Connecting the people who hold our communities together

Each year, over one million people rely on the vital infrastructure provided by the NSW community services sector. And there’s no question that our members go above and beyond under increasingly more difficult conditions.

Community organisations are doing extraordinary work across the state during soaring demand and complex challenges, yet time and again I’m struck by the same truth: our sector’s greatest strength is not just what we do but how we connect.

I’m very excited this year to be able to connect more of our members, explore the existing strengths of our community sector, and discuss the challenges and unmet needs at the NCOSS Local Connect Forums. These forums will build on the powerful conversations we began in Wagga Wagga, Campbelltown and Katoomba last year.

Local Connect is designed with a simple purpose: to support people on the ground in serving the communities they know best. These free, one-day forums bring together locally-based organisations across social services and community health to explore what’s already working and what needs to change.

At each forum, we’ll share important updates that affect the day-to-day realities of our sector, including the Fair Work Commission’s review of the SCHADS Award. But just as importantly, we create space for meaningful discussion about what matters most to you, including workforce pressures, funding uncertainty, unmet needs, and the gaps that fall between systems.

By connecting people, knowledge and experience across communities, Local Connect helps turn collective challenges into collective action.

The first forum for this year is coming up on the 24th of February at Redfern, with more planned throughout the year at Nowra, Bourke, Coffs Harbour and Kurri Kurri.

Click here to find out more information or to register. I look forward to seeing you there.