Peter Scudds 1955

[D P S awarded Public Service Medal for outstanding public service in assisting homeless men overcome the barriers to participation in training and employment [itsanhonour.gov.au/honours 12 June 2006]. [David and Marina moved to the management of the Crafers Tavern in the Adelaide Hills.] [Mr David SCUDDS, 47 Cox Crescent, Dundas Valley NSW. For outstanding public service in assisting homeless men to overcome the barriers to participation in training and employment. Mr Scudds has been the Centrelink Community Officer at Parramatta since November 2003 and, during this time, he has worked in partnership with a range of community sector agencies to develop the ‘Beyond the Link’ project which assists homeless men address the barriers to participation and enhances their ability to take up training and employment opportunities. His work has led to the development of increased confidence in Centrelink service delivery and an understanding of the government’s welfare reform agenda by non-government agencies. The customer group to whom Mr Scudds provides a service is among the most disadvantaged in the Australian community, and he has demonstrated enormous commitment, compassion and innovation in working with them to help them become self sufficient and participate in the broader community. Outcomes have ranged from securing permanent accommodation, to volunteering and enrolling in TAFE courses to employment. Feedback from participants indicates that the program assists with building self esteem, managing feelings of anger, learning about what options are available, and seeing a way forward from their current situation. Mr Scudds personal contribution has ensured the success of the program which is now being delivered for a third time.]