Zachariah Matysek is a Torres Strait Islander leader with deep cultural roots in Erub and Ugar, and a strong, ongoing connection to the communities, lands and waters of Zenadth Kes. He is a nationally respected executive, strategist and advocate with more than 15 years of senior leadership experience spanning Commonwealth statutory authorities, state government, national peak bodies, community-controlled sectors, research partnerships and cross-sector reform.

Zachariah was the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Association (NATSIHA) and Co-Chair of the Housing Policy Partnership under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. Through these roles, he played a leading role in shaping national housing reform, negotiating major funding and policy changes, and building stronger mechanisms for shared decision-making between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and governments.

He is widely recognised for his ability to bring together government, community, industry and research leaders to deliver practical reform with lasting impact. His work has included co-authoring the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander component of the National Agreement on Social Housing and Homelessness, negotiating major Housing Australia reforms, supporting the growth of jurisdictional housing peaks, and advancing a long-term vision for a fully self-determined Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander housing system.

Zachariah also brings significant executive experience in operational leadership, governance, infrastructure, service delivery, stakeholder engagement and organisational development. Across his career, he has led large and dispersed teams, managed major budgets and complex portfolios, and built trusted relationships with senior government officials, ministers, private industry leaders, academics and grassroots communities across Australia.

Grounded in lived experience and driven by a deep commitment to self-determination, Zachariah’s leadership is defined by cultural authority, strategic courage, partnership-building and a relentless focus on better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. He is passionate about creating systems that transfer power, resources and decision-making to community, and about building a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are not only consulted, but are leading the design, delivery and governance of the solutions that affect their lives.