The 2024 Homelessness NSW Conference, held in Newcastle from 19th to the 21st of March, was a resounding success, bringing together over 350 in-person homelessness sector attendees for connection and learning. The conference was attended by service providers, policymakers, academics, and people with lived experiences of homelessness from right across NSW. It was also a time to celebrate the tireless work of our member organisations, with the Gala Dinner being a highlight of the conference. With time to reflect on the event, we would like to thank everyone for joining us and for sharing such important stories.
Beginning on Tuesday with the pre-conference activities, Horatio O’Shea from Sydney Therapeutic Practice helped us explore how psychological frameworks can better help with sector professionals maintaining their personal and team well being. Our CEO Dom Rowe and advocacy specialists Horton Advisory then led a workshop about campaigning and media tips to help build a stronger movement in fighting homelessness. Rounding off Tuesday, our Together Home Project Officer Naomi Lewis and our Aboriginal Project Officer Jessie Robinson led a workshop about the eight Australian housing principles, and their application in Australian housing policy.
The official conference began on Wednesday, with our keynote speaker Dr Tracy Westerman AM delivering an amazing address about the value of meaningful cultural competency and the work of the Westerman Jilya Institute for Indigenous Mental Health. We were moved by Westerman’s fight for psychological services across Australia to improve their ability to respond to the unique challenges faced in Indigenous communities. Across the rest of the discussions, both formal and informal at the conference, many touched on Dr. Westerman’’s insights into the potential conflict between offering the best type of care for an individual, compared to what is common practice.
Following the keynote address, three sessions were held discussing the breadth of issues currently being faced in the homelessness sector. The session “Shelter From The Storm”, with panel members from the Asylum Seekers Centre, Moving Forward DV Case Management and Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation was especially moving, with panellists and attendees sharing stories about managing client trauma, as well as making sure Specialist Homelessness Service (SHS) workers are able to manage their own trauma.
“Working Upstream”, with panellists from Mission Australia, the Community Restorative Centre, the Tenants’ Union of NSW and The Constellation project, discussed effective prevention-focused policies and programs, as well as how we can build a comprehensive framework to make homelessness rare.
“Unveiling Inequity” with panellists from the St Vincent’s Health Network, Twenty10, City of Sydney, and People With Disability Australia, focused on how discriminatory practices at both governmental and service delivery levels lead to higher rates of homelessness for marginalised groups.
On Wednesday night, more than 200 people joined us for the Gala Dinner with special guest Minister for Homelessness Rose Jackson. Not only was it a chance for service providers, academics, and policymakers to come together to share their experiences, but also a celebration of our sector, a rare chance to take a step back and enjoy time together.
Thursday began with a keynote address from Ligia Teixeira, founding Chief Executive of the Centre for Homelessness Impact, sharing her extensive experience of what works to end homelessness within international systems.
Following this address, the plenary session “Empowering Voices” with panellists from The Constellation Project, the University of Queensland, and YFoundations was one of the conference highlights, discussing the transformative potential of incorporating the perspectives of people who have experienced homelessness into the design and delivery of services, policy formulation, and research. We were also privileged to have people with lived experience present in sessions throughout the conference on topics such as domestic violence and barriers to services for non-residents.
“Forward Together” with panellists from the Swinburne University of Technology, BMiles Foundation, Detour House, Hume Community Housing, and University of Western Australia, discussed the strategies, emerging trends, and best practices shaping the future of service provision to people experiencing homelessness.
Three concurrent sessions wrapped up the three busy days of discussion. “Strengthening Support”, with panellists from DVWest, Evolve Housing, Nepean Women’s Shelter, the University of Sydney, and DVNSW discussed exploring and improving the responses of homelessness services in relation to the complex issue of domestic and family violence.
“Forging a Path Forward” with panellists from Uniting/Foyer Central, Southern Youth and Family Services, the Foyer Foundation, and Platform Youth Services examined the Youth Foyer model, and the growing momentum for this model of accommodation and support.
At the final session, “Not Just a Home but the Support to Keep it”, panellists from UNSW, Neami National, and CORE Community discussed the crucial role of support services in helping individuals transition out of homelessness and rebuild their lives.
We are grateful to the more than 50 people who shared their experiences and insights as presenters throughout the conference, on topics such as disaster and climate, prevention, domestic violence, trauma-informed systems, public health, Youth Foyers, discrimination, wraparound support models, service reform, and regional and rural issues.
The Homelessness NSW team extends our deep appreciation to all people who attended and contributed. The passion and expertise shared throughout the conference highlighted the collective commitment we have to making homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring in New South Wales.
November 29, 2023
Save the date 19 to 21 March 2024 for the Homelessness NSW Conference in Newcastle. Registrations open early December.
