A former Davoren Park supermarket that sat empty for more than five years has been reimagined as a space for young people in the northern suburbs to meet, make and create through play, experiences and connection.
The Children's Creative Space, in the Swallowcliffe Children's Precinct, marks a major milestone in a landmark partnership between the State Government and Minderoo Foundation to improve the lives of disadvantaged children in Adelaide's north.
Supported by landowners the Chapley Group, the new space is an initiative of the Children in the North Alliance – a $20 million 10-year commitment jointly funded by the State Government and Minderoo Foundation to create positive, lasting outcomes for children and their families in Adelaide's northern suburbs.
Carclew – Australia's largest multi-artform cultural institution dedicated to children and young people – will operate the space, working alongside children, families and caregivers to co-design programs that reflect and celebrate the strengths of the Davoren Park community.
The precinct is a hub for local businesses, services and the community, and is where more than 600 children and their families come together to learn, play and grow.
The new children's space is the latest innovation the alliance has delivered to create lasting benefits for the community and improve the lives of children, including:
- Children's nurses on-site at Swallowcliffe Primary School and childcare centres, with all 4-year-olds receiving a health and development check, as well as support for children's health needs through paediatric nurses and allied health supports.
- Oral Health Starter Packs with toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental information to all 600-plus children in the Swallowcliffe Precinct.
- End-of-school-term community barbecues and celebration events.
- Free after-school and holiday activities for children and families.
The Children's Creative Space was identified by local children and families as somewhere for children and their caregivers to develop a safe and fun place to come together.
Funding from Minderoo Foundation will support the space in its first two years, with opportunities for future partnerships to build ongoing programs and long-term sustainability.
Minderoo Foundation CEO John Hartman said that young children thrive "when they have opportunities to learn, create and belong in their own communities".
"What makes this space so special is that it was shaped by the voices of local children and families themselves," Mr Hartman said.
"The Children's Creative Space is a powerful example of what can be achieved when governments, philanthropy and local communities work together."
Carclew board chair Megan Antcliff said Swallowcliffe Children's Creative Space was a place to play, create, explore and belong.
"Carclew is proud to operate the space, working with the community and Children in the North Alliance partners to bring this shared vision to life," she said.
Swallowcliffe Children's Precinct Committee chair Helen Connolly said they asked local children what they wanted and the answer was simple: a safe, welcoming place to express themselves, build confidence, connect with others and enjoy the experiences every child deserves.
"Now, we're bringing that vision to life creating a space shaped by the local community where children can discover their strengths, try new things and feel they belong, while becoming more creative, confident and connected," Ms Connolly said.
The centre's opening follows the recently announced $16.3 million integrated early childhood hub for Davoren Park, funded by the State and Federal governments in conjunction with Minderoo, which will increase the number of early learning places from 55 to 100 when it opens in 2029.
The hub will combine 3-year-old preschool, long day care, child health and development services, parenting programs, and community co-designed supports in one location.
Delivering solutions co-created with the community including members from local organisations and groups, the alliance works together with local families to support them in what they need for their children – some of the state's most disadvantaged.
For more information visit the Minderoo website .
