Congratulations to our Housing Access Officer Luke Bozic on taking out a Cessnock Business Chamber Customer Service Award.

Luke was a winner of the Community Services Award in the Community, Education & Wellbeing category. He received a number of nominations from community members.

A local resident, Luke has worked at Home in Place for three and a half years.

Luke’s Executive Manager Lauren McCoy joined Executive Manager Social and Environmental Sustainability Jandy McCandless and Executive Manager Operations Hunter Jessica Cowan, to celebrate Luke’s award at a gala dinner at Cessnock Leagues Club on December 3. Lauren congratulated him on the well-deserved accolade.

She said Luke was recognised for always going above and beyond for clients. One example read out on the night was where Luke helped a couple in their mid-sixties who were living out of their car with their two rescue dogs. Luke was able to place the couple in housing immediately and source donations of whitegoods and furniture for them.

“Sometimes the system can take time to get through, Luke’s quick action landed the clients back on their feet,” Lauren said.

“Luke uses his local knowledge and connections and works closely with the Tenancy Team to assist clients at our Cessnock office.

“Being able to successfully house a homeless client is what Luke enjoys most about his role.

He was very overwhelmed by winning this award, but very appreciative that his efforts to help people in his local community have been recognised, particularly during one of the worst housing crises our area has seen in a very long time.”

The annual awards recognise, showcase and reward exceptional customer service within the Cessnock Local Government Area.