ABOUT US
Our Vision
Our Purpose
Provide national leadership on First Nations Housing that empowers community-controlled solutions and self-determination.
A National voice
STRATEGIC PLAN
NATSIHA’s strategy, rooted in UNDRIP principles recognising that housing is a basic human right, focuses on “Closing the Gap” priorities in First Nations housing. Our approach champions self-determination, drawing inspiration from First Nations-led initiatives shaping homes and communities.
OUR BOARD
NATSIHA functions as a federated model that incorporates state and territory representation. This inclusive structure ensures that local voices and perspectives are integral in decision-making processes.
NATSIHA TEAM
NATSIHA is an Aboriginal organisation driven by a dedicated team committed to advancing housing solutions for First Nations communities. Comprised of passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds.
We are new, but our journey is long
“NATSIHA BEGAN AS A MOVEMENT DRIVEN BY DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS. THESE BEGINNINGS UNDERSCORE THE IMPACT OF UNITY AND SMALL-SCALE EFFORTS IN FOSTERING LASTING PROGRESS.”
Uncle Ivan Simon
2016
REDFERN STATEMENT
REDFERN STATEMENT
In Redfern, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders came together with a shared vision: to place housing in Aboriginal hands. The Redfern Statement was born - a powerful call for a national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander housing body that would advocate for community-led solutions and restore control to communities.
2017
ADELAIDE WORKSHOP
ADELAIDE WORKSHOP
The National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples convened a National Housing Workshop in Adelaide, bringing together voices from across the country to shape a future national housing peak. It was a moment of unity, ambition, and growing resolve.
2019
VOLUNTARY EFFORTS
VOLUNTARY EFFORTS
Even after the closure of the National Congress, First Nations leaders did not stop. With no formal funding, they continued voluntarily—fuelled by commitment to community and the deep understanding that safe, culturally strong housing must be led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
2020-2021
NATSIHA ESTABLISHED
NATSIHA ESTABLISHED
After years of vision and groundwork, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Association (NATSIHA) was formally established. Registered with ASIC and the ACNC, NATSIHA emerged as the national voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander housing—built by and for community.
2022
CANBERRA LAUNCH
CANBERRA LAUNCH
Backed by a grant from the National Indigenous Australians Agency, NATSIHA launched nationally in September 2022. It marked recognition, visibility, and the first steps toward systemic change.
2023
ACCELERATION AND ACTION
ACCELERATION AND ACTION
With foundational structures in place, 2023 was a year of growth. NATSIHA deepened partnerships, amplified advocacy, and laid the groundwork for national housing standards, data sovereignty, and workforce development. The pace quickened—but the purpose remained steady.
2024
STRENGTHENING THE FOUNDATION
STRENGTHENING THE FOUNDATION
This year, NATSIHA was focused on ensuring the structures we’ve built are ready to scale. National partnerships are maturing. The sector is organising. Community voices are leading. We are turning momentum into long-term impact.
2025
STRENGTH AND GROWTH
STRENGTH AND GROWTH
With a growing national voice, emerging jurisdictional peaks, and stronger sector capability, 2025 focuses on embedding community control into housing systems. Genuine partnerships with government, strategic industry partners with community at the centre of our work, creating the conditions for long-term investment, locally led solutions, and housing outcomes that reflect the strength and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
NATSIHA BOARD
Tom Slockee
Tom was born on Bundjalung Country before moving back to Minjungbal. Tom was one of the founding members and the inaugural Chairperson of the NSW Aboriginal Housing Office, he then went on to establish and Chair SEARMS, and is a former Board Director of ACHIA.
Darrien Bromley
Darrien has strong family connections to the Adnyamathanha and Narungga nations on his mother’s side and the Wangkanguru/ Yarluyandi on his father’s side. Darrien brings over a decade of experience in Aboriginal community health across SA, with a strong focus on health service management, infrastructure, vocational education and training, and workforce development. He is currently the CEO of InComPro Aboriginal Association Inc., Darrien's work reflects a long-standing commitment to strengthening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled services.
Mary Doctor
Mary has connections to the Cobble Cobble, Kuku Yalanji, Qualdamooka and Jinibara people of the Burnett Region, Far North Queensland and South East Queensland. Mary is the general Manager of Umpi Korumba and also sits on the board of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Housing QLD.
Tina Ugle
Tina is a proud noongar Yorga Women from Ballardong & Yued with Wadjuk connections. Tina is the Managing Director of Noongar Mia Mia and sits on the Housing First Homelessness Advisory Group.
Charlie Trindall
Charlie is a Gamillaroi from Western NSW. He's an experienced senior executive with over a decade of expertise in the Aboriginal community-controlled sector, specialising in Aboriginal Land Rights, Culture and Heritage, and Aboriginal Housing and Property Management services. Charlie is the Operations Manager at MLAHMC Ltd and Chairperson of Aboriginal Community Housing Industry Association (ACHIA)
Darren Smith
Darren is a proud Palawa Trowerna man from Tasmania and currently serves as the CEO of Aboriginal Housing Victoria. With a strong academic foundation, Darren holds an Executive Master of Public Administration, a Bachelor of Laws, and a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil). His leadership and expertise in public administration, law, and engineering drive his commitment to improving housing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Leanne Caton
Leeanne Caton is a Kalkadoon/Waanyi Woman who was born in Queensland and raised and educated on Larrakia Country. Leeanne has nearly 40 years experience working in the Aboriginal Affairs arena across all of the social determinant areas - many spent working between Darwin, Alice Springs and Perth in the Australian, Western Australian and Northern Territory governments. She’s been ministerially appointed to a number of national and high-level boards and has over 10 years experience in CEO roles in the Aboriginal community-controlled organisation sector. Leanne is currently the CEO of Aboriginal Housing Northern Territory (AHNT).
NATSIHA TEAM
Zachariah Matysek
Acting Chief Executive Officer
Zachariah is a proud Meriam man from the Meuram and Erub Samsep tribes of Zenadth Kes (the Torres Strait). Zachariah is a well experienced senior leader across government and non-profit sectors, and has a proven track record of delivering successful and culturally appropriate policies and services for First Nations Australians
Benjamin Thompson
Director Sector Strengthening
Ben is a proud Gudang yadaykenu and Wagadagam man from Horn Island, Ben’s 23-year journey in the Housing Industry began in carpentry and spans practical skills to program development and management.
Casey Da Silva
Director Policy, Programs and Partnerships
Casey Da Silva is a multicultural Gumbaynggirr woman and a seasoned Public Servant with over a decade of experience. Casey brings extensive expertise in international policy, strategic policy, intelligence, and First Nations Affairs. A loyal advocate for First Nations housing, Casey is deeply committed to effecting substantial cultural and policy reforms.
Emma Shumack
Director Communications and Engagement
Emma has 15 years experience in collaboration design specialising in effective communication. Emma’s experience spans grassroots initiatives to higher leadership level across community government and industry.
Caroline Davidson
Executive Officer
TBC Bio
Dr Suzanne O'Neill
Director Policy and Research
TBC Bio
Tanaya Edwards
Senior Project Officer, Policy Partnership
Tanaya is a proud Ngarigo and Yuin Woman. Tanaya’s diverse skillset has been developed through a breadth of experience, including a Business Support Officer at the AHO and an Administrative Support Officer at the NSW Police Force. Tanaya is the Chair of the NATSIHA Youth Round Table
Georgia Quinn
Senior Communications Officer
With a decade in documentary production and campaigning, Georgia joins NATSIHA with experience in bringing information to distinct audiences in creative and clear ways.
Phillip Jose
Senior Project Officer, Sector Strengthening
Phillip has worked as a senior housing officer in Cairns, ensuring quality housing services in Queensland. He co-founded BLK Strength to empower Indigenous youth and has received several awards for his community service, including the 2022 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year. Selected for the Queensland Indigenous Youth Leadership Program 2023.
Leroy Wilson
Project Manager
TBC Bio
Cavel Cora
Project Officer
Cavel is a Project Officer with NATSIHA, proudly of Aboriginal and South Sea Islander descent. With a background as an Engagement Officer and Ranger Mentor at APN Cape York, he is deeply committed to integrity, social justice, and understanding diverse perspectives. Cavel believes in the power of listening to different cultures to broaden one’s worldview - as his Elders remind him “it costs you nothing to listen.”
Rashana Barlow
Administration Officer
TBC Bio
Henri Collyer
Administrative Officer
Henri is studying at the University of Sydney Majoring in Politics and Political Economy to start his pathway into the sphere of policy making. He is an active member of a variety of political clubs on campus helping to organise young people into political engagement.
OUR STRATEGIC COLLABORATORS
Our goal is to collaborate with organisations that share our dedication in lifting up First Nations housing. We seek strategic partners committed to innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability. We aim to leverage diverse expertise and resources to create enduring housing solutions that empower and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage.
Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander State Housing Representatives
