Kurraka Counselling

Our Aboriginal counsellor provides a safe, private and comfortable space where you are offered specialised support for your individual needs as a First Nation student.

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Kurraka is the Kaurna word for magpie, who are known 'chatterboxes'. Kurraka counselling provides a safe space for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and respectfully acknowledges the Kaurna people, the original custodians of the Adelaide Plains and the land on which the University of Adelaide's campuses at North Terrace, Waite and Roseworthy are built.

To hear the pronunciation play the audio below.

We acknowledge the support of Kaurna Elder Uncle Rodney O'Brien in assisting with name selection and audio sample for this support program. The final name was approved by a sample of First Nation students. 

Get support

First Nation students can email kurraka@adelaide.edu.au to ask any questions or arrange support. Our Aboriginal Counsellor will get back to you during business hours to arrange an appointment time and respond to your queries. 

What you need to know

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This is a free and confidential service available to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. We have an Aboriginal counsellor available to have a yarn with you and provide support with any issues impacting on your study or personal life. Our service often supports students in the following areas:

  • Anxiety/depression and other mental health conditions
  • Family and relationship issues
  • Stress and sleep problems
  • Study management and adjustment
  • Financial hardship and ABSTUDY issues
  • Academic progression issues
  • Grief and loss
  • Intergenerational and complex trauma
  • Homelessness and housing support
  • Cultural safety, identity and belonging
  • Family and community obligations
  • Substance misuse and gambling addiction
  • Addressing cultural insensitivities

  • Confidentiality

    Our counsellors will not discuss your personal information or attendance details with anyone outside of the service unless you have provided us with permission to do so. You are welcome to refer to our confidentiality and privacy statement for further details.

  • Appointment reminders

    If you book an appointment for the future you can ask to receive an SMS appointment reminder. The counsellor or our administrative staff will set this up for you.

  • Is it urgent?

    Our First Nations counsellor is available Tuesday to Friday between the hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm for urgent issues or drop in support. Outside of these hours, students are encouraged to either contact our Counselling Support office or contact the following services for support.