Brendan Fitzhenry’s legacy lives on in homelessness award recipients
- deansimpson7
- Oct 2
- 3 min read
BY ANTHONY CASTLE
The Brendan Fitzhenry Frontline Staff Awards are named after a Salvation Army worker who, for two decades, was a passionate advocate for those experiencing homelessness.
Brendan’s work with the Salvos, including his role as Senior Homelessness Specialist, made a lasting impact on the organisation.
He played a key part in developing The Salvation Army’s National Homelessness Model of Care and was recognised for his ability to build collaborative and positive relationships across the sector.
He tragically passed away in July 2023, but his name endures through these awards that honour his life and legacy.
During a ceremony held as part of National Homelessness Week (4-10 August), The Salvation Army announced the recipients of the 2025 Brendan Fitzhenry Frontline Staff Awards, recognising innovative efforts by staff supporting people experiencing homelessness.
This year, a total of 22 nominations were received, with five outstanding staff members chosen as winners. The awards recognise the innovative and compassionate work of frontline staff who embody Brendan’s values of care, dedication, and excellence.
One of the significant highlights of this year’s awards was the introduction of the Lived Experience Expertise Award, a category recognising staff who bring valuable lived experience to their work, helping others navigate their own journeys.
Five outstanding individuals were recognised for their passion, resilience, and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of people experiencing homelessness.
The 2025 Awardees:
(From left) Sarah, Ben, Sam, Anthony and Alira.
Sarah Duncanson – Team Leader, The Salvation Army Homelessness Barwon (Vic.)
With over a decade of service, Sarah Duncanson has been a dedicated part of the Salvos’ homelessness services. Starting as an Entry Point Intake worker and later progressing to a Team Leader, Sarah has consistently shown strong advocacy for her clients. She handles complex cases with determination and compassion, ensuring positive outcomes for those in need. Her ability to build solid relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders has made her a vital member of her team’s success.
Ben Sleith-Starr – Team Leader, Outreach Support Services, The Beacon (WA)
Since joining The Beacon team in August 2024, Ben has quickly established himself as an invaluable team member. His role in championing the Work Development Permit Scheme (WDPS), which enables clients to work off court fines, has had a significant impact. Ben’s collaborative approach extends beyond his direct responsibilities, actively participating in national forums and quality improvement initiatives.
Sam Martin – Assertive Outreach Worker, Early Intervention & Assertive Outreach, Inner City Men's Accommodation Service Sydney (NSW)
Former volunteer turned Assertive Outreach Worker, Sam Martin’s work is grounded in his strong community ties and his ability to connect with the challenges faced by rough sleepers. Sam’s non-judgmental, solution-focused approach has helped him gain trust even with some of the most service-resistant individuals. His work involves pre-dawn patrols and close collaboration with local mental health and drug and alcohol services, ensuring long-term housing solutions for entrenched rough sleepers.
Anthony Davis – Case Manager, Cairns Homelessness Services (Qld)
With nine years of service in Cairns, Anthony Davis has gained respect from both clients and colleagues for his unwavering commitment to homelessness services. His trauma-informed, culturally safe, and strengths-based approach to case management has assisted many clients in their journey towards stability. Anthony has played a key role in shifting his team to a mobile support model, demonstrating leadership and dedication in both his casework and team-support roles.
Amira Healy (Lived Experience Expertise Award) – Peer Support Worker, Hospital Discharge Program, Transitional Supported Accommodation Adelaide (SA)
Amira Healy has quickly become a beacon of hope and support for residents of Kurlana Padnipadninya, a new transitional supported accommodation service in South Australia. Her peer support work, alongside her creative initiatives to enhance self-care and morale within the team, exemplifies her dedication. Amira’s approach not only encourages positive outcomes for residents but also inspires her colleagues with her empathy, enthusiasm, and thoughtful messages of support.
The Brendan Fitzhenry Frontline Staff Awards remain a powerful reminder of the difference that frontline workers make every day in the lives of some of the most vulnerable members of society.
