Aboriginal Hostels welcomes new CEO

AHO CEO Joy Savage

NATIONAL: Aboriginal Hostels Limited has welcomed its new CEO Joy Savage to the company following the retirement of her predecessor Roger Barson.

Mr Kevin Smith, Chairperson on behalf of the Directors and staff welcomed Ms Savage to lead AHL through its ongoing strategic reform program.

“The Board looks forward to working with Joy to ensure Indigenous people around the country continue to have access to safe, comfortable, culturally appropriate and affordable accommodation.”


Ms Savage, an Aboriginal woman from Cairns in Far North Queensland has links to the Kandju people on Cape York and family connections to Yarrabah.

“Joy has a unique blend of both non-government and public service experience,” Mr Smith said.

“Joy previously managed the Indigenous Policy and Immigration Branch within the Social Policy Division in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

“She has worked in a variety of senior management roles in the Aboriginal community service sector including CEO of the Wuchopperen Health Service, based in Cairns.

“After joining the Australian Public Service in 2000 she led child and maternal health policy, chronic disease and remote health service delivery within the Department of Health and Ageing.”

On her appointment, Ms Savage said, “I am excited to have joined the team and look forward to playing a positive role in shaping the future of AHL.

“AHL is an iconic institution that has done some outstanding work for nearly 40 years.

“I am confident that together we can build on these many achievements of AHL.”