Ngarrindjeri
South Australia
The Moorundi Health Centre brings together Ngarrindjeri health services into a highly functional facility, with state-of-the-art health facilities, including infection control, treating clients holistically, and underpinned by three pillars of care:
The clinic offers a wide range of services catering for acute presentations, chronic disease, mental health conditions and Ngangkari clinics providing traditional healing.Â
Ngarrindjeri culture and art are used extensively in the design to ensure an inclusive facility where everyone feels welcomed and comfortable.
Artworks were developed collaboratively with Ngarrindjeri artists. Harley Ngrakani Hall developed designs for brick walling and paving. Mardawi Sister Weavers created sculptural light fittings and the focal gliding pelican for the foyer. Jordan Lovegrove developed designs for the timber panelling and graphics.
These artworks are an integral part of the built and landscape fabric resonating with the Ngarrindjeri community that the Health Centre serves.
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SA Creative Collaboration Prize – Winner
The Moorundi Health Centre unites Ngarrindjeri health services and stands as a powerful expression of cultural self-determination and creative collaboration, more than 20 years in the making. Driven by a consistent co-design process between architect and community, grounded in Ngarrindjeri authority, the centre redefines architectural practice beyond conventional boundaries.
Elder and community-led, the project reflects a strong exchange of cultural knowledge and collective contribution, with trust and leadership established from the outset. Deep engagement with Ngarrindjeri culture shapes the conceptual framework, creating a culturally safe and inclusive place where all feel welcomed and respected. The integration of art within the building and landscape fabric is central to asserting Ngarrindjeri identity, while shared knowledge outcomes strengthen both public and professional understanding.
This culturally led collaboration has increased episodes of care by 23%, while elevating the visibility and impact of Ngarrindjeri knowledge holders and artists well beyond the project. The jury commend all involved for demonstrating how a creative, collaborative process built on cultural respect can transform a utilitarian brief into a place of public significance: one that fosters deep belonging, cultural continuity and connection.
SA Creative Collaboration Prize - Winner
The Moorundi Health Centre unites Ngarrindjeri health services and stands as a powerful expression of cultural self-determination and creative collaboration, more than 20 years in the making. Driven by a consistent co-design process between architect and community, grounded in Ngarrindjeri authority, the centre redefines architectural practice beyond conventional boundaries.
Elder and community-led, the project reflects a strong exchange of cultural knowledge and collective contribution, with trust and leadership established from the outset. Deep engagement with Ngarrindjeri culture shapes the conceptual framework, creating a culturally safe and inclusive place where all feel welcomed and respected. The integration of art within the building and landscape fabric is central to asserting Ngarrindjeri identity, while shared knowledge outcomes strengthen both public and professional understanding.
This culturally led collaboration has increased episodes of care by 23%, while elevating the visibility and impact of Ngarrindjeri knowledge holders and artists well beyond the project. The jury commend all involved for demonstrating how a creative, collaborative process built on cultural respect can transform a utilitarian brief into a place of public significance: one that fosters deep belonging, cultural continuity and connection.
Phillips/Pilkington have been instrumental in ensuring that the design of our building is steeped in Cultural Integrity and is a fit-for-purpose Health and Wellbeing Service.
From the moment you walk onto the site you are captured by the combination of brickwork and woodwork which expresses the essence of Culture and Country. Entering the building you are immersed in a spiritual connection by artworks and a colour scheme which is calming.Â
The new build has seen an increase in Client numbers and a 23% increase in episodes of care.
The Community response to the design has been overwhelmingly positive.
Mardawi Sister Weavers, Artist
Harley Ngrankani Hall, Artist
Jordan Lovegrove, Artist
Jensen Plus, Landscape Consultant
Jensen Plus, Town Planner
CPR Engineers, Structural Engineer
CPR Engineers, Civil Consultant
BESTEC, Acoustic Consultant
D Squared, ESD Consultant
Frank Siow and Associates, Traffic Consultant
RLB, Cost Consultant
Gary Coff Consulting, Health Consultant
TF Certifiers + Consultants, Building Surveyor
WSP, Environmental Consultant
Sawley Lock O’Callaghan, Land & Services Surveyor