General AHL Information

Our Vision
To achieve excellence in the delivery of hostel accommodation that satisfies the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Accommodation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
Aboriginal Hostels Limited is a company that provides temporary accommodation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Incorporated on 6 June 1973 in the Australian Capital Territory, AHL is funded by the Federal Government.

AHL has established a network of hostels across Australia and currently operate 49 company hostels and fund 71 community hostels.

Each night over 3,000 beds are available in the following categories:

• Transient

• Medical Transient (including renal dialysis)

• Homeless

• Substance Use Rehabilitation

• Tertiary Education

• Secondary Education

• Aged Care

• Accommodation Australia Wide.

Limited operates from a central office in Canberra and eight regional offices around Australia. Regional offices are in Perth, Darwin, Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Alice Springs.  

Managed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
Aboriginal Hostels Limited has an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Recruitment and Career Development Policy that is reflected in its workforce. At present Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees make up 82 per cent of all company staff - making it one of the largest single employers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia.

AHL's policy of employing Indigenous people has led to our success. We operate a national organisation that has provided a service to the community for more than thirty three years.

Access to Opportunity Aboriginal Hostels Limited provides the opportunities that improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The company provides an appropriate hostel environment that helps Indigenous people gain access to services like hospitals and schools.

Such opportunities mean that Indigenous people can improve their lives and achieve equity within the wider community. AHL's statement of purpose is to "ensure appropriate temporary accommodation is provided that assists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people improve their standard of living and achieve health, educational and employment-related goals."

A Place to Stay
Our hostels give residents an environment that they can identify with - a place just like home. They easily identify with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and benefit greatly from the friendly and homey atmosphere in our hostels. Our service provides meals and beds in safe surroundings for which a reasonable tariff is charged.

Funding Community Organisations
As well as operating our own hostels, AHL funds approved community organisations to run their own. If an organisation meets certain management criteria, and provided funds are available, they may be eligible for funding under the Community Hostels Grants Program.

A Unique Company
Aboriginal Hostels Limited is an unique company. It is specifically and primarily organised to provide a national hostel accommodation service to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Our commitment to a high level of training for our employees has produced a team of professional and dedicated staff who ensure that the accommodation and services provided to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents is always improving. Aboriginal Hostels