People with disabilities, along with their families and carers, are the focus of a consultation that opens today to shape the legacy of Highgate Park – and the future of the supports funded by the trust that owns it.
As sole trustee of the trust that owns Highgate Park, the Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink is responsible for the trust and the future of the site.
Highgate Park, formally known as the Julia Farr Centre at Fullarton, supported people with disability and was established on the site by philanthropist Julia Farr under a charitable trust in 1879.
Minister Lensink said the trust is entirely for the benefit of people with disability who require support to live independently.
"We want to hear from the community about how the trust can change to support people with disability in new and better ways," said Minister Lensink.
"Any decision on the future of the Highgate Park site will be made in consultation with the community and meet the trust's objectives to benefit people with disability.
"This is an important opportunity to elevate the voices of people with disability in government decision-making and ensure their experiences and their aspirations are at the heart of the future of this trust."
Highgate Park's closure was earmarked in 2014 and no new residents have moved into the facility since then. Following the State Government's commitment to moving people with disability out of institutions and into community accommodation, all remaining residents were supported into alternative community accommodation in April 2020.
Community consultation will guide the development of options for the future of the trust that owns Highgate Park. Any future development of the site will be part of a separate engagement process.
For more information or to provide your input, head to the YourSAy website at: yoursay.sa.gov.au/decisions/legacy-of-highgate-park/about by 31 July 2020.
