We are honoured to share our recent experience of spending an afternoon with the Aboriginal Housing Company (AHC). As we reflect on this visit, we are deeply moved by the remarkable journey and achievements of the AHC over the past five decades.
From its modest beginnings in 1973, the AHC has emerged as a shining example of Aboriginal housing and community development. We stand in awe of the resilience and triumphs that have shaped this organisation into a beacon of innovation, sustainability, and cultural respect.
What started as a grassroots effort to secure accessible housing for our people in Inner Sydney has blossomed into a respected institution, leading the charge in addressing housing challenges and fostering vibrant, self-sustaining communities.
The recent milestones achieved by the AHC, such as becoming debt-free in December 2020, delivering 62 new homes, and providing 596 beds for student accommodation in 2021, underscore its unwavering commitment to our communities. The forthcoming launch of the final phase of the Pemulwuy Business Hub in 2023 is a testament to the AHC’s vision for the future and its role in creating opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia.
Established in 1973, the AHC has set the standard for housing organisations, demonstrating the transformative power of self-governance and community-driven solutions. Today, as an independent not-for-profit charity, it continues to forge ahead, bridging equity gaps and paving the way for a brighter future.
We thank Michael Mundine Snr, Alisi Tutuila, and Lani Tuitavake for taking the time to share their journey with us. It was profoundly enlightening. Their stories reaffirm the boundless potential of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led initiatives.
