Testimonials of working with Nick
Nick Housego was awarded the Public Service Medal
Public Service Medal (PSM)
Nick Housego was awarded the Public Service Medal on April 12th, 2024 for outstanding public service in developing and embedding the practice of facilitation services within government departments and agencies.
Mr Nicholas Housego established the Government Facilitation Community of Practice (CoP), a cross government group, which has grown to host over 400 individuals across departments and agencies in all levels of government. Through establishing the CoP, Mr Housego delivered a new capability within the Australian Public Service (APS) that achieves co-designed outcomes and builds true partnerships between the APS and non-government stakeholders.
Mr Housego has facilitated hundreds of workshops with stakeholders, both internal and external organisations. Mr Housego has a reputation for building long lasting relationships and embedded the practice of engaging in a different way, working towards shared and agreed actions and outcomes. Mr Housego deeply understands the importance of facilitation as critical for the success of co-designed programs and outcomes for the success of the APS.
Workshops facilitated by Mr Housego have directly impacted the delivery of successful policy, program, regulation and internal governance projects, with specific reference to biosecurity investment in Northern Australia.
Mr Housego’s impressive contribution and length of service makes him one of the APS’s most respected specialist facilitators. His service has contributed significantly to delivering strategic priorities and innovative achievements through his dedication to building facilitation capability across the APS.
Some Testimonials of Nick’s Work
Nick Housego has worked across government, business, environmental advocacy, the not-for-profit sector, and the creative industries, bringing strategic clarity and collaborative practice to complex and high-stakes work. As a Specialist Facilitator in the Australian Public Service, he delivered more than 18,000 hours of facilitation across areas including biosecurity investment, superannuation reform, industry co-design, and election costings. He also founded the Government Facilitation Community of Practice, which grew from six members to more than 600, and was awarded the Public Service Medal in 2024.
Behind these achievements is the experience people had of working with Nick. Colleagues, clients, and fellow facilitators describe his calm discipline, creativity, generosity, and ability to build trust between people with different perspectives. Their reflections offer a more personal account of Nick’s contribution and the lasting influence of his work.
His work has inspired the International Association of Facilitators to create an award, the Nick Housego Emerging Facilitator’s Award, which is delivered through the IAF Oceania Conference every three years.
As Nick was often heard saying, ‘We need more facilitators!’.