The Victorian Government will today transfer ownership of more than 1400 properties to Aboriginal Housing Victoria.
The move has taken decades and is the country’s biggest public housing transfer to one community housing organization, with a total value of $500 million.
The organisation currently provides secure and affordable housing for 4000 Aboriginal Victorians and its chairman Tim Chatfield said this is a landmark moment for their people.
"This announcement is the culmination of a 30 year struggle by our founders and Elders," Mr Chatfield said.
He said self management through ownership has been a a long held goal for the organisation.
"It gives us more of a say in how we meet our own housing needs."
The chief executive Jenny Samms told SBS it was one of the most significant announcements in relation to Aboriginal affairs Victoria has ever seen.
"It's a fantastic act of self-determination and we're very proud that the government has had the confidence in us to transfer these properties," Ms Samms said.
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She hopes the ownership transfer will act as a template for other states to follow suit.
Aboriginal elder Aunty Pat Ockwell said she has seen many people living in tents and tin sheds, on river banks with little children.
The transfer brings to an end a struggle to get better housing for her people.
"The future is owning, the Koories, they'd be so thrilled to know that Aboriginal Housing Victoria is getting ownership, because they keep asking me now, but I just tell them and explain tit to them that it will happen one day and today's the day and it's great," Aunty Pat said.
Rebecca Edgell faced eviction from transitional public housing, but was thrown a lifeline when she turned to the organisation.
She told SBS she was lucky to get a place, which she intends to make her own, after settling down with her three children and finding work part-time work.
"It's pretty spacious and close to everything like schools and transport, I couldn't be happier," she said.
"The kids feel safe, I feel safe and the kids look after it as if it's out own.
"It's everyone's dream to own their own home sooner or later and with this happening it's one step closer."
The transfer will save the government money it would otherwise spend on maintenance and allows the organisation to sell properties that are no longer suitable, develop others and buy new homes.
It's the biggest ever transfer of freehold title to an indigenous group.
