NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS)

Last night NCOSS joined 1000 people at the 2025 Sydney Alliance federal pre-election assembly to demonstrate the power of civil society. We want to see action on housing, energy and climate ahead of the federal election. Minister for Energy and Climate Change Chris Bowen, Member for Parramatta Andrew Charlton, NSW Senator Mehreen Faruqi and Member for Warringah Zali Steggall OAM MP heard testimonies from our communities and committed to continue working with the Sydney Alliance on specific, concrete post-election action on housing and renting, affordable and renewable energy, and climate resilience.

Today, I'm at the Country & Climate Forum at UTS listening to Indigenous experts in Environment, Economics and Technology. Coming up and out of my 'silo' to look at everything - land, water, people, culture - as interconnected. Practicing deep listening and thinking about how to do my small bit toward the big story to ensure no one gets left behind. Some messages from the day: - Have a unifying future state to inform our work. What kind of world are we working towards? - Indigenous Knowledge and non indigenous knowledge don't have to be kept separate. They should be brought together to find solutions. - Be kind. Understand that what affects one, affects all. NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS) Professor Anne Poelina Commissioner Katie Kiss Deen Sanders Rhonda Radley Luke McIlroy-Ranga Susan Moylan Coombs Nathan Sentance Cliff Cobbo Shannon Foster Tishiko King Elijah Emusu Sione Teisi Session visual recording by Shapeshifters

Immediate support is available for individuals, communities and organisations affected by Tropical Cyclone Alfred in NSW. Stay informed: https://lnkd.in/eVGBqTsU

We are pleased to announce that the 5th Financial Inclusion Conference will be going ahead as planned in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Alfred. And with only 7 days to go, this is your last chance to register and be part of this international collaboration. This conference is primarily for NSW-based workers and services that support people who are financially vulnerable or are affected by cost of living pressures. With a national and international audience, our program includes 35 presenters, 17 sessions, 3 workshops, lively discussions and connection to a network of professionals dedicated to improving financial resilience for everyone. 18+19 March 2025 at Mantra on Salt Beach, Kingscliff NSW – just 15 minutes from Gold Coast airport. Conference program: https://lnkd.in/gWhC37TV Register: https://lnkd.in/gjrCNg8W 50% registration discounts available for NILs officers. Discounted accommodation available for all delegates. CPD points accrual for financial counsellors. #financialinclusion #financialresilience #financialcapability #financialwellbeing #conference #fic25 #costofliving

There's been a lot of talk about what to do to prepare for the storm before it arrives, but what should you do as it's happening? The article below shares these tips: - Stay inside - Gather in the strongest room in your house - Stay away from windows - Conserve energy on your phone - Keep food and water handy

The Australian and NSW Governments have confirmed a Natural Disaster Declaration for Ballina, Bellingen, Byron, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Kempsey, Kyogle, Lismore, Lord Howe Island, MidCoast, Nambucca Valley, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Richmond Valley and Tweed for the Tropical Cyclone Alfred Severe Weather from 6 March 2025. For more information including support available, visit our Natural Disaster Declaration page: https://lnkd.in/gfuqxSZ5 Ballina Shire Council, Bellingen Shire Council, Byron Shire Council, Clarence Valley Council, City of Coffs Harbour, Dungog Shire Council, Kempsey Shire Council, Lismore City Council, Lord Howe Island Board, MidCoast Council, NAMBUCCA VALLEY COUNCIL, Port Macquarie Hastings Council, Richmond Valley Council, Tweed Shire Council

Looking forward to joining my NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS) colleagues and one thousand members of the community at the 2025 Sydney Alliance Federal Pre-Election Assembly next week! We will demonstrate the power of civil society to take action on housing, energy and climate ahead of the Federal election. Looking forward to hearing from Minister for Energy and Climate Chris Bowen, Minister for Cities and Emergency Management Jenny McAllister, Zali Steggall MP for Warringah, and Deputy Leader of the Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi (and hopefully some Coalition MPs as well). Registration closes on Tuesday! https://lnkd.in/gR8VdraC

NCOSS CEO Cara Varian spoke on a panel at the SMH Schools Summit this morning about alleviating disadvantage in public schools. Schools are an integral part of each community. As the Mirrung wellbeing hub at Ashcroft Public shows, schools can provide much-needed early intervention in health and education, and support parents as well as students. This approach can boost school attendance and academic results, and makes school a place where students feel like they belong. Read more about the impact of the Mirrung wellbeing hub below. #SMHSchoolsSummit #NSWEducation

NCOSS policy officer Justine Lee represented NCOSS this week at the Ageing Symposium hosted by the NSW Ministerial Advisory Council on Ageing. The symposium featured thought provoking conversations to inform the here and now, and the future of ageing well.  Pictured: Justine Lee - NCOSS, Mereline Murimwa-Rarami - SydWest Multicultural Services, Jia Wei Zhu - Local Government NSW

⚡️Public education and poverty⚡️ “We need a broader national discussion … We need to think about how we encourage a trend away from concentrations of disadvantage” Michele Bruniges led the federal Department of Education for seven years and was the Director-General of the NSW Department of Education. She is someone we should listen to. This article also highlights the amazing Mirrung hub at Ashcroft Public School, which is supported by NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS). Speaking of the impact of Mirrung, the Principal Poppy Loueizi said: “These activities give students a sense of purpose. They have things to look forward to. They’re motivated, they’re excited. That sense of belonging has contributed to our improved attendance”. We must tackle poverty if we have any hope to give all children the life they deserve.