The project site resides within a historical and culturally significant part of South Australia.

Known to Kaurna as Pirltawardli, meaning ‘brushtail possum home’ it is a place where significant gatherings, camping, cultural ceremonies and hunting took place for thousands of years.

The project site is also well documented as the first contact site between Aboriginal people and settlers. In 1839 it became the 'Aboriginal Native Location' where the first Christian mission for Aboriginal people, where uniquely children were taught in Kaurna language, was established.

The revival of the Kaurna language in later years has been attributed to the documentation of Kaurna during the mission's operating years.

As a result of its deep history, the project site holds historical importance to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal South Australians.

Kaurna Traditional Owners

Respecting, celebrating and protecting culture has been a driving principle of the project.

To ensure the cultural integrity of the park lands is maintained, consultation has been ongoing with the Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation (KYAC), and Kaurna Elders nominated by KYAC.

Managing heritage

As required under The North Adelaide Public Golf Course Act 2025, authorisation under Sections 21 & 23 of The Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988 (SA) was required prior to any ground disturbing works commencing.

Following an extended period of consultation with Kaurna Elders and Traditional Owners, authorisation was granted along with 31 conditions.

These conditions established a Protected Area in a section of the existing Par 3 course, known as Piltawodli, that is particularly culturally and historically significant, and spiritually important to Kaurna people.

To aid in identifying items of cultural significance, a Cultural Heritage Site Survey has been conducted across the project site in conjunction with Kaurna Traditional Owners and specialist archaeologists.

Following the survey, a Cultural Heritage Management Plan was developed in consultation with KYAC, to ensure heritage is managed respectfully and appropriately through the project.

This plan ensures:

• every opportunity to incorporate Kaurna values, stories, art, language and history into the project design and delivery is explored
• Aboriginal Heritage Monitors, employed through KYAC, work with specialist archaeologist, to oversee ground disturbing works and protect any discoveries
• protection of culturally modified trees across the site.