A unique style of public service during the Kimberley floods, and all year round
Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL) quickly responded to the changing needs of First Nations people in early 2023, partnering with Emama Nguda Aboriginal Corporation in Derby, Western Australia. The response was to support First Nations people who lost their homes and community in the Kimberley region floods.
Working collaboratively with the National Indigenous Australians Agency and the Western Australia Government, AHL supported Emama Nguda to open AHL’s Derby facility. This is offering emergency accommodation until homes are restored. Emama Nguda will continue to operate the facility once this immediate need is met. The service will then transition to support students and their families to re-engage with their education, another much needed service in the region.
AHL has been entrusted by families and communities to meet the accommodation needs of First Nations residents for 50 years. Across its 42-hostel network, AHL works in collaboration with local service providers. This includes hospitals, homeless shelters, First Nations organisations and family services.
Supporting residents young and old, AHL offers a home away from home for First Nations people
Image: Aboriginal Hostels Limited
AHL not only provides safe, culturally appropriate and affordable accommodation, it connects residents with the services they need. With a shared commitment to give residents the best experience during their stay, AHL supports them to get to their appointments, connect with Government services and share understanding and pride in culture.
Last financial year, AHL accommodated 17,514 First Nations people. The reasons why people stay with AHL vary greatly. Reasons include to:
- attend medical appointments
- find crisis accommodation or wait for housing
- escape domestic and family violence
- complete their Year 12 certificate.
Whatever the reason for the stay, the commitment by AHL staff to provide excellent customer service is constant. AHL also works to maximise the use of its facilities through partnerships, referrals from First Nations service providers, and active community engagement.
AHL conducts an annual customer satisfaction survey to seek valuable feedback from residents on its services and facilities. In 2023, 89% of responding residents said that staying in hostels had helped their overall health and wellbeing and 91% said their stay supported their cultural wellbeing. This year’s feedback included these comments:
Staying here has helped my stress levels, it’s given me peace of mind in order for me to think clearly about my healing and wellbeing. I’m moving forward and taking one day at a time. – resident staying at Tony Mundine Hostel
Everyone feels welcome here. All the people who stay are friendly and say hello. – resident staying at Kabalulumana Hostel
I am safe and have a room with a nice clean bed and hot showers, hot meal and a roof over my head. – resident staying at WT Onus Hostel
Being here with other mob has been good for me. One thing I would like to add is that culturally we have different beliefs because we come from different clans around Australia. One of my cultural beliefs is that I do not sweep the floor at night as it is taboo – it disturbs the spirits, I had to remind a staff member about a time this happened, and it was good because he understood and stopped. – resident staying at Tony Mundine Hostel
AHL continually considers the stewardship of the organisation and responds to residents’ changing needs. For example, as part of its vital accommodation service, AHL provides a free meal service for all residents, recognising the health benefits and convenience for them in their time of need.
In 2022–23, AHL staff prepared more than 1.2 million meals across its network. Meals are served in dining rooms and in some outdoor courtyard areas. This offers residents a chance to connect with others while away from family and community. A dietitian has been engaged to train AHL’s workforce and improve its meal service, particularly for residents impacted by chronic disease.
AHL significantly contributes to Closing the Gap initiatives by providing First Nations people with safe and affordable accommodation, improving health outcomes, and supporting educational and employment outcomes.