MEDIA RELEASE: Uniting Ballarat employee recognised for efforts in homelessness

Published

September 27, 2017

Uniting Ballarat is celebrating after the announcement that one of their own has been recognised as going above and beyond for people who are experiencing homelessness in the local area.

Adam Liversage, Assertive Outreach Worker for Uniting Ballarat’s Street to Home program, accepted the Leading Practitioner award at the Council to Homeless Persons 2017 Victorian Homelessness Achievement Awards on Wednesday 13 September.

Adam Liversage CHP Award

He was selected from six outstanding nominees for the award, which recognises the exceptional efforts of workers within the specialist homelessness service system. Adam was awarded specifically for his role driving Uniting Ballarat’s Street to Home program, which demonstrated tangibly the benefits of engaging local businesses and council to drive a collaborative approach to supporting people experiencing homelessness.

“It’s an honour to receive this acknowledgement from the Council to Homeless Persons. The Awards provide a fantastic opportunity to distinguish important outcomes across the sector,” said Mr Liversage.

“This award reinforces that what we do matters and makes a difference in the community and to people facing injustice”.

Uniting Ballarat Manager of Housing and Crisis Support Services, Wendy Ferguson, said “Thanks largely to Adam, the Street to Home program aim of assisting four rough sleepers to access long term housing was exceeded. Adam worked with 13 people to connect them with resources and health care, and ultimately place them in safe accommodation.”

As a result, the Street to Home program has since received further funding from the Department of Health and Human Services and will be used as a pilot for services across the state.

“Previously, Ballarat had only Adam working directly with people sleeping rough. Now thanks to his hard work Street to Home will not only continue, two more outreach workers will come on board which will make the world of difference,” continued Ms Ferguson.

“We’re very proud of Adam and his hard work in this program. It’s great to see our staff recognised for the work that they do facing injustice and inspiring people in our community.”

Chief Executive Officer, Council to Homeless Persons, Jenny Smith said “Our specialist homelessness sector is full of people who go the extra mile every day. People who demonstrate leadership, who innovate every day to get outcomes for their clients, and whose dedication to the most vulnerable goes beyond the expectations of a job.

We are proud to recognise Adam Liversage as one of Victoria’s leading practitioners. His dedication to people experiencing homelessness is a fine example of best homelessness support practice”

To find out more about Uniting Ballarat’s programs, please visit www.unitingcareballarat.com.au.

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