‘Minda’, an Aboriginal word meaning place of shelter and protection, was established in 1898 and was the first facility in the State providing residential care and education exclusively for people with intellectual disability.

Established initially at Fullarton, Minda Home (as it was known) began with approximately 30 residents and staff. Upon opening, the object of Minda Home was “the maintenance, care, education and special training” of those with intellectual disability, and for seventy years, Minda would be the only residential facility in South Australia providing exclusively for people who were intellectually disabled.

Needing greater space to accommodate an increasing number of individuals, the property of William Hodgkiss, at Brighton, was purchased in 1909 and still remains the site of Minda’s Brighton campus.

With time, many of the pupils admitted when the home was initially opened had grown into adults. As such, the constitution was altered to permit these individuals to remain, with the new objective to “provide a home for the care, education and training” of those with intellectual disability”.

Additional land adjoining the existing property at Brighton was purchased and planted with fruit trees and vines. Financed by a bank overdraft, ‘Craigburn’ – Minda’s farm at Blackwood – consisting of approximately 1,400 acres, was purchased in 1923. By 1932, Craigburn was supplying Minda’s full requirements of mutton and firewood, as well as much of the fruit needed for jam.

Officially changing its name to “Minda Incorporated” in 1976, the organisation maintained the strong emphasis on residential accommodation that was apparent from its earlier years but also expanded its scope. Employment and other services were established, both in the community and on campus, which recognised the needs and aspirations of individuals to participate in work and other options.

Today, Minda remains at the forefront of South Australia’s disability sector, offering services and support to over 1,500 South Australians with an intellectual disability. Minda accommodates over 250 adults on Brighton campus, with another 250 individuals in community based living. The remaining number of individuals are supported through other services, including respite care, day options programs, aged care, employment opportunities and sport, leisure and arts activities.

Hayward