Session spotlight: Innovative partnerships: delivering First Nations housing

Many successful housing projects are driven by the communities themselves, ensuring that the solutions are culturally appropriate and meet the specific needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. When aiming to deliver effective housing solutions, how can we ensure that First Nations communities are actively involved in their planning and implementation?

This Major Concurrent session showcases community-led, cross-sector partnerships in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander housing, and how they are delivering on accessibility, safety, and economic participation through culturally informed solutions. Speakers will discuss a culturally informed independent living village for Elders, a partnership for housing in Western Australia's Desert Region and a collaboration with private developers for social housing in urban communities.

Discussion will explore a range of questions, including:

• How can we ensure that First Nations communities are actively involved in the planning and implementation of housing projects?
• What policies are needed at the federal, state, and local levels to support the development of culturally responsive housing?
• What measures can be taken to ensure that housing is safe and accessible for all members of the community?

Session speakers

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Cheryl Axelby-Keeffe, South Australian Housing Trust and Mitzi Nam, Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation

Cheryl Axelby-Keeffe is a proud Narungga woman, who has worked in various roles within government and community sectors. Cheryl has vast experience in law and justice, human rights, and Aboriginal family and youth services, held the position of CEO of the SA Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement, National Co-Chair of the National Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Legal Services and is the Co-Chair of the only National Aboriginal Justice led campaign Change the Record for the last 8 years.

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Akira Monaghan, The Fulcrum Agency

Akira Monaghan is an Associate at The Fulcrum Agency and Registered Architect who focuses on creating positive change through collaborative design with First Nations communities across WA and the NT. Her diverse portfolio includes housing, educational, cultural and community projects and she enjoys working on projects that deliver social value as one of their key objectives. Currently, Akira is helping shape the future of the Tiwi Islands through collaborative masterplanning that balances community aspirations with sustainable growth.

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Terrance Jack, Jamukurnu Yapilukurnu Aboriginal Corporation

Terrance Jack (TJ), a proud Martu man, serves as the Heritage and Communities Coordinator at Jamukurnu-Yapalikurnu Aboriginal Corporation. Drawing on his deep cultural knowledge and community connections, TJ played an instrumental role in collaboration with The Fulcrum Agency, where he facilitated community conversations throughout the co-design process for Punmu, Parnngurr and Kunawarritji. His expertise in navigating cultural protocols and building trust has been essential in ensuring community voices remain at the heart of our work on Martu ngurra.

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Alisi Tutuila, Aboriginal Housing Company

Alisi Tutuila is a proud Wormi woman from Karuah. She is the Chairperson for the Aboriginal Housing Company and has been working in the affordable housing space for the last 13 years. Alisi, alongside her team, have been instrumental in delivering 62 housing dwellings for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in Redfern through the delivery of the UDIA Pemulwuy project. Alisi is also the CEO of Aspire Indigenous and holds various board capacities across early child hood and community sectors.