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Celebrating the 2026 Sydney Awards

Architectus is proud to support the Committee for Sydney’s Unsung Hero Award, recognising the individuals whose dedication, compassion and leadership make a lasting difference to the communities they serve. 

This year’s recipient, Erin Longbottom, National Director of Homelessness at St Vincent’s Health Australia, has spent her career advocating for and supporting people experiencing homelessness. Beginning her work with St Vincent’s Homeless Health Service in inner Sydney, Erin now leads coordinated homelessness healthcare efforts across Sydney and Melbourne, helping connect some of Australia’s most vulnerable people with essential healthcare and support services. 

“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.” Architectus CEO and Principal Ray Brown said. 

Reflecting on both the challenges and opportunities ahead, Erin remains hopeful about the future.  

“For me, hope is anger and a plan. It’s feeling angry that anyone should have to sleep rough, to have to go through that dehumanising experience, and having a plan to solve it. We can end homelessness. It is absolutely a problem that’s possible to solve, but we need the right people around the table and the proper investment to do it.” She shared. 

The Committee for Sydney’s Unsung Hero Award celebrates people whose efforts often go unrecognised, yet play an essential role in making Sydney a better city every day. It is one of five Sydney Awards categories, alongside Sydneysider of the Year, Young Sydneysider of the Year, Project of the Year, and Local Project of the Year, recognising the people and projects that contribute to Sydney’s success.  

Architectus congratulates Erin on this well-deserved recognition and thanks all finalists and nominees whose work continues to strengthen communities across Sydney.