Strong bonds with SA communities through Pirku-Itya Partnerships

SA Water is proud to announce the 6 recipients of its 2025-26 Pirku-Itya (Reconciliation Partnerships Program), which supports community-led projects that celebrate, preserve and share Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and perspectives across South Australia.

Since 2020, Pirku-Itya, which means “for community” in Kaurna, has seen SA Water form enduring partnerships with 29 organisations around the state, with this year’s recipients bringing the total to 35.

This year’s recipients include organisations based in Ceduna on the state’s West Coast to Port Augusta in the Upper North, the Adelaide Hills and metropolitan Adelaide.

SA Water’s Manager of Brand and Community Connection Kellie McDonald said the program reflects the utility’s deep commitment to relationship-building and shared cultural understanding.

“Pirku-Itya is first and foremost about partnering with community,” Kellie said.

“We’re not just supporting individual projects, we’re building relationships based on respect, reciprocity and a commitment to reconciliation.

“These partnerships create spaces where communities can connect through culture, and where stories, language, art and knowledge are celebrated.”

The program supports projects that contribute to cultural learning, storytelling, environmental stewardship and inclusive community engagement.

The 2025-26 Pirku-Itya recipients include:

• Adelaide Contemporary Experimental (ACE) – Kumarangk, Adelaide: A major cultural exhibition opening at the 2026 Adelaide Festival. Kumarangk will feature artworks by Ngarrindjeri women, highlighting intergenerational knowledge and cultural survival nearly 30 years after the Hindmarsh Island Bridge Affair.
• Lobethal Community Kindergarten, Adelaide Hills: A culturally inclusive garden co-designed with an Aboriginal Cultural Consultant, featuring native plants, fire plants, water elements, and community art to support student wellbeing and Aboriginal cultural learning.
• MOD. At University of South Australia – Yundi Nature Conservancy Field Trip, Fleurieu Peninsula: A practical, educational experience at the Yundi swamp lands where young adults will explore Aboriginal and western scientific approaches to ecosystem restoration.
• Pimpala Primary School, Morphett Vale: A new cultural garden influenced by the Tjilbruke story and shaped through consultation with Aboriginal students and Elders.  It will include a yarning circle and fire pit that will foster storytelling and cultural exchange.
• Ceduna Community Children’s Centre, Ceduna: A new garden space incorporating local Aboriginal stories, language and art to connect children with culture. Featuring yarning circles and stone carvings, the site will support early engagement with Aboriginal perspectives.
• Umeewarra Aboriginal Media Association, Port Augusta: A vibrant cultural event that brings together communities through storytelling, music and grassroots leadership.

Kellie said reconciliation is an ongoing journey that requires listening, learning and being open to different ways of sharing experiences and knowledge.

“Pirku-Itya gives us the privilege of walking alongside First Nations organisations and leaders who are generously sharing their culture, stories and wisdom with all of us,” she said.

“We’re proud of what has been achieved over the past 5 years, and we know there are many more communities ready to explore how we can work together.

“I encourage organisations to get in touch and learn more about how they can be part of this journey for future iterations.

“Our connection to Country and water is deeply rooted in the wisdom and stewardship of South Australia’s First Nations peoples and through these partnerships, we honour that connection and grow our understanding together.”

Interested organisations seeking more information can email rappartnerships@sawater.com.au

Contact: Tara Miko

Phone: 0448951418

Email: tara.miko@sawater.com.au