Aboriginal Hostels Limited Board Appointments

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP, has appointed Mr Anthony Ashby as Chair of the Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL) Board, and Dr Valerie Cooms as the Deputy Chair, each for a three year term.

AHL is a Commonwealth company that operates accommodation facilities around Australia providing safe, culturally appropriate and affordable accommodation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“AHL provides an invaluable service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who need short or long-term accommodation away from home,” Minister Wyatt said.

“Whether helping students live near their school, giving people a home base while they secure a job, or temporary accommodation for health or other reasons, AHL provides a safe place.

“These appointments provide an opportunity for new perspectives and a diversity of skills and expertise to inform and support the Board to consider the longer term strategic direction of AHL.

“Mr Ashby brings a wealth of experience from the public and private sector and will provide the strategic level leadership to help guide the organisation in meeting the current and emerging needs of Indigenous Australians.

“I’d like to thank Dr Susan Gordon AM for her exemplary stewardship of AHL over the past five years. She has laid a path that will allow Mr Ashby and the Board to continue to drive improved outcomes and quality of life for AHL’s residents.”

Mr Ashby, a Gamilaraay-Yuwaalaraay man, is a registered company auditor and Chartered Accountant, currently a Partner with Ashby & Co, with extensive experience in finance, accounting, audit and the Indigenous business sector. Mr Ashby is also currently the Deputy Chair of Indigenous Business Australia, another Indigenous agency in the Prime Minister and Cabinet Portfolio.

Dr Cooms is a Nunukul woman from North Stradbroke Island. She is currently the Chairperson of the Quandamooka Yoolooburabee Registered Native Title Body Corporate for the Quandamooka People and has previously held numerous roles with the Commonwealth, including being a full-time member of the National Native Title Tribunal. Dr Cooms is also currently a Director of Indigenous Business Australia.