What becomes possible because someone has a safe place to stay? For more than 53 years, AHL has been answering that question for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people away from home. Our new Strategy sets out how we'll answer it over the next decade.
Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL) has launched the AHL Strategy 2026–2036: Honouring Legacy, Transforming our Future, our 10-year strategy for how we will continue to support and serve residents.
Shaped by what we heard
The Strategy was shaped by what we heard through staff surveys, hostel visits, and conversations with residents, families, staff and stakeholders.
Some strong and consistent themes emerged: pride in AHL's history and purpose, the commitment of our staff to the residents they support, and a shared belief in the difference AHL makes in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
We also heard where we can do better. People told us they want more pathways for residents, cultural safety that is visible in everything we do, stronger partnerships across regions, and a shared understanding of where AHL is heading.
The Strategy responds to what we heard.
Honouring legacy
AHL was built on the vision of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders who understood what a safe place to stay could mean for people travelling away from home.
For more than 5 decades, thousands of residents have stayed with AHL while accessing health care, studying, working and pursuing new opportunities. Their journeys are an important part of our legacy.
That legacy is continued every day by staff across the country who welcome residents, respond to their needs and create places where people feel safe and at home. The Strategy honours that work and carries it forward.
Transforming our future
Our purpose hasn't changed. We provide culturally safe accommodation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who need to be away from home to access health care, education, employment and other opportunities.
AHL’s impact goes beyond providing a bed. A safe place to stay can open the door to care, learning, work, connection and opportunity.
Over the next decade, we will:
- always put people first
- create clearer pathways for residents during and beyond their stay
- make cultural safety something we live every day
- build stronger partnerships across regions
- better measure and show the difference AHL makes in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
We'll deliver these priorities in stages, building on our strengths and laying the foundations for a sustainable future.
What becomes possible?
A safe place to stay can mean an appointment attended, a qualification earned or a job secured.
For more than 53 years, AHL has helped make those moments possible. Over the next 10 years, we're setting out to make even more possible for residents.
Read the Strategy:
Have you been part of AHL's story?
If you're a former resident, student or employee, we'd love to hear what a safe place to stay made possible for you. Contact media@ahl.gov.au.