Finalists in Homelessness Services Awards Announced

The National Homelessness Services Achievement awards recognise the work undertaken by Not for Profits in delivering homelessness services across the country

Finalists in the inaugural National Homelessness Services Achievement awards have been announced in recognition of the work that Not for Profit organisations undertake in the delivery of homelessness services across the country.

Announcing the 23 finalists, the Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Robert McClelland said that he was “particularly impressed” by the level of dedication in the homelessness services sector.

“These awards recognise the commitment of those organisations and their staff who work day in and day out to support some of Australia’s most vulnerable people,” McClelland said.

“The strong response we had over the nomination period is a testament to the great work being achieved across the sector.”

Nominations were open in seven categories which celebrate excellence, quality, innovation and achievement by homelessness service providers.

McClelland said that he was particularly pleased to see some great examples of both small and large programs in local communities that are meeting the needs of special client groups such as children and teenagers, young parents, Indigenous Australians and older people vulnerable to homelessness.

“We know that reducing homelessness is something the Government cannot do alone, and we are dedicated to working in partnership with these great organisations,” he said.

“We have invested $5 billion in additional funding in homelessness since 2008 and we are continuing to forge strong partnerships with the community sector, state and territory Governments, and the private sector.”

The award winners will be announced at an awards ceremony and expo event on Thursday, March 22 at Parliament House in Canberra.
 

National Homelessness Services Achievement Award Finalists

Excellence or innovation in addressing homelessness by an organisation

• Homeground, VIC
• Larrakia Nation, NT
• Maroondah Halfway House, VIC
• Salvation Army, TAS
• Youth Futures, WA

Excellence in the prevention of, or early intervention in, homelessness

• Queensland Police Service, QLD
• Relationships SA
• Rural Housing Network, Wodonga, VIC

Outstanding business or philanthropic commitment to addressing homelessness

• Second Chance Group, QLD
• StreetSmart Australia, national (except NT)
• Kids Under Cover partnership with Hocking Stuart Real Estate, national

Excellence or innovation in partnerships in delivering services

• RSPCA, NSW
• Wentworth Community Housing, Nepean / Blacktown, NSW
• The Footpath Library, multiple locations

Closing the Gap: Excellence in addressing Indigenous homelessness

• Inanna, ACT
• CSSU Wadeye Safe House, NT
• New Horizons, NSW

Excellence in supporting pathways to employment or education
The Big Issue Women’s Subscription Enterprise, multiple locations
Southern Youth and Family Services, NSW
Marist Youth Care, NSW

Excellence in addressing homelessness in a regional, rural or remote location

• Hume Region Homelessness Network, VIC
• Life Without Barriers, SA
• Mathew Talbot Homeless Service, NSW, for Vinnies Services