Kura Yerlo is an Aboriginal-controlled community organisation that has been providing services for Aboriginal people since 1983. Initially formed as a grassroots organisation by a small group of local Aboriginal community members, it has grown to provide services across the life spectrum across metropolitan Adelaide, including childcare, youth case management and mentoring, adult disability and aged care. Culture is at the heart of all we do, and is integrated throughout our groups and services. Our local community named our organisation Kura Yerlo, meaning 'by the sea', and over the years our organisation has continued to support the revitalisation of Kaurna language, using it at every opportunity. Kura Yerlo employs over 42 staff, with a 85% Aboriginal employment target, across a range of services.
We have a strong history of evolving and developing our services to meet community needs, providing a mentoring and employment pathway for young Aboriginal people, and encouraging advocacy and leadership development. We have a strong Board of Management which is comprised of both Elders and Aboriginal people with extensive experience in the community services arena, holding senior positions in both government and non-government agencies. As when Kura Yerlo was established, Aboriginal people continue to face discrimination, over-representation across a number of systems, including justice, health and child protection, and under-representation in significant areas such as educational attainment and employment. Our organisation continues to work in alignment with Closing the Gap targets and strategies to utilise funding to improve these outcomes for our local community.
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As the CEO of Kura Yerlo Inc, I am proud Ngarrindjeri woman and honoured to lead an organisation dedicated to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through culture, connection, and care. Our services reflect the deep respect we have for our heritage, Elders, and future generations. Every day, we strive to provide culturally safe spaces where our people can thrive, heal, and strengthen their identities. Whether through youth programs, our Culture Hub, or Elder-led initiatives, we are committed to honouring our traditions while building a brighter future together empowering all through multiple generations. Thank you for your continued support and belief in the vision of Kura Yerlo. Together, we are creating lasting change and uplifting our community.
Warm regards,
Mary-Anne Lovegrove
CEO, Kura Yerlo Inc.
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Uncle Rod O'Brien is a proud Kaurna man and devotes much time to helping other Kaurna people identify with the language and culture. He is an active member of the Adelaide Aboriginal community, volunteering his time as a Chairperson on a number of committees which include the Kaurna Warra Karrpanthi Aboriginal Corporation, Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation and Kura Yerlo Inc.
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Debra Buckskin is a Kaurna/Narung/Wirangu woman and was raised in Erawiung Country on river in Berri and Waikerie. Deb is an amazing mother of three children and one grandchild who works full-time and cares for her Dad. She is on the Board of Kura Yerlo, a member of the SA NAIDOC Committee, the Co-Chair of SACCON where she helps address systematic and structural racism, discrimination and unconscious bias through the Partnership Agreement on Closing the Gap.
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Hi, my name is Jasmine I’m a Ngarrindjeri and Kaurna woman, and I’m a proud mother of three children, all my children attended the Kura Yerlo child care centre and Kurruru programs. My interest in being on the board started when I was young watching my mum Rebecca Tonkin and dear Aunty Veronica Brodie during their time as Board members and attending meetings with them. I have now been on the Board for over 15 years.
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Elder Uncle Greg Hughes is a respected Aboriginal community member of Port Adelaide and beyond, who is committed to providing a service for Aboriginal people through the vision of Kura Yerlo. He is married to Lyn and is a father of seven children and a handful of grandchildren. He is a Board Director on the Kura Yerlo Board and is actively involved and a regular visitor at the Men’s Shed and Culture Hub.
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Elder, Aunty Jean Pinkie is a proud and wise Bingali, Boandik and Ngarrindjeri woman born in the South East of SA in May 1950. Aunty Jean is very proud of her father who was a hunter and lived of the land. Aunty Jean left school after grade 7 and later lived to Adelaide, married and has 5 children and 24 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After Aunty Jean came to Adelaide she worked inhospitality as she raised her family.
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Kenise Neill is a Sister of St Joseph and has worked in the field of child protection and with children, families, communities for fifty years. Her ministry has included a variety of child protection, therapeutic and healing services from her role as a child care worker at St Joseph’s Orphanage as a 16 year old. Kenise has academic qualifications in theology and social work and after study Kenise worked in statuatory child protection in government, and program development and delivery in the NGO sector in a peak Aboriginal owned and managed organisation.
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Amber is a proud Ngarrindjeri and Kaurna woman dedicated to empowering the younger generation. Her passion for youth leadership and advocacy drives her to be a strong voice for those who may need support. As a representative, Amber brings valuable insights from community, ensuring that the perspectives and needs of young people are heard and acted upon. She is committed to creating positive change and fostering an inclusive environment where youth can thrive and feel empowered to shape their future.
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My name is Cherylee Cooper, and I am a Ngarrindjeri/Yorta Yorta woman. I have a Bachelor Degree in Social Work, Diploma in Management and Diploma in Governance for Aboriginal Organisations. I have worked in several leadership roles in the community in both Southern Australia and Northern Territory. My current position is the Principal Aboriginal consultant in the Department of Child Protection - Southern region – Limestone Coast, based in the Mount Gambier.
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