995
July 28
July 28 – organisation is incorporated

Incorporated as ‘The Aboriginal Elders and Community Care Services Inc’.

December 5
December 5 – Aboriginal Elders Village

The Aboriginal Elders Village was opened by Federal Human Services and Health Minister Carmen Lawrence.

December 28
Home Care Services launched

First home care services delivered to Elders in metropolitan Adelaide.

2002
October 1
Elders Client Advisory Group set up

Elders Client Advisory Group set up to advise on home service delivery.

2006
November 2
Adelaide head office moved

Adelaide head office moved from Brooklyn Park to Bowden.

2011
November 3
Providing services to 100 Elders
2014
November 5
Adelaide head office moved

Adelaide head office moved from Bowden to current site at Mile End.

November 20
Became an approved provider

Became an approved provider of higher-level aged care home services.

2015
November 11
Renamed Aboriginal Community Services (SA)

Renamed Aboriginal Community Services (SA) to better represent service provision across the state.

2016
November 9
Servicing Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands

Started providing a range of home care and home support services to Elders on the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, including the Trachoma Elimination Program.

2017
November 16
Changed organisation name to Aboriginal Community Services
2018
November 7
Servicing Marree And Regional SA

Commenced home care and home support services in Marree and regional SA.

2019
November 1
Support in Coober Pedy

Commenced home support in Coober Pedy.

November 2
Bush Tucker Project

Commenced Bush Tucker project in APY Lands: Elders collecting bush tucker on Country.

2020
November 4
COVID-19 Assistance

Commenced a short-term project during COVID-19 to assist Elders not covered by federally-funded home care and support packages that included welfare checks, food hampers, allied health referrals and advocacy.

2021
November 18
Ngarrindjeri and Boandik Elder Aunty Shirley Peisley AM named patron
Ngarrindjeri and Boandik Elder Aunty Shirley Peisley AM named patron

Ngarrindjeri and Boandik Elder Aunty Shirley Peisley AM played a pivotal role in the formation and continued growth of Aboriginal Community Services. Her tireless commitment to the rights and wellbeing of First Nations peoples — particularly Elders — has left a lasting imprint on our organisation and the broader community.…Read More

November 30
Tjilpiku Pampaku Ngura Residential Aged Care Facility

Started operating the Tjilpiku Pampaku Ngura residential aged care facility in Pukatja, APY Lands, and commenced home aged care support in Pukatja and surrounding communities.

2025
November 1
30th Year Anniversary

Celebrated 30th year anniversary of Aboriginal community Services and the Aboriginal Edlers Village.

November 6
Remote SA service

Successfully concluded role as service provider for remote SA, including APY Lands,  Marree and the impactful Trachoma Education Program.