SPOKEN PROJECT

RECLAIMING OUR DATA, STRENGTHENING OUR SECTOR

NATSIHA is committed to making sure our sector’s data tells the real story—one that reflects the work of our sector and the needs of our communities. The SPOKEN project is about putting that data back into our hands, making sure it’s accurate, relevant, and community-owned.

Why Spoken, Why Now

The name SPOKEN comes from the way our people have passed down knowledge for over 65,000 years—through language, storytelling, and lived experience. Whether it’s how to hunt, navigate Country, or sustain our communities, this knowledge isn’t written down—it’s taught, shared, and remembered through speaking and listening.

Our housing data should be no different. For too long, external systems have defined our sector without reflecting the real experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Housing Organisations. The data that shapes policy, funding, and investment decisions needs to come from us.

As the national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander housing, NATSIHA is leading this work because it’s our responsibility to make sure the sector has the tools and evidence needed to advocate for our communities. SPOKEN is about putting that data back in our hands, making sure it is accurate, relevant, and community-owned.

This is not just about collecting numbers—it’s about ensuring that the story of our housing sector is told by us, for us.

About the Dashboard The dashboard will bring this information together in a way that’s easy to use, helping organisations see their position within the sector and identify trends to support their work.

Participating ATSICCHOs will have exclusive access and play a key role in shaping how it develops—what data is included, how it’s displayed, and how it can best support the sector.

Why This Matters

This is our opportunity to build a data system that works for us. The more organisations that contribute, the stronger our collective evidence base will be. This data will help demonstrate the role and impact of ATSICCHOs at state and national levels, reinforcing the need for ongoing investment in community controlled housing.

If your organisation hasn’t yet contributed, now is the time to get involved. The collection phase runs until May, and the dashboard will be developed based on the insights gathered. This is about ensuring ATSICCHOs have the tools and data needed to drive change—on our terms.

For those already involved, your participation is invaluable. Your input will directly shape the dashboard and set the direction for the next phase of SPOKEN. Let’s make sure our sector’s story is told accurately, powerfully, and by us.