Our Team

Charlie Trindall is a proven leader within the Aboriginal Housing Sector of NSW.

As Operations Manager at MLAHMC Ltd he has been instrumental in reviewing and implementing best practice processes and guidelines that deliver culturally responsive housing and related services to Aboriginal families in regional and remote communities in the Central and Western NSW.

After working in the Aboriginal land rights and Aboriginal housing space for more than a decade, Charlie has led and influenced policy change and better outcomes for Aboriginal families through his role as Operations Manager but also through his involvement as inaugural Chairperson of the Aboriginal Community Housing Association NSW (ACHIA NSW).

Charles advocates strongly for a fairer system that allows Aboriginal people to participate meaningfully and have a stronger presence socially and economically.

James (Jim) Allen, a proud Kamilaroi man originally from Quirindi in northwestern NSW, has dedicated his life to advocating for Aboriginal communities. Growing up on various sheep stations across Western NSW, Jim was deeply influenced by his parents, who were hardworking rural workers—his Mother a Shearer’s Cook and his Father a Shearer, Wool Presser, Fencer, and Drover. In 1974, Jim married his wife Carol, and together, they have enjoyed a partnership spanning 50 years, raising two beautiful daughters and cherishing seven wonderful grandchildren. Jim’s academic pursuits led him to earn a Diploma in Education from the University of Technology Sydney (1990-93) and a Law Diploma from Tranby Aboriginal College (2007-09). His commitment to justice and education is evidenced by his nomination for the NSW 2004 Law and Justice Foundation Aboriginal Justice Award.

Significant housing and social justice contributions for Aboriginal communities mark Jim’s professional journey. As the CEO of Murra Mia Aboriginal Corporation for 30 years, he has amassed extensive knowledge of the rental housing system and social housing policy. His legal expertise is further demonstrated through his work with the NSW Consumer and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT). Jim is a long-standing Director of ACHIA and a current member of the Aboriginal Consumer and Administrative Tribunal Consultative Committee. His leadership roles have included being a board member of the Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO), Chairperson of the Budawang Aboriginal Housing Corporation, and Director of Katungul Aboriginal Medical Service. Through these roles, Jim has gained a detailed understanding of housing policy and social justice issues affecting Aboriginal people, and he continues to work tirelessly to improve housing, health, and justice for his community.

Lesly Ryan is an Aboriginal woman from Bidjigal Dharug country, specifically the Parramatta area, though she has been residing in Waangaaypuwan country for the past 55 years. Married to Tommy Ryan, she is a devoted mother to four daughters, grandmother to eleven grandchildren, and great-grandmother to eleven great-grandchildren, cherishing each moment with her large family.

Over the past forty years, Lesly has tirelessly advocated for her community, playing a pivotal role in establishing and supporting various organisations. She is one of the founding members of the Bogan Aboriginal Corporation, where she has served as a Board Member and CEO since January 1984. Lesly holds key positions in the Nyngan Local Aboriginal Land Council (Chairperson seven years/Board member) and the Nyngan Local AECG (Treasurer for 10 years). Lesly’s dedication extends to serving on the Central West Local Land Services Community Aboriginal Group, Nyngan Health Council, Nyngan Historical Society Chairperson, ACHIA Board, and the Western RAHCs Board. Additionally, Lesly is a life member of the Nyngan RSL Auxiliary and was awarded the Certificate of Merit (Gold Badge) from the Returned Service League in 2010.

Lesly’s commitment to improving living conditions for Aboriginal communities is unwavering. She advocates for appropriate housing solutions, including wider verandas, outdoor living areas, and sufficient bedrooms to reduce overcrowding. Lesly also emphasises the importance of quality housing for the aged, frail, disabled, youth, and single parents, ensuring that these often-overlooked groups receive the attention and support they need. She encourages tenants to consider homeownership to achieve stability and independence.

Self-motivated and hardworking, Lesly’s previous work experiences have equipped her with organisational skills, computer proficiency, property and housing management, cultural site awareness training, and governance.

Her relentless efforts continue to inspire positive change in her community, driven by a deep-seated passion for social justice and community empowerment.

Kevin McKenny (JP) is a highly respected professional with exemplary credentials on various boards of directors, specialising in implementing effective governance systems and protocols. Kevin is Chairman of Wandiyali Ltd, a community organisation dedicated to providing support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, focusing on areas such as out-of-home care, family preservation, and homelessness prevention. His dedication to community service is further demonstrated through his active participation as a member of the Regional Aboriginal Housing Committee, where he contributes to addressing housing issues for Aboriginal communities. Kevin’s extensive experience and commitment to governance are evident in his long-standing role as a Board Member of ACHIA NSW, where he has served for several years, helping to shape policies and strategies that benefit the Aboriginal housing sector.

Kevin’s leadership and governance expertise have been instrumental in fostering positive changes within the organisations he serves. His strategic vision and ability to implement robust governance protocols have ensured that these organisations operate efficiently and effectively, meeting their goals and objectives. As a Justice of the Peace (JP), Kevin brings an added layer of integrity and trust to his roles, exemplifying his commitment to upholding the highest standards of conduct. Through his various positions, Kevin continues to advocate for and support vulnerable populations, striving to improve their living conditions and overall quality of life. His dedication and service make him a pivotal figure in his community, driving forward initiatives that create lasting positive impacts.

Kendy Rogers has been the Director of Murdi Paaki Regional Housing Corporation since 2021. She is also the Executive Manager and Governance Support Officer at Maari Ma Aboriginal Corporation, where she has been involved for over 10 years. Born in Broken Hill, where she continues to be actively involved in the community, Kendy is a member of the Broken Hill Local Aboriginal Land Council. In addition to her extensive experience and sector networks, Kendy brings a Diploma in Business and Certificate IV in Social Housing to her role as Board member at ACHIA NSW.

Currently living on Darug & Gandangara Country

In September 2020, the ACHIA NSW Board engaged Lisa to formally establish ACHIA NSW, the peak industry body for 170 Aboriginal Community Housing Providers in NSW. Twinned with its advocacy work, ACHIA NSW has developed and implemented ‘The Coolamon Project’ offering targeted Incubator-Accelerator assistance to propel ACHPs further, faster and better to close the housing gap in collaboration with the Aboriginal communities that control and authorise them.

Lisa knows that colonisation hurts; it’s hurt her and her family. She made a decision long ago to stand up to injustice whilst retaining a firm grip on hope. She has had the privilege of developing many greenfield socio-economic, cultural and arts enterprises. Her work with government and profit-for-purpose human service organisations has delivered imaginative solutions to persistent problems, game-changing outcomes against generational horizons and better quadruple bottom lines. She aims to tell stories that convey messages that stick, and convince decision makers to take action.

Currently living on Awabakal Country

Leanne Stanley is a proud Wiradjuri woman from Wellington NSW, descended from the Stewarts, Carrs, and Stanleys on her father’s side and the Fitzgeralds and McCarneys on her mother’s. Blessed with six children and extensive family connections, Leanne grew up in a small country town, witnessing firsthand the struggles within her community. Inspired by her father’s stories from the mission (Nanima), she developed a passion for equality and a deep commitment to fighting injustice. Leanne is passionate about empowering her people to live their best lives through choice, financial freedom and home ownership.

Since joining the ACHIA Team in May 2021, Leanne has served in several roles, leveraging over 30 years of experience in administration, finance and community work, including eight years in Aboriginal community housing. Leanne has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by Aboriginal community housing providers and the communities they serve.

Currently living on Darkinjung Country

Simon joined ACHIA NSW in November 2022, bringing strong community housing sector knowledge and relationships to effectively work with ACHPs to unlock organisational capability, transform the lives of tenants, families and communities as well as help any NRSCH registered providers meet their registration conditions.

Since 2008, Simon has worked in community housing in various roles, from operational management to policy development, systems and business improvement. Simon’s journey has taken him across all Australian states and territories (working as far as remote communities in the Kimberley and Goldfields regions of Western Australia) and internationally, supporting the development of localised capacity during significant growth in Timor-Leste. Simon has witnessed the increasingly important role the Aboriginal community housing sector can play in supporting their communities to achieve housing-related goals.

Simon’s core concern is to ensure equal opportunities and access to housing for people from diverse walks of life, across communities.

Currently living on Awabakal Country

Paul is a proud Aboriginal man with strong cultural connections to Anaiwan country. He joined ACHIA NSW in February 2024, bringing over 20 years of experience working in various senior government roles, with a focus on Aboriginal health and housing. During COVID, Paul managed an Aboriginal health outreach team in Central Western NSW, achieving substantial buy-in and trust from communities across a range of Countries.

As a community- and family-oriented person, Paul has also been an integral part of the NSW Aboriginal knockout in coaching and a support role.

Paul has extensive networks with many Aboriginal communities across NSW and is deeply committed to seeing ACCOs deliver to their communities while developing, building and consolidating their commercial businesses that build long term equality, opportunities, economic participation and wealth.

Currently living on Dharawal Country

Trista joined ACHIA NSW in early 2024 and brings 14+ years of experience in the not-for-profit sector.

Trista knows the value of services, programs and opportunities that lead to meaningful social change, having previously spent over 10 years committed to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people through scholarships and education and career-readiness programs. Most recently, and on behalf of NSW CAPO, Trista delivered the PR1.3 Report of Preliminary Findings, a deliverable of the National Agreement for Closing the Gap, and the NSW Implementation Plan. The Report delivered the findings of extensive research and community consultation regarding the funding issues that prevent and inhibit effective partnerships i.e., shared decision-making partnerships between Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and government.

Trista has extensive skills and experience in grants research and management, program and project management, service delivery and operations management, stakeholder engagement and outcomes reporting. Further, she has successfully overseen the executive management of several high-performing, multi-functional, and geographically dispersed teams, driving outcomes and a positive team culture.

Trista is committed to and passionate about advocating for and delivering education and capability-building initiatives to drive social change with and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Currently living on Awabakal Country

Eleanor is a proud Gamilaroi woman from the north region of New South Wales. She spent some of her childhood in Moree, NSW, before moving to the lands of the Awabakal & Worimi people in Newcastle/Lake Macquarie at the age of 15. She has since lived, worked, and raised her three children there.

Eleanor has a background in early childcare, health, and family preservation and was the manager of an Aboriginal women’s refuge before starting with ACHIA NSW in September 2023. She is well-known and accepted in the Aboriginal community, where she lives, works, and plays, demonstrated by her long-term commitment to several Aboriginal groups she has been running for many years, including updating Aboriginal community members on identified jobs and training opportunities and facilitating Aboriginal community events.

Eleanor is passionate about her culture and identity and is often a person to call upon for support and guidance from family, friends, and community. In 2017, Eleanor was awarded the Community Worker of the Year Award at the local NAIDOC Week event in Lake Macquarie.

Currently living on Darkinjung Country

Shane joined ACHIA NSW in June 2023 and is talented at leveraging his extensive community, business and government networks to develop and maintain strong opportunities for ACHPs across NSW into the future.

Before joining the ACHIA NSW Team, Shane spent 20+ years in various capacities in the NSW Government, working in roles that consistently aligned with his personal and professional commitment to advocating for and implementing policies that lead to tangible improvements in the lives of Aboriginal people.

“My work has always been grounded in a deep respect for the culture and history of Aboriginal people. What drives me every day is a profound sense of compassion and a desire to see real, lasting change. I believe in the power of collective effort and am committed to working with like-minded individuals and organisations to create a better future for Aboriginal people. I have always been passionate about making a difference. This passion led me to dedicate my career to advocating for better outcomes for Aboriginal people, driven by a deep compassion and commitment to social justice. My journey is far from over, and I am eager to continue advocating for and with the Aboriginal community, striving for a society where everyone can thrive. As I look to the future, I am excited about the possibilities and remain steadfast in my commitment to making a positive impact.”

Currently living on Gumbaynggirr Country

Lynnett is a proud Wiradjuri woman with connections to Dhungutti country and currently residing on Gumbaynggirr Country on the mid-North Coast of NSW.

Before joining ACHIA NSW in August 2023, Lynnett worked for 10 years in a large Aboriginal Community Housing Provider (ACHP) and an additional three years at a Local Aboriginal Land Council. Lynnett has held various roles throughout her career, including administration officer/finance assistant, senior housing and tenant support officer, asset manager, and housing manager. Lynnett feels privileged to have built connections with tenants and communities across NSW during this time and is deeply passionate about delivering positive outcomes for Aboriginal communities.

“It is deeply fulfilling to support people in securing housing and building strong relationships with tenants to maintain their tenancies. Witnessing the long-term positive impact of safe and stable housing in our communities is truly rewarding.”

Currently living on Awabakal Country

Paula is a proud Wiradjuri woman from Wellington, NSW, with over 30 years of experience in the health and finance sectors. With a Graduate Diploma in Indigenous Health Promotion, Paula has developed a wealth of knowledge and transferable skills, making her an invaluable asset to ACHIA NSW.

Since commencing with ACHIA in October 2022, Paula has enthusiastically supported the Aboriginal Community Housing sector and advocated for Aboriginal people’s rights to live in secure, safe, and affordable housing.

Paula is passionate about helping her people and dedicated to addressing social injustices. Paula’s commitment to her community and her role in ACHIA is not just a career but a lifelong mission to create positive change and uplift the lives of Aboriginal people.