NSW Department of Communities and Justice

We’re proud to share that the MERIT program has won a Gold Award at the 2025 Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards. The ceremony took place at Parliament House on Ngunnawal Country in Canberra and recognised MERIT’s work helping people get treatment and support across NSW. For more than 20 years, MERIT has helped turn court appearances into opportunities for change by supporting people to break the cycle of drug and alcohol use and crime. This award shows a strong partnership between DCJ, NSW Health, the Chief Magistrate’s Office and NSW Police Force, working together to deliver an effective justice system and safer communities. Thank you to the more than 45,000 program participants who chose a new path and worked tirelessly to turn their lives around. Together, we’re building stronger communities and creating real pathways for change. Learn more: dcjnsw.info/MERITProgram Australian Institute of Criminology

"It’s so fantastic when the best development on the street is the social housing development.” 🏡🌿 Homes NSW has delivered 45 purpose-built homes for seniors as part of Stage 3 of the Rosemeadow Renewal project in Sydney’s south-west. The renewal has transformed what was old 1970s housing into 230 quality new homes – a mix of private, social and affordable – designed for safety, comfort and independence. With greener streets, better homes and easier access to shops, childcare and local services, this is renewal done right. The homes were funded through an innovative model that combines proceeds from the direct sale of private lots with financing from the Federal Government’s National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC). It’s all part of the $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program and our work to deliver quality homes and services that change lives and end homelessness. Learn more 👉 dcjnsw.info/3LOWXeA

We are proud to launch our foster carer recruitment campaign – a key part of the NSW Government’s landmark reform of the out-of-home care system. Every story speaks of milestones, memories, and moments that matter. For children in care, those moments can start with you. Right now, children and young people across NSW need safe, loving homes. Becoming a foster carer is one of the most rewarding things you can do – and you have what it takes to make a lasting difference. ✨ Change a child’s life. Become a foster carer. Find out more at nsw.gov.au/fostercare

Children and young people need safe, loving homes now – and you might be eligible to help. If you’re over 18, have a spare room, and can provide a safe, loving environment, you could become a foster carer. Just a few days or months of your time can mean everything to a child in care. You’ll receive training, support, and guidance every step of the way. ✨ Change a child’s life. Become a foster carer: nsw.gov.au/fostercare

Today ACWA are marking Universal Children’s Day by highlighting the importance of ethical advocacy and storytelling that protects, not exploits, children and young people.

Celebrating our DCJ superstars! We’re thrilled to spotlight the incredible individuals and teams who’ve gone above and beyond to make a real difference across NSW and within DCJ. Your passion and commitment are what keep our communities strong! 💙 This year’s Making a Difference Employee Awards (MaDE) finalists have wowed us with their creativity, leadership, and dedication in categories like Innovation & Leadership, Inclusion & Diversity, and Aboriginal Community Service. 👏 Drumroll, please… here are this year’s winners: • Building Strong Partnerships Award – Birdnesting Project Team, Corporate Services, Infrastructure and Assets • Inclusion and Diversity Award – Women in Communities & Justice Network • Internal Service Delivery Award – Restoration and Family Time, System Reform • Management and Leadership Award – Sheron Steward, NSW Sheriff’s Office (Courts, Tribunals and Service Delivery)   • Excellence in Service (Individual) – Claire Stanners, Youth Justice (System Reform) and Matthew Simpson, Commissioning and Planning (Strategy, Policy and Commissioning)  • Excellence in Service (Team) – Domestic and Family Violence Emergency Package, SPC, WFCS • Excellence in Service to the Aboriginal Community –  Western Sydney Prenatal Team – Western Sydney, Nepean, Blue Mountains District (Child Protection and Permanency)  • Workforce/Workplace Innovation Award – Modern Methods of Construction Team, Homes NSW, Housing Portfolio A huge congratulations to all our winners, finalists, and nominees! 🎉

Discover Beyond Service: Veterans’ New Journeys, featuring works by #HughSemple, the 2025 Anzac Memorial Veteran Artist in Residence. Through art and personal reflections, this exhibition reveals the resilience and creativity of Australian veterans as they step into life beyond the uniform. The Anzac Memorial's Veteran Artist in Residence program offers contemporary veterans the opportunity to engage with the Memorial and the broader community through an artwork or project. Location: Anzac Memorial, Hyde Park Sydney Hours: Open daily, 9am–5pm | Free Entry On now until 31 January 2026, learn more: https://ow.ly/eymE50XrxpU NSW Office for Veterans Affairs

To mark the month of Movember, we hosted the Movember Lived Experience Panel last week in Parramatta and helped grow important conversations about men’s health. 🥸❤️🩹 Panellists from across DCJ shared personal stories about men’s health and caring for loved ones with chronic or terminal conditions. These conversations highlight why this month matters and shine a light on issues like: - High suicide rates among men and boys - Preventable cancers such as testicular and prostate if detected early - The need to break stigma and encourage regular health checks Thank you to moderator Paul O’Reilly and panellists Rick Towerton, Anthony Williams, Christian Tisdell and Victoria Liehr for sharing their experiences. Let’s keep the conversation growing. 🤝

Racism can occur in everyday spaces and affect people in significant ways Speaking up isn’t always easy, but staying silent can make it seem acceptable. We all have a role in calling it out and supporting each other. Together, we can build a culture where everyone feels safe, respected and free to be themselves. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gHn_rvYX

Know a young person working hard to keep studying? 🎓 They may be eligible for a Youth Development Scholarship. Meet Joy, a Western Sydney student now in her third year of university, studying psychology and primary education. Joy has received a @Homes NSW Youth Development Scholarship twice: first to purchase a laptop, and later to support a 15-day teaching placement that brought her closer to her dream of becoming “the person I once needed – a supportive and understanding educator for children whose lives have been shaped by change and hardship.” Each $1,000 scholarship helps young people living in social housing or out-of-home care stay engaged in school, TAFE or university by covering essentials such as textbooks, uniforms, laptops, travel and more. There are 1,500 scholarships being offered in 2026, and applications are now open. 🔗 Apply Now: https://lnkd.in/gg9D-CzC