




Welcome to the
National Homelessness Conference
We are excited to be bringing the homelessness, housing and social services sectors together for a national conference hosted by and for the homelessness sector in Australia.
In a context of the growing housing crisis, homelessness practice is becoming more challenging. Tragically, three million Australians are now at risk of homelessness, a rise of 60% in six years.
The good news is that responses to homelessness keep developing. The challenge is to tap into these bright spots of innovation to drive broader practice, and scale up successful homelessness programs. Thankfully, we have a community of fierce advocates and innovative services who are creating meaningful change.
This conference will bring together the best and brightest across the country who understand that the above challenges are merely obstacles rather than roadblocks. They will showcase evidence-based initiatives that work, as well as proposing new approaches for the future.
If you are interested in being part of the homelessness solution, we hope to engage with you at this important national gathering.
Regards,

Kate Colvin
Chief Executive Officer
Homelessness Australia
Our Advisory Board & Speakers
The advisory board for the conference plays a crucial role in shaping the event's direction and content. These hand-picked industry experts bring their knowledge and experience to ensure that the conference addresses the most relevant topics and challenges facing the sector.

Kate Colvin
Chief Executive Officer
Homelessness Australia

Anke Jansen
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Housing First Nederland

Stephen Simpson
Chief Executive Officer
Homelessness QLD

Neil Willmett
Chief Executive Officer
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Queensland

Samuel O’Connor MP
Minister for Housing and Public Works and Minister for Youth
QLD Government

Catherine Robinson
Associate Professor in Communities and Social Justice Lead
Homelessness ColLAB, University of Tasmania

Frances Crimmins
Chief Executive Officer
YWCA Canberra

Zachariah Matysek
Chief Executive Officer
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Association (NATSIHA)
Key Takeaways
-
Understand the Scope of Homelessness: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the scale, nature, and complexities of homelessness in Australia.
-
Evidence-Based Practices: Deepen your knowledge of effective, evidence-based approaches to address homelessness.
-
Foster Collaboration and Partnerships: Work with peers to strengthen community supports and enhance organisational strategies and responses to complexity.
-
Incorporate Lived Experience: Integrate the voices and expertise of people with lived experience into your homelessness responses.
-
Inclusivity and Cultural Safety: Design culturally safe services for First Nations Australians, children, and young people.
-
Stay Updated on Policy Developments: Learn about the latest homelessness policies and their implications for practice.

Who Attends?
The conference will bring together senior leaders and frontline workers across the homelessness, housing, social services, government, and research sectors.
Organisations Include:
-
Homelessness and Housing NFPs + Advocacy Groups
-
Social and Affordable Housing Providers
-
First Nations Community Controlled Sector
-
Domestic Violence NFPs
-
Mental Health NFPs
-
Drug and Alcohol NFPs
-
Government Departments and Agencies
-
Local Councils
-
Universities and Research Institutes
Job Titles Include:
-
C-Suite
-
Directors of Homelessness, Housing, Emergency Shelter, Rental Support
-
Senior Strategy and Policy Managers
-
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing
-
Domestic Violence
-
Child Protection
-
Case Worker
-
Tenancy Support