Aboriginal organisations can now apply for grants of up to $150,000 to design community-led solutions that drive real, lasting change. Whether it’s health, education, employment, or wellbeing—this is your chance to turn local ideas into action.
✅ Co-design with your community
✅ Build something sustainable and impactful
✅ Lead positive change from the ground up
📅 Applications close midnight, 23 May 2025
Extreme heat impacts everyone, but for First Nations peoples, inappropriate housing design and poor energy efficiency mean facing even greater risks.
In the 2025 ACOSS Heat in Homes Survey:
▪️ 92% of First Nations respondents reported dangerously hot homes.
▪️ 88% are struggling with unaffordable energy bills.
▪️ First Nations respondents are twice as likely to seek medical attention due to heat-related conditions.
Poorly designed and inefficient housing isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be life-threatening. It’s time for action. Governments must commit to culturally appropriate, climate-resilient housing solutions for First Nations communities.
Grants of $1,000 to $150,000 are now available to support Aboriginal-led responses to Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence (DFSV) in NSW. Applications close: 4:00pm, 28 April 2025
Open to:
✅ Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs)
✅ Aboriginal-owned/run organisations or businesses
✅ Non-Aboriginal orgs partnering with a lead ACCO
Learn more & apply at the link below.
From 1 July 2025, long service leave will become portable for workers in the Community Services Industry — meaning staff can carry their leave across multiple organisations.
A new webpage is now live to help your organisation prepare, covering:
✅ Who’s covered
✅ How service is recorded
✅ Levy payments
✅ Preparation steps
CAGES Foundation’s strategic partnerships in the Early Years are focused on opportunities which build a robust First Nations led early childhood system. Initiatives may be specifically for children aged 0-5 or the family, workers, organisations and community who build an environment for children to thrive in the first five years of their life.
Status: Open until 30 April 2025; reopens on 1 July 2025 with updated guidelines.
Grant Amount: Up to $50,000.
Eligibility: Aboriginal-controlled or led organisation with DGR 1 tax status.
Purpose: Focuses on activities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in their first five years and their families.
Applications are open for the 2025 Sector Capability Grants, offering up to $100,000 to support Aboriginal Community Housing Providers (ACHPs) with business growth, sustainability, and registration compliance (NRSCH/NSWLS).
✅ Now open and closing 2 May 2025
✅ Eligible for ACHPs registered or registering under NRSCH or NSWLS
✅ Supports capacity building, governance, and organisational development
For more information head on over to the link below.
23–24 June 2025
Port Macquarie, NSW – Birpai Country
Join us on 2–3 April 2025 at Lazy River Estate, Dubbo (Wiradjuri Country) for the 3rd Deadly Housing Summit, bringing together Aboriginal Community Housing Providers, sector leaders, and experts to strengthen Aboriginal-led housing.
Summit Highlights:
✅ Keynote Address by Mick Gooda
✅ Workshops covering: Lobbying & influencing government, Culturally appropriate housing design, Tender writing & funding applications, Work health & safety in housing and more
✅ Panel sessions with industry experts
✅ Cultural performances
✅ The opportunity to network with ACHPs and sector partners
The full program is now available — download it on the ACHIA NSW website!
Limited spots available – max 2 attendees per ACHP. Register and download the program at the link below.
Program: Link here
There’s still time to register for Deadly Housing Summit #3! Click the link below to secure your spot and explore more ACHIA NSW events and opportunities coming up for the sector.
Featured in this issue:
– Deadly Housing Summit #3 – Last Call for Registrations
– Parramatta NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal Training Registrations
– NSW CAPO Engagement Sessions
– National Housing and Infrastructure Facility Crisis and Transitional Housing Grant Information Sessions
– Aboriginal Community Safety Grants
– Disaster Ready Fund – Round 3 Extended until April 16
– and more!
The Disaster Ready Fund (DRF) Round 3 builds on previous rounds, making more funds available for natural disaster risk reduction and resilience initiatives in 2025-26. It is the Australian Government’s flagship disaster resilience and risk reduction initiative. Due to the disruption caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and other extreme weather events, the submission deadline has been extended until April 16.
A further $200 million in funding has been made available. Communities are encouraged to submit to their lead agencies and be disaster-ready.
This funding will be available for:
✅️ Investment in grey infrastructure
✅️ Investment in green-blue infrastructure
✅️ Investment in social infrastructure
✅️ Investment in natural hazard monitoring
For more information, visit the link below.
ACHIA NSW hosted our 2nd Introduction to NCAT Training in Dubbo last week, bringing together 14 participants from 8 Aboriginal Community Housing Providers (ACHPs).
The two-day training provided frontline staff and management with practical knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act, NCAT processes, and dispute resolution. The room was filled with valuable discussions, shared experiences, and collaborative learning, strengthening ACHPs’ capacity to navigate tenancy matters effectively. A huge thank you to all attendees for your participation and engagement!
Register NOW to attend the Parramatta NCAT Training.
When – 8-9 April!
Eligibility – ACHPs who are registered with the National Regulatory System for Community Housing (NRSCH) or NSW Local Scheme (NSWLS) AND Registered with the Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO) Don’t miss this opportunity to gain essential tenancy management skills, learn NCAT processes, and connect with other ACHPs.
Spaces are limited, so secure your spot now!
Housing Australia has launched the $1 billion NHIF Crisis and Transitional Housing (NHIF CT) program, supporting new housing for:
✅️ Women and children experiencing family violence
✅️ Youth at risk of homelessness
Key Dates: EOIs open mid-April 2025 with applications closing on 5 January 2026 or once all funds have been allocated.
Funding Available: Up to $700M in grants and $300M in concessional loans
Eligible projects include new builds, property purchases, and conversions.
Registered charities supporting First Nations housing are strongly encouraged to apply.
Learn more and apply at the link below.
The FY 25/26 Sector Capability Grants will open on Monday, 31 March 2025, until the 2nd May 2025. Grants up to $100,000 designed to support Aboriginal Community Housing Providers (ACHPs) in:
✅ Business growth and self-sustainability
✅ Achieving or maintaining compliance with the National Regulatory System for Community Housing (NRSCH) and New South Wales Local Scheme (NSWLS) registrations. Funding is available to registered ACHPs under NRSCH and NSWLS.
Providers who are scheduled or undertaking registration with the Registrar of Community Housing are also eligible to apply. Webinar sessions are scheduled for 24, 26, and 28 March 2025 to assist with the application process.
For more information or to register to attend one of the sessions, please contact the Sector Development team at sectordevelopment@aho.nsw.gov.au. For detailed information about the grants and application guidelines, visit the AHO Sector Capability Grants webpage.
Looking to stay updated? Check out our ACHIA Alert #49 for news, events, training and resources.
Featured in this issue:
– Deadly Housing Summit 3 – Dubbo registrations open
– Save the Date for our ACHIA NSW Aboriginal Housing Caucus
– Dubbo NCAT Training Recap & Registration for Additional Sessions
– CHIA NSW Climate Change Resources
– Financial Support for those affected by Ex Cyclone Alfred
– Upcoming Grants
– Resources and Support for those experiencing Family and Domestic Violence
– and more!
Last week, on March 6, CHIA NSW hosted an Industry Briefing on Improving the Energy Performance of Community Housing. This session provided valuable tools and insights to help housing providers understand and address the climate impact of their properties. By using these guidelines, organisations can strategically prepare for upcoming funding opportunities—allowing for critical property upgrades that enhance energy efficiency, improve living conditions, and reduce costs for tenants. With the SHEPI program recently expanded and extended, ACHIA NSW highly recommends exploring this opportunity.
CHIA NSW website link – Tackling Climate Change
https://communityhousing.org.au/tackling-climate-change
SHEPI – NSW Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative
https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/government-and-local-organisations/programs-grants-and-schemes/shepi
Navigating the community housing sector can be complex, but the right tools make all the difference. The Aboriginal Community Housing Provider Resource Guide, developed by CHIA NSW, is a must-have for ACHPs looking to strengthen their operations, governance, and service delivery.
ACHIA NSW is looking for a Housing Industry Development Manager to help strengthen Aboriginal Community Housing across NSW. This is an exciting opportunity to drive industry growth, support providers, and make a real impact for our communities. ✅ Full-time remote-work role ✅ Work directly with Aboriginal Community Housing Providers ✅ Support industry development & strategic initiatives We’re looking for someone with strong industry knowledge, leadership skills, and a passion for driving change in Aboriginal housing. Apply now at the link below or share with your networks if you know someone that would be a good fit!
The 3rd Deadly Housing Summit is coming to Dubbo on 2–3 April 2025, bringing together Aboriginal Community Housing Providers, leaders, and experts to strengthen Aboriginal-led housing.
📍 Lazy River Estate, Dubbo
📅 2–3 April 2025
This 2-day event will focus on capacity building, governance, and key sector challenges, with expert-led sessions on:
✔ Legal & Compliance
✔ Finance & Risk Management
✔ Work Health & Safety
✔ Sustainable Housing Practices
Limited spots – max 2 attendees per ACHP!
Financial support may be available for eligible ACHIA NSW Members.
📩 Questions? Need help with NRSCH registration? Contact Paul Douglas at 0400 012 422 or Paul.d@achiansw.org.au.
Register now! www.achiansw.org.au/links
#DeadlyHousingSummit #ACHIANSW #AboriginalHousing #StrongerTogether
ACHIA NSW is thinking of our members and communities preparing for Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Please stay informed and take precautions.
Evacuation Centres: Find locations on the SES website –
https://lnkd.in/gRw-S4xT
Stay connected with live updates:
✅ SES: https://lnkd.in/g7G-QkN,
✅ Bureau of Meteorology warnings: Bureau of Meteorology,
Emergency Warnings: https://lnkd.in/g4DEDfA5
✅ Listen to ABC Radio & check local community pages
Stay safe by:
✅ Avoid floodwaters and strong winds
✅ Have emergency supplies ready
✅ Check in on Elders and vulnerable community members
✅ Keep phones charged and communication open
Support Services:
📞 Lifeline (24/7 crisis support): 13 11 14 | 13YARN (for mob): 13 92 76
📞 SES (flood/storm help): 132 500 | Emergency: 000
For more information from this alert visit the link below.
Need to get caught up on what is happening in the sector? Check out our ACHIA Alert #48 for news, events, training and resources.
Featured in this issue:
– Celebrating The Freedom Ride 60th Anniversary (Moree NSW)
– NCAT Training – Register for Upcoming Sessions!
– Information about our Core and Cluster Summit
– Final Call: NSW NATSIHA Workshop in Wollongong
– and more!
NATSIHA are holding a workshop on Tharawal Country the 5-6 March.
With our Ballina NCAT training currently in progress we are opening up registrations for the remaining sessions in the series.
These sessions will be held:
To RSVP, follow the link below and register with Eventbrite.
Did you know that recent changes to the NSW Community Services Industry Long Service Leave Scheme mean you can now take your long service leave with you, even if you change jobs within the industry? This is a big step in recognising the dedication of our community services workforce, including those in Aboriginal Community Housing.
Read more below to see how this impacts you.
Want to know how community housing can be more energy-efficient and cost-effective? Join this industry briefing to get the latest updates on policies, funding, and practical steps for making housing more sustainable.
Date: 2pm, Thursday, 6 March 2025
Location: Online
Register at the link below, and let’s work towards better, more affordable housing for our communities!
Featured in this issue:
– Final Callout for NCAT Training Registration
– Spotlight: Engineers Without Borders
– ACHIA NSW on Birpai Country
– Portable Long Service Leave
– Celebrating 60 years of the Freedom Rides
– and more!
A little over a week to go to make a submission to the Community Building Grants, between $10,000 and $100,000 is available for community infrastructure projects in NSW that promote inclusion, participation, and positive social, environmental, and recreational outcomes. Applications close Friday, 21 February 2025, at 5:00 pm AEDT. Visit the link below for more information and how to apply.
Exciting changes are underway at ACHIA NSW! We farewell a valued leader, Trista Hickey; welcome Shane Todd into a key leadership role, and introduce Monique Rennie as our new Communications Manager. With Trista’s contributions paving the way, our team is set to continue driving positive change for the sector.
Join our free 2-day training to build your skills in NCAT processes and the Residential Tenancies Act.
📅 25-26 February | Ballina RSL Club | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Learn how to:
✅ Navigate NCAT hearings
✅ Collect and present evidence
✅ Apply tenancy laws effectively
Limited spots (15 per session). Travel & accommodation support is available. More sessions in Dubbo, Parramatta, Newcastle, Wagga Wagga & Batemans Bay coming soon.
In case you missed it in out ACHIA Alert, Lisa’s first CEO Message for the year discusses what opportunities are on the horizon and how ACHPs can plan for 2025. Find out at the link below.
The NSW Government’s 2024-2025 budget includes $527M in additional funding to assist frontline homelessness services.
Initially, this funding will be aimed at:
✅ Reforming Temporary Accommodation
✅ Service Reform and Innovation
Visit the link below to view more information about the funding options.
The Housing Australia Future Fund Round 2 Submissions are closing soon with a focus on delivering 5,000 social housing properties across the country with governments strongly encouraged to partner with Community Housing Providers.
Projects that are eligible include:
Visit the link below to view the fact sheet, providing informaiton on how ACHPs can partner with government as a part of this round of HAFF and how we can improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Our first ACHIA Alert for 2025 has just launched with plenty of news, grants and opportunities for our networks. Featured in this issue:
To check it out, head on over to the link below.
In partnership with METIO, ACHIA NSW is seeking expressions of interest from ACHPs to participate in our Housing Infrastructure Uplift Project (380 Solar PoP15) – with applications closing Friday 17 January.
This program will see the redeployment of 380 panels to be delivered from March 2025 and provide much-needed cost-of-living relief to communities over the next 15 years.
If this sounds like an opportunity that your organisation would like to participate in visit the link below for more information.
© Copyright 2025 ACHIA NSW. All Rights Reserved. Website by Code Brewery.
ACHIA NSW acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land we live, work and play on. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, for they hold the memories, traditions, culture, and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders across this beautiful nation. These lands were never ceded; it always was and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lands.
