Every Tuesday morning, Junction resident Kym steps out with the Mitchell Park Walking Group, falling easily into step with familiar faces, shared laughs, and a routine that keeps him grounded. However, 24 years ago, Kym was taking steps down a very different path.

For most of his adult life, Kym battled a heavy alcohol addiction, even after a doctor warned his liver was failing and he might only have six months to live.

“After my doctor told me that, I went to the pub to decide what I was going to do. But of course, I just drank again, because that was the cycle,” Kym said.

“I don’t remember much, but I woke up in a church. I thought I’d just wait until the sermon had finished to leave, but he started talking about breaking free from chains… and I listened.”

“I heard a message I really needed. I realised I had a choice,” Kym said.

In the early days, Kym focused on taking small, steady steps, distancing himself from old habits, and finding places where he felt supported. It wasn’t easy, but slowly, things began to shift.

The Mitchell Park Walking Group, run in partnership with MarionLIFE and Junction, meets every Tuesday at 9:30am. This group now forms an important of Kym’s schedule, a weekly catch-up where people get together to walk, talk and support each other in a relaxed, welcoming environment. For Kym, it’s more than just a walk.

“It’s not really about the exercise. It’s about connection. You show up. You have a chat. You feel like you belong,” he said.

Now Kym continues to focus on his mental and physical wellbeing – and helps others do the same.

“I co-lead a men’s group through the 12-step recovery program at the Salvation Army at Noarlunga. I share what’s helped me and remind them that everyone’s path is different, but they’re not alone,” he said.

“I used to live in fear, addiction, shame. I had to leave a lot of friendships behind because they weren’t good for me.”

“I am so happy now. I live truthfully, and I can look people in the eye, something I couldn’t do before. Life is just good now.”

This Men’s Health week, Kym shares an important message he hopes will help others.

“Find community. Find people who make you feel safe, accepted and at home – like I have at my church and at the walking group. There are places out there that will welcome you no matter where you’re at, and they’ll support you every step of the way.”

For Arabana photographer Colleen, picking up a camera began simply as a creative outlet she could balance while caring for her young sons. But very quickly, it grew into something deeper, a responsibility to her culture and community.

Colleen had spent years seeing and experiencing Aboriginal people depicted through narrow, negative frames. She wanted to offer something different.

“I was so tired of seeing my people shown without strength or pride,” said Colleen.

“I grew up being bombarded with racist comments, imagery, and all that sort of stuff. And I knew that wasn’t our culture, we are so much more than that.”

Her work now centres on preserving culture, uplifting community voices and presenting Aboriginal identity with the accuracy, dignity and resilience it deserves.

“My role is to look after culture through my lens – to show the richness of who we are,” said Colleen.

Born in Alice Springs, with strong Arabana ties through her father, Colleen grew up traditionally: railway houses, weekends out bush, and early lessons in land, care and connection. These foundations of observation, patience, respect now shape her artistic style.

After moving to Adelaide in 1988, her path wound through study and parenthood before she bought her first second‑hand camera and taught herself from scratch. Persistence kept her going through frustration.

“One day it just clicked – it felt like my ancestors were looking after me,” said Colleen.

Her first campaign with Nunkuwarrin Yunti opened the door to a now‑thriving business. Today her work is exhibited across Adelaide, including a series at the Adelaide Town Hall Art Pod, celebrating culture as living, strong and continuous.

Her photography is also a form of advocacy and is a legacy she credits to the activists she grew up around, and one her sons are now embracing.

That same spirit shapes her view of reconciliation. For Colleen, it is meaningful only when it is lived.

“Reconciliation is all of us sitting at the same table, and I know there is room for all of us there to share knowledge, respect and space.”

In every image Colleen offers truthful, proud representation. Images that honour her people, celebrate resilience, and keep culture visible for future generations.

You can see Colleen’s work on her Instagram page: @nharla_photography

(L-R) Lindsay Cowper (Fleurieu Community Foundation), Tammy Elvin (Junction), Kate Simpson (Fleurieu Community Foundation), Maria Palumbo (Junction), Leanne Keach (Elders), Carol Caston (Fleurieu Community Foundation), Natalie Stevenson (Community Bank Fleurieu) and Mark Irwin (Rotary Club of Victor Harbor).

A ground-breaking program delivering safe, stable and affordable housing on the Fleurieu Peninsula will expand following a $160,000 funding boost from a consortium of business and community partners.

The investment will support the lease of at least three additional homes and a dedicated case worker as part of the Fleurieu Accommodation Project – an initiative led by Junction and supported by the Fleurieu Community Foundation, Rotary Club of Victor Harbor, Community Bank Fleurieu, Zonta Club of the Fleurieu Peninsula and Elders Real Estate.

The project addresses homelessness through a head lease model, securing private rental properties which are then sub-let by Junction to people experiencing, or at risk of, rough sleeping.

To date, the Fleurieu Accommodation Project has supported 32 people across three properties – a dedicated share house for women over 55, another for young people at risk of homelessness and crisis accommodation.

Leading the latest commitment, Rotary Club of Victor Harbor has joined the collaboration with an investment of $85,000 over five years. Meantime, Fleurieu Community Foundation will provide an additional $65,000, including funding for a part-time case worker to provide tailored, on-the-ground support.

Zonta Club of the Fleurieu Peninsula will contribute an additional $10,000 over two years while Elders Real Estate continues in-kind assistance by way of discounted property management.

The expansion builds on an initial $70,000 consortium investment, comprising a $30,000 grant from Community Bank Fleurieu, $20,000 from the Fleurieu Community Foundation and $20,000 from Zonta Club of the Fleurieu Peninsula.

“This is a targeted, innovative local solution in the midst of a dire and broader systemic challenge,” Maria Palumbo, Junction’s CEO, said.

“SA has among the lowest rental vacancy rates in the country especially in regional areas, placing continued pressure and compounding challenges for those struggling to access and maintain housing.”

“The addition of a dedicated case worker is so valuable to building connections with people to help them overcome barriers so they can genuinely improve their circumstances not just for a few weeks, but in the long term.”

It’s a short line on an envelope. A few words on a form. But a simple mailing address can mean so much more.

Just ask Taylah. It’s been almost a year since the single mum moved into her home in Adelaide’s inner north through Youth Horizons – a program delivered by Junction providing stable housing and support for 16 to 25-year-olds.

“When you’re moving around and don’t have an address, everything becomes more complicated,” Taylah said. “You need it for forms, deliveries, for everyday life. Something as simple as getting my mail from the letterbox is a relief.”

Junction supports more than 80 young people through Youth Horizons, from Moana to Gawler. The initiative requires participants to be engaged in study, employment or volunteering as part of their housing contract.

Now undertaking a Diploma in Community Services after completing a Certificate III, Taylah is balancing study with raising her three-year-old daughter.

“I want her to have stability more than anything. Not knowing if you can provide that is really, really hard.”

Taylah fell pregnant at 15 and gave birth at 16, leaving home at 17. She spent six months at Louise Place – a young family support accommodation program – before moving into temporary housing, and was connected to Junction just days before that arrangement ended.

“I didn’t know how I was going to establish myself,” she said. “There was no way I could afford private rental.

“I couldn’t really make a proper room for her before. Now she has her own room and a play area, decorated with Peppa Pig. We go to the park.

“We come home, I have a shower, we put our pyjamas on, sit down, watch a movie and read stories.

“I feel so lucky to have a house for her. She’s so little, and she deserves this.”

Now settled and focused on her future, Taylah said stable housing has given her the chance to plan ahead, for the first time in a long while.

“Over the next five years, I want to finish my studies and move into full-time work and eventually, even buy a house,” she said. “I can actually see that now.”

Youth Homelessness Matters Day (YHMD) is a national day that raises awareness about child and youth homelessness.

Did you know 40% of Australia’s homeless population is under 25 years of age? Last year alone, nearly 43,000 children and young people presented on their own to specialist homelessness services. 1 in 10 were under 14 years old.

Click here to learn more: Youth Homelessness Matters Day.

Our new Tonsley office due to be completed in April 2026.

We’re on the move!

Over the next two months, our Parkside and Marion offices will be permanently closing and relocating to our new Tonsley head office at 79 MAB Circuit, Tonsley.

Important closure dates:
– Parkside office: closed from 7 April 2026
– Marion office: closed from 11 May 2026

Our Hackham and Kangaroo Island community centres, as well as our Goolwa office, will continue operating as usual. However, please note that all sites will be closed over the Easter long weekend.

You can still reach us via our usual phone numbers and social channels throughout this transition.

For general enquiries: 8275 8700

For tenants requiring maintenance: 8210 7010

Our new Tonsley office will be open to the public from 25 May 2026.

Thanks for your patience during this time, and we look forward to seeing you at our new head office soon.

We’re proud to present Junction’s 2024-25 Impact Report.

Reflecting on the past 12 months, and recent years, it’s clear – Junction continues to grow. More than that, we have grown up.

We have a deep understanding of our purpose and are evolving to meet the needs of communities now and into the future.

Our capability is stronger than ever, underpinned by confident leadership, a constructive culture, and intentional, innovative solutions. Impact, and the data we use to measure it, is embedded in our work. We listen intentionally to lived experience to inform and strengthen our thinking.

Above all, we acknowledge there is still much more to do – and do better. Our goal is not just to respond to Government policy and direction, but to set our own agenda. That requires further innovation, evidence and courage.

Our work is challenging and unpredictable. Missteps will happen. How we respond is what matters most.

This report reflects our growing impact and our increasing ability to demonstrate it.

Artist’s Impression of Thrive Salisbury

Junction will build a landmark $53.6 million housing and services hub in Adelaide’s north.

Thrive Salisbury will see the creation of 69 new social homes for South Australians within a six-storey building – to be constructed as part of the much anticipated $200 million Salisbury city centre development.

Junction CEO Maria Palumbo said Junction was ideally positioned to expand its footprint and help more South Australians into housing.

“We are extremely excited about this project which will increase our reach across the metropolitan area,” Ms Palumbo said. “This is the first time we will be developing new housing in the north.

“It’s a significant step for us and one which is instrumental to our growth and impact.”

Thrive Salisbury will be funded by Housing Australia via the second round of the Housing Australia Future Fund Facility (HAFFF), designed to increase the supply of social and affordable housing across the country.

The project will feature 37 one-bedroom and 32 two-bedroom apartments, all which will be retained for social housing. The development, designed by Brown Falconer, will also include a ground floor services hub and community space.

“Having the opportunity to help bring the City of Salisbury’s vision to life is a huge privilege,” Ms Palumbo said. “Thrive Salisbury is modelled on what we are achieving in our development within the Tonsley innovation precinct.”

“We are looking really forward to working with Council along with local people and business to activate what is going to be a vibrant precinct with some of the best amenities in the northern region.”

City of Salisbury Mayor Gillian Aldridge OAM said: “We’re excited to welcome Junction Housing into the City Centre, bringing more housing opportunities for our community.

“We look forward to works commencing, signalling the start of the major redevelopment of our City Centre.”

Construction on Thrive Salisbury is expected to start mid-next year and completed in late 2028.

Housing Australia CEO Scott Langford said: “Through the HAFFF and our partnership with Junction, we’re supporting the delivery of more social housing where it’s needed most.

“This is about creating opportunities for individuals and families to access safe, secure housing and build stronger futures.

“These projects demonstrate how collaboration can transform communities and improve housing outcomes for South Australians.”

The Salisbury City Centre revitalisation project is being delivered by the City of Salisbury in conjunction with Buildtec Group and Catcorp. Buildtec Group and Catcorp will also partner within Junction on Thrive Salisbury.

Community Garden caretakers (from left) David, Sandra and Dean.

A dusty dirt strip in an inner-south suburban street has blossomed – along with the neighbourhood around it.

The Melrose Park Community Garden, supported by housing and community services provider Junction and Mitcham Council, has become a gathering place where seeds are planted and wellbeing and friendships thrive.

Led by local residents, the garden, umbrellaed by an old fig tree in Regent Street, is part of a growing national movement. Community Gardens Australia counts more than 700 similar spaces across the country.

“When I first came here, this precinct was new and there wasn’t much happening,” resident David recalled. “Junction put in the first herb garden for us. I started planting and people were slowly drawn to it. Before long, neighbours were adding their own seeds and bulbs.”

Now, basil brightens bruschetta, mint flavours desserts and roasts, and parsley garnishes plates following a quick dash from doorsteps.

“I’ve seen a dad run over in his pyjamas because he needs herbs for dinner,” David said.

While some locals boast greener thumbs than others, David says the garden’s magic goes well beyond produce. “It gets you away from screens, out of the house,” he said.

“Sometimes I’ll be out there and suddenly there are three or four of us, people from all walks of life pitch in. Language isn’t a barrier in a garden.”

It’s also been a quiet refuge. After one of his close friends and fellow gardeners in the apartment complex moved into aged care and another passed away, tending the beds helped David work through grief.

“Going back out there really helped me process the sadness,” he said.

It seems fitting October marks both Mental Health Week (starting Monday, October 12) and National Gardening Week (third week of the month). Indeed, research from mental health foundation Headspace shows gardening lowers stress, boosts mood and strengthens social connection, with 93 per cent of Australians saying time outdoors improves their mental health.

Junction Head of Impact Dr Alisa Willis said the Melrose Park garden is one of six supported by Junction across South Australia, including several on Kangaroo Island developed after the 2019 bushfires.

“Spaces where people feel welcome and safe are at the heart of every strong community,” Dr Willis said.

“Community gardens cultivate more than food and flowers. They are places people take real pride in and provide a sanctuary to share, care and connect.”

Imogen pictured with (from left) Sarah Kay; her mum Kimberley and the Hon Nat Cook MP

A group of enthusiastic young changemakers from Kangaroo Island are making a real impact in their community through a new volunteering initiative supported by Junction.

The Student Volunteer Army (SVA) Service Award – a pilot program by Volunteering SA&NT and led locally by Junction – is inspiring students to get involved in meaningful community work. The program helps young people build skills, gain experience, and connect with local organisations through hands-on projects.

So far, around 35 students from Kangaroo Island Community Education (KICE) have signed up, using a purpose-built app that tracks their volunteer hours, celebrates achievements, and provides a formal record of their contributions.

Modelled on New Zealand’s successful Student Volunteer Army (established after the 2011 Christchurch earthquake), the initiative is helping to address volunteer fatigue on the Island, especially following the bushfires.

Sarah Kay, Junction’s Future Ready Volunteer Coordinator and program manager, said the SVA Service Award is a “win-win” for both students and the community.

“We have incredible volunteers on the Island, but many are ageing and tired,” said Sarah.

With funding from the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal and support from Kangaroo Island Our Town, Junction launched the program in April. Since then, students have contributed to projects like refurbishing a school chicken coop, supporting disability awareness initiatives, and helping out at Junction’s KI Community Centre in Kingscote.

The app not only tracks hours – it also highlights skills gained, such as teamwork, leadership, and cash handling, giving students a valuable credential for future study, scholarships, or job applications.

Imogen Windsor, 14, volunteers at weekend netball canteens and in the Sunflower hidden disability program. She said the initiative has opened her eyes to the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the community running.

“The platform helps me track my hours and motivates me to keep volunteering,” she said.

Sarah added that the pilot has brought a “massive feel-good factor” to the Island.

“It’s not just about getting young people involved – it’s about helping organisations work meaningfully with them.”

Since launching in South Australia in 2023, the SVA Service Award has reached 14 schools, with 1,712 students logging 24,952 volunteer hours as of 30 June 2025.

Top volunteers were recognised at the SVA Service Awards on 6 August, during National Student Volunteer Week (4–10 August). Imogen (pictured above) was among those celebrated.

The program is supported by the South Australian Department for Human Services and the Department for Education.

(L-R) Trevor Cooke (CEO, C&G), Maria Palumbo (CEO, Junction), Jaimie McClurg (Executive Chairman, C&G) and Tony Cole (Head of Property and Finance, Junction).

A milestone was celebrated yesterday as construction officially commenced on Tide, Junction’s $37 million affordable housing development at West Lakes – delivered in partnership with Commercial & General and Tandem Building.

The event began with a powerful smoking ceremony led by Cliffy and Luke Wilson of Kuma Kaaru Cultural Services. The ceremony honoured the cultural significance of the land and offered a warm welcome to the future residents who will call Tide home.

Among those in attendance were Commercial & General Group Executive Chairman Jamie McClurg, CEO Trevor Cooke, and representatives from Junction, Tandem, and other project partners.

Tide will deliver 60 affordable apartments – including 15 social housing units – across six storeys, with an activated retail space on the ground floor. It is part of C&G’s broader West precinct.

The project is one of three Junction developments to receive support through Round 1 of the Federal Government’s Housing Australia Future Fund Facility (HAFFF), alongside Thrive Tonsley Stage 1 and St Clair.

Construction is expected to be completed in late 2026.

Artist’s impression of Tide.