WA leaders empowered to drive change at Leadership Academy on Ending Homelessness

Sixty-seven Western Australian leaders participated in the inaugural Perth Leadership Academy on Ending Homelessness earlier this month.

Hosted by the Western Australian Alliance to End Homelessness (WAAEH) and led by internationally recognised homelessness expert Iain De Jong of OrgCode Consulting, the Academy was a three-day intensive program designed to build leaders’ confidence, strengthen their influence and connect them with like-minded peers working to end homelessness.

“The Academy provides a rare opportunity for leaders in WA to come together and get on the same page about ending homelessness,” said Louise Olney, Executive Director of the WAAEH.

“From here, we can move forward into 2026 with a shared vision and aligned mission.”

During the Academy, participants strengthened their leadership approaches, explored new models and tools for building positive relationships, and became part of a supportive learning community. The program also enabled participants to establish a strong network of allies across the sector.

Iain De Jong was inspired to start the Academy after realising that the essential ingredient that distinguishes communities making progress in reducing homelessness from those that weren’t is leadership strength, not technical training or workforce skills.

Through the Academy, Iain empowered participants in their leadership journey and energised them to drive the change needed to make a real difference.

Supporting the Academy while adding an important perspective, people with lived experience of homelessness also attended the three-day event.

Mr. De Jong will now travel to Sydney and Brisbane to facilitate two additional programs for more than 200 participants.

12/02/2026 EventNewsNews and EventsWAAEH