National Showcase
On October 8, the AAEH held our Advance to Zero National Showcase in Brisbane, and what an event it was. SAAEH Director and key event organiser, Liv Carusi, provided the following summary of the evening:
“Overlooking the spectacular river and city, over 70 people gathered at Rydges in Brisbane to break bread, enjoy one another’s company and discover new insights into our Advance to Zero efforts.
We kicked off the evening with inspiring words from Tom Dalton, CEO of Neami National, our major event sponsor. Tom encouraged everyone to take away new insights and consider joining the Advance to Zero movement.
David Pearson then shared discoveries and learnings from his recent Churchill Fellowship. He spoke about how ending homelessness is absolutely possible, and shared examples of where this has already occurred.
Presentations then followed by leaders from Brisbane Zero, Victoria (Launch Housing), South Australia (South Australian Alliance to End Homelessness and Adelaide Zero Project) and Western Australia (Western Australian Alliance to End Homelessness).
A common thread in their messages:
- Belief that ending homelessness is achievable.
- Dedication to the Advance to Zero framework.
- Local, community-driven collaboration.
- Embracing learning from mistakes, without blame.
- Sharing knowledge, resources, and celebrating each community's victories.
I take this opportunity to thank Ash and Tahlia from AAEH in providing vital event support, to all the presenters who showed up and do what they do best, to our major sponsor Neami National and event sponsor Micah Projects, and all the folks that gathered! It was a privilege to have supported this event.”
Leadership Academy
Throughout 2023, there have been many success points and highlights for our movement right around the country reflective of the commitment and dedication of folks towards our vision of ending homelessness. The inaugural 2023 Leadership Academy is one of our success points.
The program offered and delivered by Iain De Jong was designed to enrich, equip and provoke critical thinking about our individual and collective understanding of leadership and the place of leadership towards ending homelessness.
From the get-go, it was extremely pleasing to witness and be part of the story where delegates threw themselves into the program, from table discussions, larger group discussions, the networking and new connections made over the four days.
Beyond the Academy, an Academy information pack has been created, which provides a range of Academy resources, a Slack group has been established to continue the leadership discussions and four online leadership sessions will be offered in 2024 facilitated by Iain. AAEH is also committed, with Iain, to offer the Academy in 2025.
Iain has also shared with us how much he enjoyed the Academy experience. Thanks folks for making Iain’s time with us enjoyable.
Advance to Zero Learning Session
On October 25 and 26, 100 Advance to Zero community members, staff and sector allies gathered in Melbourne for our annual in-person Learning Session.
It was wonderful to see so many members of our movement gathered in the same room, sharing ideas and learning from each other. Across two days, we heard from presenters who spoke to a range of topics and provided updates on how their communities are progressing towards ending homelessness. There were moments of celebration for the progress that's been made so far, and opportunities for problem-solving, meeting new colleagues and working collaboratively.
Thank you to everyone who attended and presented at the session. A huge thank you also goes out to Rian Watt and Erin Healy from Community Solutions for their brilliant work in facilitating the sessions and for making the trek to Australia from the United States. We can't wait to see you all next time!