Minister for Indigenous Australians
The Board of Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL) is now all Indigenous, following the appointment of four new Directors and a new Deputy Chairperson by the Albanese Government.
Aboriginal Hostels provide a home away from home for those in need, with culturally safe and affordable accommodation that supports First Nations people to access services, education and economic opportunities.
AHL operates more than 40 hostels across Australia, supporting around 17,000 First Nations people each year.
The newly appointed board members are:
Professor Jack Beetson, Director: A Ngemba man from western New South Wales, Professor Beetson has extensive experience in education, cultural leadership, community development and governance. He is the Founder of the Literacy for Life Foundation and has served as the Executive Director of Tranby Aboriginal College and as the foundation president of the Federation of Independent Aboriginal Education Providers.
Dr Vanessa Lee-Ah Mat, Director: A Yupungathi and Meriam woman who grew up between Cape York, the Torres Strait and Mossman, Dr Lee-Ah Mat is a consultant and social epidemiologist with 18 years’ experience in intergovernmental services and independent board roles. Her expertise spans cultural brokering and governance, strategic thinking, research, public health policy, data governance, education, design learning, health promotion and project management.
Mr Michael Newman, Director: A Galari man of the Wiradjuri Nation, Mr Newman is the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Lowitja Institute. He has more than 20 years of governance experience with leadership in the community-controlled sector and a distinguished career in the NSW Government.
Mr Gohar Rind, Director: A Badimaya Yamatji man from the Murchison region of Western Australia, Mr Rind is the Founder and Managing Director of Yira Yarkiny Group, WA’s first Indigenous cyber security organisation. He has more than a decade of executive and board-level experience across government and the business sector.
Current Director, Ms Shona Reid, has been reappointed and named Deputy Chairperson. An Eastern Arrernte woman with cultural connections in both South Australia and the Northern Territory, Ms Reid is the SA Guardian for Children and Young People. She has devoted her knowledge, experience, professional and personal life to the advancement and rights of Aboriginal children, young people, families and communities for over two decades.
The Deputy Chairperson and Directors will serve on the board on a part-time basis from June 2026 for three years.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
“I congratulate Professor Beetson, Dr Lee-Ah Mat, Mr Newman, Mr Rind on their Director appointments and Ms Reid on her appointment as Deputy Chairperson to the Aboriginal Hostels Limited Board.
“Their diverse experience and leadership will strengthen AHL’s commitment to providing culturally safe and affordable accommodation for First Nations people across Australia.
“I thank outgoing Board members for their work supporting the important role of AHL over the course of their term.”
