Partnering with Stolen Generations Organisations for improved housing outcomes
The AHO recently agreed to host a housing roundtable as part of its commitments with the Stolen Generations Advisory Committee. The Stolen Generations Advisory Committee was established to support the implementation of the NSW Government Response to ‘Unfinished Business’, Unfinished Business, a NSW Standing Committee report on an inquiry into Stolen Generations reparations. The Stolen Generations Advisory Committee reports to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and the Premier on issues impacting on Stolen Generations survivors.
Through the Advisory Committee survivor representatives from the four NSW Stolen Generations Organisations – Kinchela Boys’ Home Aboriginal Corporation, Coota Girls Aboriginal Corporation, Children of the Bomaderry Aboriginal Children’s Home Incorporated and the NSW/ACT Stolen Generations Council – work with government officials from the Departments responsible for delivering services or supports for Stolen Generations survivors.
On 27 and 28 October 2022, the AHO hosted the housing roundtable with the Stolen Generation Organisations and survivors, Land and Housing Corporation and the Department of Communities and Justice. The focus of the roundtable was for NSW Government agencies to hear the voice of Stolen Generations survivors with a view to:
- Develop a comprehensive Housing Action Plan for the next 12-24 months
- Develop a Housing Policy Framework which reflects the particular needs of Stolen Generations survivors.
Key actions coming out of the roundtable included:
- supporting greater accessibility when applying for social housing by ensuring the policies and procedures are streamlined and meet the needs of survivors and their descendants
- looking for opportunities to provide additional support to apply for community housing
- looking at the potential for housing (including transitional housing) dedicated to meeting the needs of Stolen Generation survivors and their descendants
- considering opportunities to support Stolen Generations Organisations to fully participate in co-design processes.
This was the first time since 2018 that the NSW Government held an event with Stolen Generations Organisations and survivors focusing on housing outcomes. The AHO has committed to continue working with Stolen Generations Organisations and hosting further roundtable events to ensure progress and accountability. Responding to the challenges will be an AHO priority as part of our 2023 work program.
Home Ownership: Partnership with Head Start Homes
The AHO knows that there are opportunities to support more Aboriginal people into home ownership through partnering with other organisations with similar goals.
Head Start Homes is a not-for-profit Community Service Organisation committed to achieving its vision of 'A safe and stable home for everyone with fair and practical pathways into home ownership. It supports Aboriginal people, single mums, and other families living in community housing buy their own homes without a bank deposit via our Head Start Guarantee and Empowerment Services.
While AHO has an established relationship with Head Start Homes, AHO recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with them focused on strengthened collaboration, honest and transparent communication, underpinned by a recognition of the value and dignity of all people.
