Stephen Hawkins
Head; Strategy, Systems and Project Delivery
Homelessness QLD
Following a successful global career in operations management, during the last 17 years, Stephen has gained extensive experience in the design, implementation and evaluation of human services programs, and holding senior management positions overseeing housing, homelessness, mental health, disaster response, community development and neighbourhood centre operations. Stephen has worked within Government, Peak and Community Based Organisations.
Stephen has delivered the following successful design, implementation and evaluation projects, of which some examples are:
• ‘Integrated Service Response Project’: Engaging with ‘at risk’ families living in caravan parks (2014-15)
• ‘Mental Health Demonstration Project’: Multi-disciplinary and Peer Worker engagement with public housing tenants ‘at risk’ of losing their tenancy due to poor mental wellbeing (2016-18)
• ‘Service Integration Initiative’: Strengthening regional service systems to support households with housing and other needs through a coordinated, multi-disciplinary service system response’s (2020-22).
Stephen was also involved in initial work to evaluate and establish a transportation system in Brisbane to support the homeless community access services (2015), and led the project management of the design and initial roll out of the ‘Stand Up, Step Out’ mobile shower, laundry and outreach support service (2017-18).
Whilst working within Dept. Housing and Public Works, Stephen was heavily involved in the roll out of the ‘Partnering for Impact’ initiative, in particular the project management of Actions listed in the Queensland Homelessness Compact Work Plan (2018-20).
Holding qualifications in counselling, psychology, research, project and business management, Stephen is committed to supporting the community’s most vulnerable through the delivery of an evidenced-based, outcomes focused and effective human service system.
SESSIONS
Day 2
10.05
QLD road map: From crisis to prevention
Learnings from a co-designed model that shifts housing responses from reactive to proactive.
Stephen Hawkins, Head; Strategy, Systems and Project Delivery, Homelessness QLD
Dr Tammy Hand, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Upstream Australia
Day 2
12.20
In conversation: Data with dignity: How measured outcomes can shape real change
The importance of program measurement and reporting frameworks
Balancing evidence-based decision making with measured innovation
‘Advance to Zero’ using real time data to drive targeted reductions in homelessness
Moderator: Stephen Hawkins, Head; Strategy, Systems and Project Delivery, Homelessness QLD
Shane Frost, Service Integration Facilitator, Encircle Community Services
Fabian Webber, CQ Zero Community Lead, Roseberry QLD
Workshop
8:30
Workshop: Strengthening the Homelessness Workforce to End Homelessness: Building Skills, Retention, and Resilience
This interactive, solutions-focused workshop will explore workforce development as a key strategy in ending homelessness. Participants will engage in practical discussions and hands-on activities addressing workforce shortages, retention challenges, and skills development needs across Queensland's Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) sector.
Drawing on learnings from the development of the Specialist Homelessness Services Professional Practice Framework (SHSPPF) and extensive sector consultation, the workshop will highlight actionable strategies and shared sector insights. It will also showcase the Academy 4 Learning — a sector-wide initiative aimed at strengthening training, leadership, and workforce capability.
Participants will leave with practical tools, insights into cross-sector collaboration, and strategies to support service delivery and workforce sustainability.
By the end of this workshop, participants will:
Reflect on workforce challenges and opportunities emerging from sector-led consultation processes.
Explore workforce development strategies, including mentorship programs, leadership initiatives, and regional and remote recruitment incentives.
Gain insights into the Academy 4 Learning, a professional development platform designed for the SHS workforce.
Discuss the role of multi-disciplinary case management in improving client outcomes.
Identify practical workforce retention strategies to reduce burnout and increase stability.
Participate in cross-sector collaboration exercises that strengthen local and regional partnerships.
Facilitators:
Stephen Hawkins, Project Lead, Homelessness QLD
Alicia Pont, Practice Specialist, Homelessness QLD