The NSW Aboriginal Housing Caucus 2022 was held Virtually and In-person on Wednesday 18 May 2022 at Lazy River Estate in Dubbo NSW, the program and materials shared during the caucus are available for download below:
Program – The NSW Aboriginal Housing Caucus 2022 was held Virtually and In-person on Wednesday 18 May 2022 at Lazy River Estate in Dubbo NSW.
The Coolamon Project (Incubator-Accelerator) – Lisa Sampson, Interim CEO of ACHIA NSW launched the The Coolamon Project (Incubator-Accelerator) Program of Activities and provided a handout.
Architecture that Connects With Country – Dillon Kombumerri, Principal Architect, Government Architects NSW (GANSW), presented how architecture connects with country. Discussing how culturally appropriate design principles, collaborating with Aboriginal communities to inform the planning, design and delivery of built environment projects in NSW and embedding cultural connection expectations into continuing development for design and planning industry.
Commonwealth update on Closing the Gap (CtG) National Partnership Agreement – Uncle Tom Slockee, Co-Chair – Housing Sector Strengthening Plan, CtG National Agreement
provided an update on CTG initiatives and outcomes at the Commonwealth level.
Insurance Council of Australia – Sam Xu, Insurance Council of Australia presented an overview of the role of the Insurance Council of Australia and its Indigenous Advisory Committee and its interest in the ACHP sector. As well as providing an update on current issues of concern around insurance facing the ACHP sector and our findings from our recent visit to the Northern Rivers of NSW investigating insurance issues raised by the floods.
Small ACHPs: Sharing the Journey to obtaining NRSCH Registration – Alison Croall – Manager, Tharawal Housing Aboriginal Corporation (TACAMS), shared the challenges TACAMS faced and overcame as a small but growing ACHP to achieve NRSCH Registration. As well as what it has been like for TACAMS post registration as the reality of compliance kicked in.
More than Bricks and Mortar: Housing is a Human Service – Michelle Craig, Manager – Aboriginal Resource Unit & Aboriginal Tenancy Advice & Advocacy Service outlined the importance of supporting housing outcomes for tenants and their families through integrated and/or wrap-around services. As well as discussed the importance of providing person-directed/person-centred services to tenants as part of the broader housing continuum.
YOU May Be Over COVID, but COVID is not over YOU – Dr Lesh Satchithananda, Rebbeck & Co (Health Consultancy firm) shared the most up to date information on how COVID-19 is affecting NSW. As cases remain stubbornly high going into winter, booster vaccination rates remain low. Attention has shifted away from critical indicators such as ICU admissions and fatalities. Dr Lesh outlines the risks of this complacency and what could be done to support and protect our vulnerable people and communities as we head into winter 2022. ACHPs are at the front line, and we cannot be complacent.
Listening to Feedback – Charlie Trindall, Chairperson – ACHIA NSW provided closing statements and invited attendees to ACHIA NSW Dinner on Thursday 19 May 2022.
