Forum: 9- 10 September 2026 | Pullman Melbourne Albert Park
Workshop: 11 September 2026 | Koorie Heritage Trust at Federation Square
HOMES ON COUNTRY, LED BY COMMUNITY
Official Media Partner
Supporting Partners
Welcome to the National First Nations Housing & Homelessness Forum
The National First Nations Housing & Homelessness Forum returns this September in Melbourne.
This year’s forum honours the strength, leadership, and innovation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, who continue to lead the way in transforming housing and homelessness outcomes nationwide.
As Australia works towards Closing the Gap, safe, secure, and culturally appropriate housing remains foundational to health, wellbeing, educational attainment, economic participation, and cultural connection. Meaningful progress requires moving beyond short-term responses and business-as-usual approaches toward sustained investment, genuine partnership, and community-controlled solutions.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Organisations hold the cultural authority, lived experience, and expertise required to design and deliver effective, sustainable housing models. Embedding cultural design principles and advancing self-determination are essential to establishing housing as a platform for long-term dignity and stability.
While community-led models are expanding across the country, significant challenges remain. Housing insecurity and homelessness continue to impact far too many people, highlighting the urgent need for systemic reform and scaled investment.
The National First Nations Housing & Homelessness Forum brings together leaders, practitioners, government representatives, industry partners, and communities to share practical solutions, strengthen sector partnerships, and elevate local leadership.
Designed with care by our Advisory Board
Suzanne Naden
CEO
Bungree Aboriginal Association Ltd
Marnie Davis
Director & Training Lead
Yarning for Change
Patricia Cotton
Chief Executive Officer
Aboriginal Sobriety Group Indigenous Corporation
Cheryl Axleby-Keeffe
Head of Aboriginal Housing Aboriginal Engagement, Partnerships and Strategy
SA Housing Trust
Desarae Sibosado
Chief Operating Officer
Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation
Key Topics
Stories of First Nations housing development, showcasing new approaches to affordability, supply, and long-term housing outcomes
Lived experience informing policy, shaping services, and strengthening support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
Challenges and progress across the country, with insights into home ownership, funding pathways, and delivering housing in regional and remote areas
Key learnings from the forum
Practical strategies for delivering culturally responsive housing that supports wellbeing, connection to Country, and community-led solutions
Insights into policies and reforms that strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander governance, accountability, and long-term housing outcomes
Approaches to building economic independence and housing security, including pathways to home ownership and sustainable community partnerships
Featured Speakers
Matthew Duggan
Executive Director Aboriginal Housing and Homelessness
Homes Victoria
Dr. Jefa Greenaway
Director
Greenaway Architects (GA)
Lisa Sampson
Chief Executive Officer
ACHIA NSW
Brett West
Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Aboriginal Housing Victoria
Scott Wilson
Chief Executive Officer
Aboriginal Drug & Alcohol Council
Naomi Anstess
Big Boss
Northern Territory Indigenous Business
Mark Anderson
Chief Executive Officer
Foundations for Indigenous Sustainable Health (FISH)
Alisi Tutuila
Chairperson
Aboriginal Housing Company
Leeanne Caton
Chief Executive Officer
Aboriginal Housing Northern Territory
Connect With Naarm Country
A Culturally Immersive Workshop Experience
Friday, 11 September 2026
Join us on Day 3 for a culturally immersive workshop at the Koorie Heritage Trust, Federation Square, Naarm (Melbourne), offering a unique opportunity to connect with Country and deepen understanding of the land's rich First Peoples history and heritage.
We begin the session with engagement in the Ruah Community Services’ Wongee Mia program, examining its family-centred, interconnected case management approach and how it is being applied in new and urban settings. This highly interactive session encourages attendees to share insights, work through practical challenges, and contribute to approaches that strengthen community resilience.
The experience concludes with an On Country session led by Jaeden Williams, Director of Biik Bundjil, featuring storytelling, cultural learning, and reflection on the connections between culture, identity, housing, wellbeing, and community.
New Opportunities and Stories of Development
Learn from other states innovations around increasing home ownership, rent-to-buy programs, and more
Explore new pathways to home ownership, including shared equity and alternative models
Address homelessness through long-term, stable housing solutions
Strengthen outcomes across the housing journey, from crisis to secure housing
Understand the link between housing, health, and reducing overcrowding
Unlock delivery through stronger partnerships, processes, and investment
Connect with leaders shaping housing policy and reform
Prepare for future growth through housing and Aboriginal enterprise
Who Should Attend?
Sectors:
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Community Housing Providers, NFPs and Social Services
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ACCOs, and ACCHOs
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State Government, Federal Government, Local Government
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Real Estate, Finance and Superannuation
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Developers, Civil Engineers, Architects
Hear more about:
Housing Programs, Affordable Housing, Community Housing, Housing Strategy, Housing Development, Social Housing, Tenancy Advisory, Property Advisory, Indigenous Homelessness, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Enterprises, Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure Development
Explore the Forum
LEADERSHIP:
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C-suite & Executives
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Executive Director
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Executive Manager
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General Manager (GM)
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Director
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Senior Manager
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Head of Department
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Team Lead
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Program Manager
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Project Lead
The presenters relevance and the chairs overviews and summaries were on point.
Andrew Gardiner
Pullman Melbourne Albert Park
Address: 65 Queens Rd, Albert Park VIC 3004
Meeting Room: State Room
Parking: Located beneath the hotel and accessible via Lorne Street, the car park has 400 parking bays. The conference rate is $35.00 per exit or per 24 hours whichever occurs first. Please check with the staff onsite how to avail of the discounted parking rates.
Accommodation: View accommodation options here: https://HotelMap.com/MD3NC
Conference
Workshop
Koorie Heritage Trust at Federation Square
Address: Birrarung Building, Federation Square, Cnr Swanston & Flinders Streets, Melbourne VIC 3000
Meeting Room: Aunty Joyce Johnson and Uncle Stewart Murray Rooms