Last week, we were in Canberra with the Aboriginal Housing Victoria (AHV), Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative and Mallee District Aboriginal Services.
The stories presented by Rumbalara and Mallee District Aboriginal Services to the Parliamentary Friends of Housing underscored the remarkable strength and sophistication of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Organisations. Their insights shed light on the urgent need for politicians to not only listen and learn but also to take meaningful action to address the national Aboriginal housing and homelessness crisis.
“If the Government can work with and listen to Aboriginal organisations at a national level to develop a plan, we will see tangible change in a generation.” – Darren Smith, AHV CEO.
“Aboriginal community-controlled organisations have shown unwavering determination, always working with a steadfast focus on their goals. It’s evident that power and decision-making needs to be shifted into the hands of those who understand what works best for their people.” Rob Macfarlane, CEO NATSIHA