Media Release Erin Longbottom, the National Director of Homelessness at St Vincent’s Health Australia, has been named Unsung Hero at the 2026 Sydney Awards.
“Sleeping rough can be very dehumanising and incredibly hard for people to hold on to hope at times,” she said. “Our job is to remind people that homelessness does not define them and that a different future is possible.”
“One of the most powerful things about working in homelessness and health is meeting people with compassion and acceptance, no matter where they are in life. It’s recognising that, at our core, we’re all the same. Some people have simply experienced circumstances and challenges that have profoundly changed the course of their lives. You don’t judge; you just help.”
Erin’s work with people experiencing homelessness began as a nurse at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney’s Homeless Health Service, where she led a clinical team providing outreach healthcare to people experiencing homelessness. She now serves as St Vincent’s Health Australia’s inaugural National Director of Homelessness, first role of its kind for an Australian healthcare organisation, focused on strengthening health’s role in preventing and ending homelessness.
The Committee for Sydney’s Unsung Hero Award, supported by Architectus, celebrates those who work tirelessly, without anywhere near enough recognition, to make Sydney a little bit better every day.
Eamon Waterford, CEO of the Committee for Sydney, said: “Homelessness in Sydney is all too easy to turn away from. Instead of turning a blind eye to the Sydneysiders who need the most support, Erin leans in and treats them with the respect, dignity and care we all deserve.”
“She is the embodiment of an Unsung Hero and a hero for so many Sydneysiders.”
Ray Brown, CEO, Architectus said: “Erin’s work reminds us that a fair, compassionate city is measured by how we care for people doing it toughest. Her leadership in homeless healthcare – meeting people with dignity, empathy, and practical support – is profoundly humbling. Erin, thank you for your tireless commitment to some of Sydney’s most vulnerable residents. It’s a privilege for Architectus to help shine a light on your work.”
Professor Leonie Tickle, Executive Dean of Macquarie Business School, said: “Erin Longbottom’s commitment to our city’s most vulnerable has changed lives. She is a shining example of where compassion and determination meet to help create better outcomes for those experiencing homelessness.”
Jon Owen, Pastor and CEO of Wayside Chapel, said: “Erin’s the sort of person that looks at the heart and goes the extra mile for everyone she meets. She’s no respecter of background or station in life. If you are someone who needs to be cared for and you can ask for it, she’s there for you.”
Despite the challenges of people sleeping rough that Erin has witnessed throughout her career, she has hope for the future.
“For me, hope is having ‘anger and a plan.’ It’s anger that anyone should have to sleep rough and a plan to solve it,” she said.
“We can solve homelessness. We know what works. But we need the right people around the table and the proper investment to do it.”
Designed to celebrate people whose efforts make Sydney the greatest city in the world, there are six categories: Sydneysider of the Year, Young Sydneysider of the Year, Project of the Year, Local Project of the Year, Unsung Hero and the People’s Choice.
The judging panel for the awards included:
- The Hon. Prue Car MP, Deputy Premier of NSW
- Kellie Sloane MP, Leader of the Opposition
- Zac McLean, Head of News, The Daily Telegraph
- Prof. Leonie Tickle, Executive Dean, Macquarie Business School
- Susan Wheeldon, Country Manager, Australia, New Zealand and Oceania, Airbnb
- Kerry Robinson OAM, CEO, Blacktown City Council
- Shaun Christie-David, Founder & CEO, Plate it Forward
- Karen Bevan, CEO, Full Stop Australia.
The Sydney Awards are supported by major partner Macquarie Business School, media partner The Daily Telegraph, and event sponsors Aqualand, Architectus, EY, Sydney Airport and Lime.