Stand Together 2024 - Stand Together Day

Honouring those who stand together in difficult times

Too many families in Australia today are just one bad break away from homelessness. The increased cost of living, relationship breakdowns and lack of affordable housing are all contributing to a homelessness crisis in Australia. There is hope to end homelessness if we choose to stand together.

The Stand Together Day Awards celebrate the people who share kindness, and support, giving people who are struggling the opportunity for a brighter future. We’re asking you to celebrate and thank those special people in your life.

**Congratulations to Amanda Smith whose nomination has been judged as the winner. We are in the process of organising the journey to receive the award in September at the CMAA Connect Conference.**

Sue and Ross opened their hearts and home to me after my husband passed away from cancer. Without their support I may have had no option but to camp out in my caravan in a park or similar. (Brisbane, Qld) 

After a couple of days of sleeping in my car, Eva found out about my situation and the first thing she said to me was that I was going to live with her and everything would be fine. Little did I know that during this, her and her family were going through a very difficult time as her dad had nearly died. Her and her family still took me in though, gave me a bed, food, clothes and love and i couldn't thank them enough. (Newcastle, NSW)

In the midst of spiraling personal circumstances, I found myself out of work, in deep debt and without a home. Two work colleagues and friends, who had probably seen me quite differently and in very different circumstances, without judgement or question, offered their homes and support to me as I worked through this period. Dinuka and Megan will never be forgotten for their kindness during this extremely difficult time. (Sunshine Coast, Qld)

I’m nominating Maricel as the only person who stayed with me in my most difficult time in my life, when I got pregnant my partner left me, I lost my job, I lost all my friends and now I am alone struggling from my mental health. Now I am 8.5 months pregnant and a single mother of my 15 year old. (Sydney, NSW)

Real stories:

Homeless at 23, but for the generosity of strangers.

No one would guess that on his 23rd birthday, Luke was homeless at a train station in the western suburbs of Sydney – alone, without money, friends or family, and with no other options.

Luke’s story highlights that hidden homelessness can happen to anyone, through no fault of their own. But thankfully, strangers chose to stand together with a young and broken man in his time of need.

Has someone stood alongside you during a difficult moment? Nominate them to honour their role in your story.

Homelessness facts

¹ ABS (2021) Census of Population and Housing: Estimating Homelessness
² Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2022) Specialist homelessness services annual report 2021–22

Who are Australia’s ‘hidden homeless’?

Even if we don’t see it, homelessness is all around us. In fact, 94% of homelessness in Australia is hidden from view. Hidden homelessness can happen to anyone, through no fault of their own. The increased cost of living, impact of domestic and family violence, mental health issues and the lack of affordable housing for vulnerable people – these are all factors contributing to a homelessness crisis in Australia.

Every night, over 122,000 Australians are homeless¹ – living in their cars, a garage or other temporary, often insecure accommodation.

They are Australia’s hidden homeless.

Ashley is a survivor who is breaking the cycle.

Ashley remembers her first experience of homelessness when she was just four years old. Throughout most of her childhood and teen years, Ashley faced ongoing struggles with mental health, tragic life events, and family conflict.

As an adult, Ashley pursued further study in community services. When she came across the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – a document written by the UN over 75 years ago, Ashley caught her first glimpse of the life she deserves to live.

Today, Ashley applies her lived experience in her role at Mission Australia, offering real hope that has lasting impact. Ashley’s story highlights that there is hope to end homelessness in Australia if we choose to stand together.

Has someone stood alongside you during a difficult moment? Nominate them to honour their role in your story.

Your Name(Required)

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Who are you nominating as someone who was able to stand with you through a challenging time of your life?(Required)

Please describe in as much relevant detail the challenging time you were experiencing, who you are nominating, and why you are nominating them.

Please note: We do not need contact details of your nominated person at the moment but we may contact you further

The criterion for the selection is to choose the story that most reflects the spirit of “Stand Together Day”, generous empowerment of another through a difficult time.

Other ways you can stand together to end homelessness.

Stand Together Day Awards

We want to honour the people who stand alongside, lend their strength and support others who are going through a hard time.

All nominations are automatically eligible to be considered for the national Stand Together Day Awards which will be presented as a part of the CMAA Connect Conference in partnership with Mission Australia.

The prize includes flights within Australia for the nominee and the nominator, two nights accommodation + breakfast at the QT Hotel in Surfers Paradise and a gala awards dinner on Tuesday 24 September 2024.

Terms and conditions apply