Media Statement

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30 June 2026

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Abbeyfield Marion House 

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Abbeyfield Australia has operated Marion House for more than 30 years, providing a unique model of an independent residential community. During that time, Abbeyfield has invested significant financial and organisational resources into the property, contributed to its development, maintained the facilities, and worked to create a safe, stable and supportive home that promotes independence, dignity and community.

 

Today marks the expiry of Abbeyfield Australia's lease of Marion House and the 40 year old relationship with the Marion/Edwardstown community. As the outgoing lessee, Abbeyfield has sought to undertake the normal end-of-lease process, including identifying and recovering assets owned by the charity and completing its obligations under the lease. To date, Abbeyfield has not been able to obtain access to the property to complete that process.

 

As a registered charity, Abbeyfield Australia has legal and fiduciary responsibilities to safeguard assets that have been acquired through donations, fundraising and community investment over many years. Equally, we have always recognised our responsibility to ensure that residents experience as little disruption as possible during any transition.

 

At no stage has Abbeyfield sought to act contrary to the interests of residents. Every decision made by the organisation has been guided by two equally important responsibilities: protecting the wellbeing of residents and responsibly managing the charitable assets entrusted to Abbeyfield by donors and the community.

 

We recognise that the uncertainty surrounding Marion House has been difficult for residents and their families. We share those concerns. Our Board's overriding priority has always been, and remains, the welfare, dignity and long-term housing security of the residents.

 

Abbeyfield remains committed to working constructively with the South Australian Government, the City of Marion and all relevant stakeholders to achieve an orderly conclusion to the lease and a transition that protects residents while respecting the legal rights and responsibilities of all parties. We continue to remain open to further mediation on points of conflict and further discussion with the Department of Human Services.

 

Since being appointed to the Human Services portfolio, we have not heard from the Minister, and we have not received any response from the Minister’s department since December 2025. We remain open to discussions with all parties.

It is in everyone's interests that affordable housing options, such as Abbeyfield Marion House, remain in community hands so that they can continue to support people to live independently in a safe, stable and respectful environment.

 

For more than four decades, Abbeyfield has quietly provided housing, maintenance, governance and pastoral support to generations of residents, and we are proud of that legacy.

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