Link Wentworth staff member Julia and resident Mary were honoured at the recent ZEST Awards—well-deserved recognition of their long-held commitment to the Western Sydney community.
Held on Friday 17 June 2022, the annual ZEST Awards recognises and celebrates Western Sydney’s community sector. Our group of Executive, Senior Leadership and staff were present on the night to support all the nominees.
Now in its 12th year, Link Wentworth is proud to have been a sponsor of the event since 2018—this year sponsoring the ‘Partnerships Award’.
As Link Wentworth’s Specialist Support Lead for the Together Home Program, Julia Shoesmith was successful in her category of Outstanding Community Sector Leader. Julia manages a team of Case Workers who deliver housing and support packages to vulnerable people experiencing homelessness in the Greater Western Sydney region. A passionate and empathetic leader, Julia has represented Link Wentworth at a number of conferences to share her expertise and is one of the few nationally credited trainers in Housing First principles.
Mary was awarded Outstanding Volunteer Community Leader for her work as a member of Link Wentworth’s Tenant Advisory Group and her role as volunteer at the Women’s Cottage in the Hawkesbury. Offering her voice to Link Wentworth’s recent advocacy event The Big Housing Debate, Mary graciously shared her story of housing stress as a single mother.
Link Wentworth was also nominated in the category of Exceptional Project in a Not for Profit Organisation for the Western Sydney Heat and Social Housing Project led by Vanessa Tomas, supported by Michele Mullineaux.
We are so proud of all our winners and nominees for their excellent work and tireless dedication to the Western Sydney community. Congratulations!
Link Wentworth wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which we work and pay our respect to the Elders past, present and emerging, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.