About

Hostel resident sending out the front of hostel

Our vision is to improve the quality of life and economic opportunities for First Nations people.

Aboriginal Hostels Limited is one of several significant First Nations organisations established in the 1970s. It was built through the tireless advocacy and determination of past leaders, including Dr Charles Perkins AO.

For more than 50 years, we have been steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that First Nations people can access culturally safe and affordable accommodation when away from home.

Derbal Bidjar Hostel of staff and resident

How we operate

Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL) is a not-for-profit Commonwealth company with an independent, non-executive Board of Directors, a majority of whom are First Nations people.

Since 1973, AHL has provided accommodation for First Nations people through a national network of fit for purpose facilities.

Our tariff is affordable for individuals and families, including those receiving Australian Government income support, and includes 3 healthy and nutritious meals, each day.

42 hostels, located across Australia

Multipurpose

Provides accommodation for First Nations individuals and families awaiting housing, seeking employment, or other services and opportunities away from their homes and communities.

Facilities

Health and Medical

Provides accommodation for First Nations people who need to be away from home to access health services including renal dialysis, and antenatal or postnatal care for mothers and babies.

Facilities

Secondary Education

Provides a safe and supportive environment for First Nations students needing a place to call home to progress their education.

Facilities

Our People

Aboriginal Hostels Limited is proud to be one of the largest employers of First Nations people in the Australian Public Service.

Since the beginning, AHL has been committed to generating economic opportunities for First Nations people through direct jobs, career pathways, business opportunities and by supporting the educational aspirations of residents.

Currently, around 45% of AHL's workforce are First Nations people and we are committed to collaborating with First Nations suppliers of business services and support.

Our National Office is located in Canberra and our employees work closely with on-the-ground colleagues to facilitate service delivery across our accommodation facilities.

Organisational chart

Meet our board

Board

Mr Anthony Ashby
Non-executive Chair
Board

Professor Valerie Cooms
Non-executive Deputy Chair
Board

Mr Paul Allen
Non-executive Director
Board

Mr Simon McGrath AM
Non-executive Director
Board

Ms Leann Wilson
Non-executive Director
Board

Ms Katie Wyatt
Non-executive Director
Board

Ms Alison Page
Non-executive Director
Board

Ms Shona Reid
Non-executive Director

Meet our executive team

Executive

Mr Dave Chalmers AO, CSC
Chief Executive Officer
Executive

Mr Dermot Walsh CA, FCPA, MAICD
Chief Financial Officer & Company Secretary
Executive

Mr Bob Harvey PSM
General Manager, Operations
Executive

Ms Karyn Ervin
Acting Chief People Officer, People Branch