Organisers of the popular music festival Splendour in the Grass were recognised for an innovative homelessness partnership at an awards presentation last week.
Ten awards were presented by the non-profit Momentum Collective to community sector volunteers, workers, clients and organisations.
Splendour in the Grass won Fundraiser of the Year for its work with local community groups to collect unwanted camping gear, donated by festival-goers, to be distributed to homeless people across northern NSW.
Momentum Collective CEO Karen Murphy said the partnership with Splendour in the Grass was an example of the extraordinary, innovative work in the community sector.
‘Our clients, volunteers and partners inspire us every day – they don’t expect awards or recognition but they deserve it because they make a practical, positive difference to our communities,’ Ms Murphy said.
‘Around 37,000 people across northern NSW are homeless and often have no other choice but to sleep rough.
‘While a tent and a sleeping bag is not a long-term solution, it can certainly provide warmth and comfort on a cold winter’s night and we commend Splendour in the Grass for their contribution to improving the lives of our most vulnerable people.’
The Momentum Collective was previously known as Third Sector Australia (3SA), with the name change announced as part of last week’s awards ceremony.
‘For more than 30 years, our services have provided housing, employment, education, independence and security for people in northern NSW and Queensland,’ Ms Murphy said.
‘Our new name reflects our ongoing commitment to bringing positive momentum and change to people’s lives.’
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