To apply for accommodation through the Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO):
1. Check eligibility
To be eligible for Aboriginal housing, clients must:
Services Our Way (SOW) provides culturally appropriate service coordination and support for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and families experiencing vulnerability. SOW enables clients to improve their wellbeing and capacity to navigate support services by connecting them to a network of relevant government and non-government programs, specialist services and community resources.
SOW help clients navigate areas like:
AHO encourages all our tenants across NSW to take measures to stay well during COVID-19. NSW Health provides guidelines and advice at NSW Health COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Our priority is to ensure our people, families and communities are safe and healthy and as a result staff have commenced flexible work arrangements.
Whilst AHO is working differently we are still committed to service delivery and will continue to assist with urgent housing enquiries.
The release of Aboriginal Housing Office documents is managed in accordance with the GIPA Act and under the guidelines set out in our Right to Information policy.
Certain information is legally required to be made openly available – for instance, on the AHO website – without the need for a request. This is defined under the law as 'Open Access Information'.
The Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009, known as GIPA, grants a legal right of access to information held by the NSW Government and its agencies.
Understand the policies and processes (including GIPA, open access, and right to information) that relate to what information you can request from the AHO.
There are many potential sources of funding and support for Aboriginal individuals and organisations. If you're seeking funding, use the links on this page to start exploring your options.
AHO grants, subsidies and funding
We offer a range of grants for individuals and Aboriginal Community Housing Providers or service providers.
Find out more about:
What is the purpose of the Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO) Administrative Appeals policy?
The Administrative Appeals policy explains the process by which a housing provider can appeal an administrative decision made by the AHO and how the AHO will deal with the appeal.
What is an administrative decision?
An administrative decision is a decision the AHO makes in relation to regulation of housing providers and as a funding agency. This includes decisions on registration, resource allocation and funding.
Key information
Sector Capability Grants are designed to support Aboriginal Community Housing Providers (ACHPs) business growth and self-sustainability, including achieving or maintaining NRSCH and NSWLS registration compliance. These grants provide an opportunity for the Aboriginal housing sector to increase their capacity and capability.
Funding available upon successful applications.
Status: open (until 2 May 2025)
Grant amount: up to $100,000
Eligibility
This grant is open to:
Property Management Transfers
The Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO) will be transferring the management of AHO owned properties from the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) and Community Housing Providers (CHPs) to Aboriginal Community Housing Providers (ACHPs) to increase community control and the sustainability of ACHPs.
This is a major initiative under Strong Family, Strong Communities.
