Our Story

We are Barkuma and this is our story...

1964

Barkuma commenced as a locally based community service in Elizabeth as part of the Mentally Retarded Children's Society (now Orana Inc).

1967

Barkuma was Incorporated (originally as Central Districts Mentally Handicapped Children's Association) initially operating as a Special School.

1970

Establishment of a Sheltered Workshop and Day Training Centre at Smithfield with 25 supported employees.

1980

The Association's name was changed to Barkuma (an Aboriginal word meaning 'to aid'). 110 people with an intellectual disability receive support.

1986

Establishment of Project Employment (changed to Personnel Employment in 1989 and then to Barkuma Employment in 2016). Project Employment was the first open employment service to be established in South Australia.

1998

Achieved ISO 9002 quality assurance certification of all Barkuma services - the first multi-service disability organisation in South Australia to do so.

1999

Barkuma obtained Registered Training Organisation (RTO) status and establishes Disability Training Australia (DTA).

2000

Barkuma purchases the Philip Highway premises.

2002

Barkuma launches a new corporate logo and branding of services.

2006

Barkuma and Disability SA jointly fund a new project to support parents with an intellectual disability, the first of its type in South Australia.

2008

The 'Reunification' service, which saw the reuniting of five children in state care with their mother is the first time Barkuma delivers services to children.

2015

Barkuma becomes a registered provider under the NDIS.

2016

Barkuma is announced as the inaugural Telstra Business Awards South Australian Charity division winner.

2017

Barkuma celebrates its 50th Anniversary with a special event with over 300 people at Carclew House.