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Aboriginal Housing Company announces the launch of “Leading the Way” Fund

Announcement posted by Aboriginal Housing company 25 May 2017

The Aboriginal Housing Company (AHC) is proud to announce the launch of their new initiative “Leading the Way” on June 10th 2017. The initiative will have a primary focus on education, apprenticeships and employment for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community driven by the Aboriginal Housing Company’s ambition to create a positive and sustainable future for the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
 
The AHC is focused on implementing a strong skills base for community members and providing guidance to the right outlets for success. “Leading the Way” will assist in further development of employment and education strategies within the Indigenous community including: educational scholarships, employment, trade and apprenticeship opportunities and accommodation for students at Pemulwuy. The new student accommodation will offer students a conducive environment to complete their studies.
 
Speaking of the initiative, AHC Chairperson Alisi Tutuila, highlights the importance of an increased focus on educational and employment opportunities.
 
“We are seeing a steady increase in the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people gaining vocational qualifications and degrees, but there still needs to be greater options available to them when they leave school.  “Leading the Way” will have pathways in place for people to either gain employment, an apprenticeship, or higher education,” said Mrs Tutulia.
 
“The “Leading the Way” fund is committed to community development and integration through education and employment. We are building a network of positive and innovative business partnerships that will promote leadership and drive change within our communities,” Mrs Tutulia concluded.
 
“Leading the Way” will provide assistance in the following areas:
 
  • Tertiary education
  • Trades and apprenticeships
  • Employment
 
To launch the fund of “Leading the Way” the AHC will host a Cultural Race Day at the Australian Turf Club’s Royal Randwick, on Saturday 10th June 2017. The event will showcase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, arts and business innovations to celebrate the cultural diversity of Sydney.
 
There are a number of sponsorship opportunities from Gold Race Sponsorship to corporate tables. For more information on these sponsorship opportunities please contact Ben Hansberry ben@boabtreewines.com.au  
 
-ENDS-
 
 
For further information please contact: 
Cathy Yao | cyao@heardagency.com
D +61 02 8279 7860
 
Lucy Jones, Senior Account Manager | ljones@heardagency.com
 
 
About the Aboriginal Housing Company
 
The Aboriginal Housing Company (AHC) is an independent non-profit charity and the first community housing provider in Australia, incorporated in 1973 as a company limited by guarantee.  It is an all Aboriginal governed organisation, located in the heart of Redfern, which lies in the traditional lands of the Gadigal People, part of the Eora Nation.
 
The company was formed in direct response to the widespread discrimination Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and families experienced in the private rental market.  The AHC is self-funded and operates on income derived from rental properties.  Affordable housing is located across Sydney and country regions in NSW.
 
A current focus is the redevelopment known as Pemulwuy Project.  The redevelopment will breathe new life into Redfern and restore a strong and healthy Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community with an emphasis on cultural values, spirituality and employment.  The Pemulwuy Project will make Redfern the best urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Australia and in doing so, set the benchmark for all other communities.
 
About the “Leading the Way” Fund:
The “Leading the Way” fund established by the Aboriginal Housing Company (AHC) in 2017 – launch date 10th June 2017. The fund offers multiple levels of assistance to Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people through encouraging, enhancing and developing further education and training opportunities. The fund will provide grants to students for accommodation, scholarship and foundational studies to guide Indigenous people towards their chosen career pathways.