About Us

The Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO) is a Legislative authority, established under the Aboriginal Housing Act 1998. The AHO is one of six agencies within the Department of Family & Community Services.

The AHO plans, administers and expands the policies, program and asset base for Aboriginal housing in NSW.  This includes resource allocation, sector-wide policy, strategic planning, and monitoring outcomes and performance in the Aboriginal housing sector. In order to achieve this, AHO receives funding from both the NSW and the Australian Governments.

The AHO manages and coordinates a substantial annual capital works program, and the development and implementation of a range of financial and resourcing strategies throughout the state.

The AHO works in partnership with Aboriginal Community Housing Providers (ACHP) and the Aboriginal community in delivering housing program and developing housing policy and standards.

AHO has also strived to build the skills of Aboriginal people in the sector to improve the management of both their properties and their organisations for a better tomorrow for everyone.

Our functions are guided by the principles of self-determination and self management for Aboriginal people. In addition, the AHO has an important role in facilitating and improving employment and training opportunities for Aboriginal people within the Aboriginal housing sector.

Working with the all Aboriginal AHO Board, the AHO provides housing assistance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and an increased range of housing choices, especially for those members of the community most in need.