About Us
NATIONAL ABORIGINAL AND
TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER
HOUSING ASSOCIATION

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
A National voice

STRATEGIC PLAN
OUR BOARD
NATSIHA 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
REDFERN
STATEMENT
ADELAIDE
WORKSHOP
VOLUNTARY
EFFORTS
NATSIHA
ESTABLISHED
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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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

Casey Da Silva
Director Policy and Programs
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.

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.

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.

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 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

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.

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.
