Have you experienced homelessness?
Are you using your lived experience to help shape better homelessness services, programs or policies?
The Australian Homelessness Conference is Australia’s largest cross-sectoral housing event in Australasia and is a key platform for policy makers, housing and community service providers, industry, researchers, and planners to shape improved housing outcomes across Australia.
AHURI will convene the Australian Homelessness Conference in Darwin on 7-8 October 2026.
Thanks to the generous support of Mission Australia, there will be one Sponsored Delegate place for people with lived experience of homelessness to attend the Australian Homelessness Conference 2026 from WA.
This opportunity recognises the valuable contribution that people with lived experience make to improving responses to homelessness and housing stress. The conference provides a unique chance to connect with sector leaders, researchers, service providers, advocates and other people with lived experience from across Australia.
What does a sponsored delegate place include?
The successful applicant from WA will receive:
- Free conference registration and full access to all conference sessions
- Meals and refreshments during the conference
- Travel and accommodation costs for the WA delegate
- Opportunities to network and learn alongside housing and homelessness sector professionals and advocates
- Access to a pre-conference online briefing and an in-person delegate gathering to help you feel prepared and connected before the event begins
Who can apply?
We encourage applications from people who have experienced homelessness and are currently, or have recently been, using their lived experience to:
- Inform service or program design
- Support advocacy and systems change
- Influence policy or sector reform
- Participate in lived experience advisory groups
- Undertake peer work or similar roles
Sponsored delegate places are intended for people who are not currently employed in an ongoing paid role within the housing or homelessness sector. Honorariums and occasional one-off payments do not affect eligibility.
How to apply
To apply, please:
- Complete the Sponsored Delegate Application Form
- Include your CV or resume (if you have one).
- Provide the details of a referee who can confirm your contribution and eligibility.
Applications from Western Australia should be submitted to:
Shelter WA
Attention: Charlotte Fox
Email: shelterwa@shelterwa.org.au
Applications close: 5pm Friday, 7 August 2026
Selection process
Applications will be assessed through a selection process coordinated by Shelter WA. The selection panel will include a person with lived experience of homelessness. Applicants will be advised of the outcome following the Selection process. AHURI will also contact the delegate directly to let them know their application was successful and make further arrangements directly with the delegate.
Need support or have questions?
We understand that applying for opportunities like this can sometimes feel daunting. If you would like more information, have questions about your eligibility, or would like support with your application, please contact:
Charlotte on (08) 9325 6660 or via email shelterwa@shelterwa.org.au
We strongly encourage applications from people with diverse lived experience backgrounds and from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Your knowledge, insight and experience are valuable, and we would love to see your voice represented at the Australian Homelessness Conference 2026.
