Highgate Park (once Julia Farr Services) was a South Australian residential complex for people with disability.
After the departure of the last resident, and after extensive consultation, the government sold the complex in 2023 for $42 million.
The proceeds from the sale are destined for a perpetual Trust, dedicated to funding initiatives that support South Australians with disability.
Trust working group
JFA Purple Orange – the non-profit disability advocacy organisation that was formed out of Julia Farr Services – facilitated a working group to consider the future focus of the Trust and provide advice to the Minister during the sale process.
The working group provided a unique opportunity for people living with disability to have an authentic voice in redefining how the Trust will support people living with disability.
Consultation measures
In 2020, DHS undertook extensive consultation of Highgate Park stakeholders and the local community about what should happen with Highgate Park to best support beneficiaries.
The decision to sell Highgate Park was made with strong support from the disability community, with clear agreement that is not appropriate for people with disability to be confined to institutions any longer.
Consultation was focused on the disability sector, including people from metropolitan Adelaide and regional South Australia, Aboriginal people living with disability, and subject matter experts working in the disability sector. Other stakeholders and the local community were also invited to participate.
Background
Highgate Park at Fullarton was established by philanthropist Julia Farr under a charitable trust in 1879.
The nine-storey building was built in the 1970s on a 2.85ha site in Fisher Street, Fullarton.
Throughout its long history, the trust has supported people with disability, specifically those who have been unable to live independently without support.
In line with a commitment to relocate people with disability out of institutions, all remaining residents were supported into community accommodation. The last resident moved out in April 2020.
All future decisions regarding assets and proceeds of the Trust must specifically benefit people with disability. As such, the disability community and sector are strongly involved in the consultation process about the future of Highgate Park.