THE tremendous contributions of Coffs Harbour caseworker, carer and advocate Opal Harvey have been recognised during the NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS) awards, which were announced during an event at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Circular Quay on 27 October.
Ms Harvey, a First Nations woman, works with people experiencing homelessness at Pete’s Place, the St Vincent de Paul Society of NSW’s Coffs Harbour homelessness service.
She was one of four frontline workers short-listed for the award and received the top honour for Excellence and Impact.
Opal said she was totally shocked and overwhelmed when her name was announced.
“I wasn’t expecting to win,” Opal said. “I was just grateful for the nomination.”
In her citation, NCOSS stated that Opal’s work had changed how people experiencing homelessness with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) or cognitive impairment were understood, supported and advocated for.
“[Opal] supports people experiencing homelessness, disadvantage and complex needs through culturally safe, practical and person-centred care,” the citation read.
“Her nomination recognises the way she brings professional skill and lived experience together to improve outcomes for vulnerable people and families.
“As a kinship carer for children with FASD, Opal also champions understanding of cognitive differences, helping people feel heard, supported and equipped to advocate for themselves.”
Opal said she began working at Pete’s Place seven years ago and quickly learned that knowledge and understanding were vital in bringing together the right supports to empower people.
“I could quite clearly see where people were struggling and completely misunderstood,” Opal said.
“I could see what most others couldn’t see, and understand, in a way that was just natural.
“I’ve advocated and learned so much from working with our most vulnerable yet strongest people, who have allowed me to walk beside them and share their journeys.”
The citation explained that Opal asked critical questions of professionals; and challenged systems to respond appropriately.
“Opal upskills external agencies by providing relevant, practical information so support is tailored to each person’s circumstances,” NCOSS said.
“She also advocates strongly across housing, health, justice and support systems to help people secure or retain tenancies.
“In the past two years, she has expanded this work from local service awareness to a statewide training opportunity for around 300 St Vincent de Paul NSW housing and homelessness staff, equipping frontline teams to recognise cognitive differences, navigate systems more effectively and achieve better outcomes for people facing homelessness.”
“Knowledge and understanding together bring the right support and help empower people,” Opal said.
“The world is changing. Systems need changing. I’m glad I’m a part of that journey.”
Opal could not speak highly enough of the St Vincent de Paul NSW leadership.
“They are some of the greatest advocates; passionate about supporting our most vulnerable,” Opal said.
“I couldn’t do the work I do without their support.”
NCOSS CEO Cara Varian said the number of nominations for the awards had been overwhelming, with applications from advocates and organisations supporting people experiencing the state’s most complex struggles, including domestic and family violence, homelessness, discrimination and poverty.
“Times are undoubtedly tough, but that’s even more of a reason for us to celebrate the incredible individuals and organisations supporting people during hardship,” Ms Varian said.
For Opal, even her recognition is all about the people she supports.
“I’m just happy that this will help raise awareness about complexities and the need to support people whose disabilities come with stigma and are often invisible,” she said.
By Eve NESMITH
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