About Us

NATIONAL ABORIGINAL AND
TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER
HOUSING ASSOCIATION

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Our Vision

All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have housing that aligns to our diverse cultures and aspirations for the benefit of all Australians.

Our Purpose

Provide national leadership on First Nations Housing that empowers community-controlled solutions and self-determination.

A National voice

Our mission is to address the housing disparity faced by First Nations Australians by recognising the importance of self-determination and community control. We firmly believe that empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in their housing decisions not only ensures their basic human rights but also fosters cultural preservation, social cohesion, and economic development.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Meet the team

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

2017

2019

2020-21

2022

2023

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REDFERN
STATEMENT

First Nations leaders met in Redfern and drafted the Redfern Statement, which called for the establisment of a national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander housing representative body.

ADELAIDE
WORKSHOP

The National Congress for Australia's First People conducted a National Housing Workshop to discuss the creation of National Indigenous housing peak body for advocacy and advice.

VOLUNTARY
EFFORTS

Following the closure of the National Congress, First Nations leaders persisted in their voluntary efforts to establish a national Indigenous housing peak body.

NATSIHA
ESTABLISHED

NATSIHA was officially established and registered with ASIC to address housing issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. NATSIHA was registered on the ACNC Charity Register in September 2021.

CANBERRA
LAUNCH

NATSIHA received a grant from the NIAA to strengthen its capacity and mission. September 2022, the official launch of NATSIHA in Canberra.

ACCELERATION

May - NATSIHA office opening event.
June - NATSIHA becomes co-chair of the Housing Policy Partnership.
Dec - Launch of First Strategy.

NATSIHA BOARD

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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.

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Deb Buckskin

Deb is proud Kaurna, Narungga, Wirangu woman Currently working in strategic and operational governance of Culturally Responsive service delivery. 

Deb sits on the Board of Kura Yerlo and Co-Convenor of the SAACCON is a Lung Foundation Australia advocate.

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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.

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Skye thompson

Skye is a proud Arrernte/Kaytetye woman from her mother’s side and has non-indigenous heritage from her father’s side from Alice Springs. 

Skye is CEO of Aboriginal Housing Northern Territory and has held various roles with Ingkerreke Service Aboriginal Corporation.

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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.

NATSIHA TEAM

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Rob Macfarlane

Chief Executive Officer

Rob Macfarlane is a proud Wiradjuri man raised in Western Sydney, with deep connections to Darlington Point, NSW.

With over 20 years of experience as an Executive Leader, Rob has specialised in various areas such as Aboriginal Housing, Aboriginal Employment and Training, and Aboriginal Cultural Heritage and Cultural Land Management.

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Zachariah Matysek

Chief Operating 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
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Chris Gray

Director Policy and Programs

Chris’s experience spans government and industry managing numerous projects demanding strong analytical skills and creative problem-solving. Chris’s has over 10 years experience in demonstrating enhancing business analytics and change management capabilities.
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Benjamine 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.
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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.
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Casey De Silva

Assistant Director, Policy and Research

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.
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Tanaya Edwards

Executive Officer

Tanaya is a proud Ngarigo and Yuin Woman, Tanaya’s diverse skillset has been developed through a breadth of experience including Business Support Officer at the AHO and an Administrative Support Officer at the NSW Police Force.
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Phillip Jose

Project Officer

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.
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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 PARTNERS

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.