Workshop 4: Shaping Housing First implementation in NSW

This interactive workshop introduces Housing First, an evidence-based approach that prioritises immediate access to permanent, non-conditional housing alongside the support to maintain it. The session blends practical insights with reflective activities to build knowledge, confidence, and actionable skills.

As NSW embarks on its early Housing First journey, participants will explore how we can shape its implementation across the sector. The workshop includes systems-focused sessions, helping participants understand broader barriers and opportunities in delivering Housing First, and practice-based sessions, providing practical strategies for applying its principles in day-to-day roles.

Participants will examine core Housing First principles in Australia, including the right to a home and active engagement without coercion. Through discussion, reflection, and case studies, they will leave empowered to strengthen collaboration, navigate challenges, and contribute to a high fidelity approach to a Housing First system NSW.

Presenters

Jessica O’Brien

Homelessness NSW

Jessica is a passionate homelessness advocate with seven years’ experience across diverse Social Work settings. She has spent the past six years working in Housing First-informed programs across Ireland and Australia, including two years with Housing First Dublin and four years within the Together Home Program in NSW.

Since starting with Homelessness NSW, Jessica has looked for opportunities for Housing First advocacy and systems change work, bringing her frontline expertise to support the development and implementation of Housing First practice at a broader level. She is particularly interested in contributing to service delivery frameworks that prioritise choice, autonomy, and low-barrier access, ensuring programs reflect the core principles of Housing First while responding to the diverse needs of communities in NSW.

Jessica was selected for the fourth round of the National Housing First Train the Trainer Program and is committed to sharing her learnings to build sector capability. She is passionate about contributing to practice development, strengthening sector confidence, and inspiring meaningful change across the homelessness sector.

Tess McGregor

Homelessness NSW

Tess is a Learning and Development specialist with over 10 years’ experience designing and delivering training across community services, with a strong focus on the homelessness sector in NSW. She has spent the past three years working closely with the sector to support workforce capability, sector-wide learning, and practice improvement. She has led the development of learning programs, capability frameworks, and sector-wide initiatives that aim to strengthen practice and improve outcomes for people experiencing homelessness. Tess was selected for the fourth round of the National Housing First Trainer Program, reflecting her strong commitment to Housing First and its potential to create meaningful development opportunities across the sector. Her work is grounded in a values-based approach, underpinned by a deep belief that everyone has the right to a safe and stable home, the support to keep it and that systems should uphold dignity, choice, and long-term support.