Homelessness Week Launch - in person

The 2024 Homelessness Week Launch will focus on ending homelessness for children and families.

Join us to hear from

• Anne Hollonds, Australia’s National Children’s Commissioner on children's homelessness, and other speakers TBC.

Anne Hollonds is Australia’s National Children’s Commissioner. Formerly Director of the Australian Institute of Family Studies, for 23 years Anne was Chief Executive of government and non-government organisations focussed on research, policy and practice in child and family wellbeing. As a psychologist Anne worked extensively in frontline practice, including child protection, domestic and family violence, mental health, child and family counselling, parenting education, and family law counselling. Anne currently contributes to several expert advisory groups, including the Family Law Council, Australian Child Maltreatment Study, NSW Domestic and Family Violence and Sexual Assault Council, National Plan Advisory Group (NPAG), and Early Years Strategy Advisory Panel.

• The Hon Julie Collins, Minister for Housing and Homelessness

Julie was elected as the first female representative for Franklin in 2007. Julie entered politics because she believes quality education, decent health services and fairness in the workplace should be available to everyone.

Throughout her career in politics, Julie has worked tirelessly to help improve the lives of others. Julie has held numerous portfolios in both Government and Opposition.

She is currently the Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness and Minister for Small Business. Julie lives on Hobart’s Eastern Shore with her husband Ian and three children.

Frances Crimmins, CEO, YWCA Canberra

Frances Crimmins is the Chief Executive Officer of YWCA Canberra, a leading feminist not-for-profit organisation. YWCA Canberra provides integrated and specialist support in housing and homelessness services, and supports women and their children escaping domestic violence, as well as providing a range of other community services.

Frances is passionate about supporting people experiencing homelessness, with a particular interest in addressing the needs of older women and women with children at risk of homelessness. As a specialist housing provider, YWCA Canberra provides affordable housing and tailored housing solutions to older women and women and their families through a range of different services. This includes case management and support for women experiencing domestic violence.

Dom Rowe, CEO, Homelessness NSW

Having worked in executive roles for organisations such as Greenpeace, the National Tertiary Education Union, the Australian Council of Trade Unions and more, Dom’s career has focused on achieving changes for a better society. She has a strong personal commitment to ending homelessness, and is thrilled to bring her high-level skills in strategy, communications, adult education, politics, research and policy to tackling the housing and homelessness crisis with the Homelessness NSW team. “I’m proud to lead an organisation seeking to make homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring. Together, we can make sure every person has a safe, secure and affordable home.”

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Wesley Conference Centre, 220 Pitt Street, Sydney, Australia