Acknowledgement of Country
Our Commitment to Reconciliation
Renewal SA is dedicated to becoming a leader of reconciliation within South Australia’s property and development sector
Reconciliation Cultural Advisors
We have engaged external First Nations Cultural Advisors from community to provide cultural knowledge and guidance to support the implementation of our Innovate RAP
Aunty Yvonne Agius
Aunty Yvonne Agius is an Esteemed Elder of both Kaurna and Narungga descent.
Aunty Yvonne worked as a public servant for over 40 years and an Aboriginal foster carer and educator of the younger generations about the past. She has shown great commitment to the preservation of Aboriginal heritage and has extensive experience representing a range of community groups that deal with heritage, Native Title, Nunga courts and the Granny’s Group, displaying a great commitment to reconciliation between First Nations peoples.
She is the Dual Chairperson of the City of Adelaide’s Reconciliation Committee and previous Vice-Chairperson of the State Aboriginal Heritage Committee.
Mark Koolmatrie
Mark is from the Kukabrak Tribes of southern South Australia now referred to as Ngarrindjeri.
The Ngarrindjeri Nation is made up of 18 family groups known as Lakinyeri. Mark is referred to as a Munkanboli (a clever person who is a man of wisdom and knowledge). He uses his wisdom and knowledge that has been passed down over thousands and thousands of years to ensure culture is strong and alive.
Mark is committed to, and has a passion for, the preservation of Aboriginal heritage and culture in the Ramindjeri, Tangani, Yarlde, Meintangk, and Ngarrindjeri lands. Mark is the current Chairperson of the State Aboriginal Heritage Committee, founder and educator. Mark owns his own business, The Tribal Expertise Facility, through which he asserts his cultural and heritage interests within the Coorong, Lower Lakes, River Murray, and the Sea.
Jess Davies-Huynh
Jess is a proud Kaurna woman born and raised on Kaurna land.
She has been involved in Kaurna Native Title matters from a young age, served on the Board of the Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation, is the current Kaurna representative on the Adelaide Park Lands Authority Board, and is also a representative on the Aboriginal Reference Group for the Aboriginal Arts and Cultures Centre at Lot Fourteen.
Jess is passionate about promoting Kaurna culture, heritage and rights, mentoring young First Nations women, learning from her Elders and community, and advocating for reconciliation in the community and workplace. She currently works for the Department of Treasury and Finance as a Cultural Development Consultant, where she provides advice and direction on diversity and inclusion initiatives, reconciliation, First Nations employment and cultural awareness.
Reconciliation Committee
With a clear mandate set by the Executive Team, the Renewal SA Reconciliation Committee has been responsible for initiating, implementing, and driving all activity associated with the development of this Innovate RAP. Importantly, this committee will remain in place to oversee the continuing implementation of the developed action register.
Latest News
A word from the Chief Executive
22 December 2020 in Reconciliation, Playford Alive, About us, Port Adelaide, Forestville, The Square at Woodville West, Fort Largs, Lot Fourteen, Prospect
As 2020 draws to a close, the opportunity to look back on the past 12 months reveals a surprising yet affirming insight into what Renewal SA has been able to achieve this year.
Stepping towards a reconciled urban future
3 February 2020 in Reconciliation, About us
This year, Renewal SA embarked on a journey to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) that provides strategic direction on how we can participate in the national reconciliation movement.
Smoking ceremony cleanses site in preparation for new beginning
16 December 2019 in Reconciliation, Lot Fourteen
More than 700 people witnessed history being made when representatives of the Kaurna nation held a smoking ceremony recently to cleanse the former Royal Adelaide Hospital site and prepare it for its new role as the Lot Fourteen innovation and cultural neighbourhood.