Local leaders to gather in Perth to tackle homelessness through leadership, not quick fixes

As Western Australia continues to grapple with a housing crisis, local leaders from housing, health, local government and community services will come together in Perth next month for the Leadership Academy on Ending Homelessness, a three-day program focused on strengthening the leadership needed to end homelessness.

Taking place from February 4-6, the Leadership Academy on Ending Homelessness is designed to equip leaders with the skills, tools and confidence to drive systemic change – moving beyond crisis responses towards approaches that are proven to reduce homelessness over time.

The Perth Academy is hosted by the Western Australian Alliance to End Homelessness in partnership with the Australian Alliance to End Homelessness, and will be facilitated by internationally recognised homelessness and leadership expert Iain De Jong, founder of OrgCode Consulting and author of The Book on Ending Homelessness.

Since 2015, De Jong has delivered the Leadership Academy to over 1,000 leaders across the United States, Canada and Australia, supporting people to strengthen how they lead themselves, lead other and influence systems to drive an end homelessness. The program was first delivered in Australia in Adelaide in 2023, receiving strong demand from leaders across the sector.

David Pearson, CEO of the Australian Alliance to End Homelessness, says that while the drivers of homelessness are complex, communities around the world that have made progress share one thing in common: strong, coordinated leadership across sectors.

“Homelessness is solvable, but it requires leadership that’s informed, courageous and focused on what actually works,” said Pearson.

“The Leadership Academy is about building that leadership capability right here in Western Australia, so local communities are better equipped to create lasting change.”

With services under growing pressure and more people experiencing housing insecurity across WA, Pearson says investing in leadership capability is critical to sustaining progress in a challenging environment.

As part of the Academy, participants will explore:

• What effective homelessness leadership looks like in practice
• How to shift systems towards prevention and housing-led responses
• Practical tools leaders can apply immediately in their own organisations and communities.

The program is open to leaders and emerging leaders from across all sectors, including local government, community services, housing, health and allied fields.

Michael Chester, Co-CEO of Uniting WA, the Perth Academy’s principal sponsor, said the organisation was proud to support an initiative focused on long-term solutions.

“Uniting WA is proud to support the Perth Leadership Academy because bold, collaborative leadership is critical to achieving real outcomes for people experiencing homelessness,” said Chester.

“This program strengthens leadership across the sector and brings practical tools into focus. We’re pleased to support an initiative that builds capability in Western Australia and helps drive lasting change.”

The Leadership Academy on Ending Homelessness will be held at Novotel Perth, with limited places available. Organisers note that cost should not be a barrier to participation, and encourage anyone interested in attending to get in touch at info@aaeh.org.au if support is needed.

Registration closes at 5pm AWST on Monday, January 19.

Tickets and further information: https://events.humanitix.com/perth-leadership-academy-2026

15/01/2026 EventMediaNewsNews and Events