We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and pay our respects to all Elders past and present, and to the children of today who are the Elders of the future.
Artist: Jasmine Sarin, a proud Kamilaroi and Jerrinja woman.
The NSW Ombudsman has welcomed the appointment of Heidi Hardy as the new Deputy Ombudsman, Aboriginal Programs.
A proud Aboriginal woman of Ngemba descent from Brewarrina, NSW, Heidi brings over 20 years of public sector experience, with a background spanning both government and the NSW Aboriginal Land Rights Network.
“I’m excited to welcome Heidi to this important role,” said NSW Ombudsman, Paul Miller. “Heidi’s experience with governance, systems oversight, accountability, and community outcomes will be a great asset in reinforcing our commitment to independent, impartial and impactful oversight.”
“With her extensive experience, Heidi’s work will enable us to continue strengthening our connections with diverse First Nations stakeholders across the state.”
Heidi said she was honoured to be joining the NSW Ombudsman.
“Having worked alongside Aboriginal communities and government agencies throughout my career, I understand both the opportunities and the challenges of creating meaningful change,” Heidi said.
“I’m looking forward to bringing that experience to the NSW Ombudsman, helping to strengthen the effectiveness and impact of Aboriginal programs for Aboriginal people and communities across New South Wales.”
An important focus for the Deputy Ombudsman, Aboriginal Programs is leading the Ombudsman’s statutory function to monitor and assess the delivery of Aboriginal programs across NSW, including OCHRE (Opportunity, Choice, Healing, Responsibility, Empowerment) – the NSW Government’s flagship Aboriginal affairs plan first launched in April 2013 – as well as other NSW government programs that are primarily directed to the health, or cultural, economic, educational or other wellbeing, of Aboriginal persons or communities.
The NSW Ombudsman looks forward to Heidi joining the team to build on its important work of pursuing fairness for all the people of NSW, particularly through the independent oversight of Aboriginal programs.
Heidi commences with the NSW Ombudsman on 17 August 2026.
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and pay our respects to all Elders past and present, and to the children of today who are the Elders of the future.
Artist: Jasmine Sarin, a proud Kamilaroi and Jerrinja woman.