Gary Oliver: well placed to make a difference

Gary Oliver, Executive Director of Indigenous Housing and Homelessness Programs

The Department of Communities welcomes Gary Oliver as the new Executive Director of Indigenous Housing and Homelessness Programs.

Gary's career accolades are numerous and impressive. He is the current Chairperson of the Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT, a member of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Legal Services, and a special delegate and member of the National Congress of Australia’s first people.

Over the past 12 years, Gary has held positions in management and played a leadership role within the communities in which he has lived and worked, including a governance position in community organisations such as the Aborigines and Islanders Alcohol Relief Service (Cairns) and Ronson Street Youth Service (Inala).

He has also had an active involvement with Apunipima Cape York Health Services and the Aboriginal Death in Custody Monitoring unit.

Gary has 25 years experience in the public service, including the Australian Army, and spent seven years as Regional Manager Aboriginal Affairs with New South Wales’ Department of Human Services. A descendant of Kuku Yalangi from Cape York, Gary is the proud father of four children and lives by the rule of social justice for all.

Gary is looking forward to his new housing role working towards closing the gap in life outcomes and opportunities between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous Australians.