NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS)

Today we hosted a Regional Forum in Wagga Wagga that brought together over 100 people from local social service organisations. Our CEO Cara Varian got straight into it this morning with an interview on ABC Riverina about the challenges communities in the region experience when it comes to accessing health and social services.    Swipe to have a listen. ▶️🎧

NCOSS CEO Cara Varian spoke with ABC radio this morning about what the Federal Budget means for NSW. Listen to the interview below. #Budget2025

Reflecting on the much improved response to the latest disaster in Northern NSW. There is still a way to go for the community sector across the State. Local organisations need the security of ongoing funding. NCOSS member organisations in Northern and Mid-North NSW include Bundjalung Tribal Society Ltd., Human Nature, @Wardell Community Organised Resilience Effort Inc, Blue Sky Community Services, Byron Youth Service, Kyogle Family Support Service Inc, Ngunya Jarjum Aboriginal Child & Family Network, Northern Rivers Community Gateway, @Northern Rivers Women & Childrens Services, Women Up North Housing, Gurehlgam, Murwillumbah Community Centre, @The Family Centre, Port Macquarie Neighbourhood Centre, Neighbourhood Centres of Bellingen Shire Inc, The Winsome & Lismore Soup Kitchen

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It was great to attend the 5th Financial Inclusion Conference in Kingscliff yesterday. A fantastic series of sessions, exploring issues ranging from the digital welfare state, multi-sector collaborations, the needs of First Nations communities, and even the very design of capitalism itself! Thanks to the organisers for the invitation to play a small role on a panel. NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS) is dedicated to working with all parts of the system to ensure everyone is financially included. #FIC25 Northern Rivers Community Gateway Jenni Beetson-Mortimer Tommy Mu Brogden

Today, I attended the Carers NSW Collaborating for Inclusive Disaster Resilience Symposium. It was a great opportunity to hear more about Carers NSW Care2Prepare project, including how much the project participants valued the planning process and outcomes. I was on the 'Community Networks & Capacity Building' panel with Kelly Stoner and Angela Cook from the Country Fire Association and Jean Renouf (PhD) from Plan C where I was able to highlight the important disaster resilience work of place-based community service organisations. Such a valuable and well organised networking and learning opportunity. Thank you Sarah Judd-Lam, Felicity Lochhead and the excellent Carers NSW team.

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