- CHL launches National Reconciliation Plan and announces formal registration of Aboriginal Community Housing Limited (ACHL)
- ACHL will become the first independent national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander led and managed provider of long-term affordable housing, and property and tenancy management for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
Leading national not for profit community housing provider, Community Housing Ltd (CHL) has announced the launch of a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to coincide with the National Reconciliation Week.
With a long history of working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, CHL's RAP supports the organisation's long-term commitment to assist the provision of secure, long-term affordable housing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and sustainable development of their communities.
"CHL's RAP is a reflection on our long reconciliation journey which started in the very early years of our existence. Over the years we have forged deep relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander partners, organisations and communities on the very strong foundation of mutual trust and respect.
The CHL Reflect RAP will enable the organisation to further strengthen the existing relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organisations.
It will also support an organisational culture within CHL that acknowledges and fosters awareness and respect for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their histories and their cultures, through both its work practices and organisational environments," Steve Bevington, Managing Director of Community Housing Ltd Group said.
With over 14% of CHL's housing tenanted by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, CHL has worked extensively with communities at a local level across Australia for over 15 years, partnering and collaborating with local organisations and community groups to provide housing services that are culturally appropriate.
"Our commitment is and has always been to ensure access to and equity in meeting the housing needs to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples," adds Steve.
"Whilst there is a huge parity gap between wider Australia and our First Peoples, CHL celebrates the survival and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures across the country's many traditional lands and language groups. We also recognise their right to determine their own future and to live in accordance with their own values and customs.
Recognising the importance of self-determination, CHL has also commenced the process of registering an Aboriginal housing organisation, Aboriginal Community Housing Limited (ACHL) that will provide culturally appropriate housing to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
ACHL will become the first independent national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander led and managed provider of long-term affordable housing, and property and tenancy management for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
CHL will support the development of ACHL in its formative years and provide staff resources, systems, expertise and advice to enable ACHL to grow into an independent national organisation in the long-term.
"ACHL aims to establish approaches to assist its members to determine and achieve their own aspirations and provide a range of housing services including core activities such as the development of affordable rental and home ownership solutions", adds Steve.
Reconciliation Week is an important event in Australia's cultural calendar and CHL is proudly hosting events at offices around Australia, acknowledging these important announcements and contributing to the national movement towards recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
