“When approaching a mainstream organisation you don’t know what to expect and it makes you nervous; Will I be respected when I walk in?”

“I am always on high alert when I approach government agencies. It brings back memories of the stolen generations. I fear that they will take a hard-core, callous attitude.”

“I feel comfortable when I apply to an Aboriginal organisation.”

“There is no difference in how you are treated by mainstream or Aboriginal organisations or whether the worker is an Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal person, it is their attitude that matters.”

“It can be hard to prove Aboriginality, which becomes a barrier to securing housing with most Aboriginal organisations.”

“I never know what is happening with the waiting list. Once I was removed from it without knowing which is a very big problem.”

“I do not understand the Victorian Housing Register and I worry that whether I am Aboriginal makes it hard to transfer my tenancy to the mainstream.”

“It is a really a big help when you have the same contact person. You don’t have to repeat your story.”

“It is hard for Elders to be allocated appropriate housing because they are given one bedders. There is no room for a carer or family when they visit.”

“Feeling connected to Aboriginal community organisations is important.”

“I used to have mental health issues. Now I am connected with community organisations and I feel supported and valued.”