Moorundi Health Centre Opens – A 23‑Year Dream Realised

20 October 2025

In August 2025, the $10m Moorundi Aboriginal Health Centre officially opened its doors in Murray Bridge, marking a landmark moment for the Ngarrindjeri community and for Aboriginal‑led health care across the region.

Jensen PLUS is very proud to have led the planning and landscape design for the centre, working alongside Phillips Pilkington Architects and Moorundi Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service Ltd. to deliver a culturally safe, community‑focused health hub.

Who is Moorundi, and what do they do?

Moorundi Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service is a not‑for‑profit organisation delivering holistic primary health care and wellbeing services to Aboriginal communities across the Murray Mallee, Coorong, Southern Fleurieu, Kangaroo Island, Adelaide Hills and surrounding regions.

Their model also integrates allied health, traditional healing (Ngangkari), elder and children’s programs, cultural programs and community outreach.

In Ngarrindjeri culture and language, “Moorundi” means “river,” referencing the River Murray - a powerful symbol of life, connection and the Country on which Moorundi operates.

For many years Moorundi services were spread across different locations in Murray Bridge. With the new centre, all services are now consolidated under one roof - making access easier, care more integrated, and the environment more welcoming and culturally appropriate.

Planning + Landscape for Healing

We worked closely with Moorundi’s staff, cultural advisors, and the design team to co‑design a setting that supports health, connection and belonging. The site strategy addresses access, safety, visibility and welcome, aligning with community flow, and cultural protocols. Our landscape design includes:

Native plantings sourced from local growers
Custom cultural features (e.g. boomerang‑shaped seat)
Outdoor spaces for yarning, reflection and gathering, and for outdoor consultations
Integrated stormwater, shade and sustainability systems
Use of low‑carbon and durable materials

The opening ceremony was a proud, emotional event — the culmination of over two decades of advocacy and vision by the Ngarrindjeri people.

“Today marks the realisation of a dream that began over two decades ago, a vision that has weighed heavily on many of us for years.” — Steve Sumner, CEO, Moorundi ACCHS (quoted in Murray Bridge News)

Congratulations to Moorundi Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service, Phillips Pilkington Architects and all of the community and team who made the project a success. We are proud to have contributed to such a significant project - a true intersection of community vision, health, design and culture.

Return to News

A Powerful Opening Moment