What began as work experience with a difference has led to Dave McNair supporting the homeless for three decades.
Dave began working with people experiencing homelessness in inner Sydney. It all started with a "sliding doors moment" - undertaking work experience with Youth With a Mission when he was in Year 10.
"It really opened my eyes to people experiencing homelessness and the associated issues that often go hand in hand with that, like drugs and alcohol addiction, mental health struggles and long-term unemployment," he recalls.
"It was from this experience that I saw social work as a career pathway."
Dave recently marked 20 years working at the Carinity Orana shelter for homeless youth, located in northern Brisbane.
It is in that house that Dave, as Carinity Orana's Program Coordinator, helps young people transition to independence - and find a pathway to a more positive future.
Orana has supported homeless youth - and those at risk of becoming homeless - since 1981. Operating like a family home, it can accommodate up to five young people at a time, offering an average stay of six months.
"For most young people Carinity Orana is a touchpoint in their life and we want to ensure that they have opportunities through which they can thrive," Dave said.
"The young people continue to amaze me. No matter what circumstances have happened in their life they're mostly able to find a positive pathway forward."
Dave says some things have changed over the past 20 years he has supported people in need - some as young at 16 - at Carinity Orana.
"Probably the biggest change has been digital technology, its impacts on service delivery and how young people engage with this technology. For many young people it provides a way to stay connected to their support network," Dave explains.
Family breakdown is still a "big driver" of young people experiencing homelessness.
"For a young person it can be challenging starting off in life, especially when you don't have the support from family," Dave said.
"The issues are still the same but probably now more pronounced with the cost of living and the housing crisis."
Dave paid tribute to the youth workers who help Carinity Orana residents access education and training, employment, counselling services, recreational activities, and new social networks.
"We are fortunate to have what I think are some of the best youth workers. I feel privileged to be able to lead an amazing team who do such an awesome job of supporting the young people," he said.
Dave is also grateful for the network of community supporters which assist the young people, many of whom lack basic items such as clothing, uniforms, toiletries, linen, and access to transport when they are referred to the service.
"We are fortunate to be connected to many different local churches in the area. So many help us in so many ways: through leaving packs, donations including non-perishable food, and prayer," he said.
