At the beginning of 2016, we would like to thank all our member organisations and individual supporters for your vital support of our work. Your contribution has been crucial in strengthening ACOSS as a national voice against poverty and inequality in Australia. 2015 was a challenging year for people struggling on low incomes and the community sector as we felt the combined impact of the 2014 and 2015 Federal Budget cuts. We fought hard to stop the worst of the measures and many have so far been defeated.ACOSS shone a light on the impacts of short-sighted proposals to reduce family benefits and the income support payments, and highlighted how cuts to vital services have hurt the most disadvantaged people in our community, including single parents, people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and young people. Throughout 2015 we sought to show the whole community the benefits of a fairer society and have played a central role in national reform debates to ensure a strong community voice when the big decisions are made. We have been heartened by your support and that of the general public for our efforts, and are well placed as a trusted voice in the community.United we are a powerful voice from the community, claiming a critical stake in the major economic, social and environmental debates of our nation.With a federal election looming, 2016 is shaping up to be another big year. This makes it essential that independent community voices, such as ours, are heard – to ensure that people impacted by decisions are central to the national conversation.On behalf of the ACOSS Board and Staff, we wish you a happy new year. We look forward to working closely with you through our various member networks, events and collaborations throughout 2016.The ACOSS Team