The WACOSS Pilbara Manager has been facilitating a regional FDV Network, supported by Creating Communities Australia, to plan and collaborate on sustainable, place-based solutions alongside smaller local working groups focused on three priority areas. Local interviews provided context for the Network, which has been consolidated into a report that outlines innovative ideas for systematic change. TasCOSS is continuing to work as a partner on Working Together (WT) — supporting early learning, an initiative of the Department of Education which aims to open opportunity for eligible three year old children to participate in free, quality early learning. Our role in this project is to ensure the voices and experiences of families, parents and carers inform the program design. Read TasCOSS’s latest report on Key Findings from Conversations with Families: School Transition. NCOSS Survey | Impact of COVID-19 on Community and Social Services in NSW: NCOSS and a coalition of peak bodies are working with Equity Economics to model the economic impacts of rising unemployment and the flow-on effects for services provided by the sector. Refer to the list of service categories here. Closing Date: 21 Aug 2020 Vale Joy Noble, honorary life member of SACOSS, an outstanding woman and champion of volunteering. On behalf of the sector in SA, SACOSS pays tribute to Joy for her significant contribution over decades. Joy championed many causes, too numerous to mention here, including her role in founding the organisation that later became Volunteering SA&NT. ACT Shelter, ACTCOSS and Community Housing Industry Association (ACT Region) welcomed Homelessness Week Housing Stimulus announced by the Chief Minister but question the opportunity cost, and warn that without substantial and sustained ongoing investment social and affordable housing there will be fewer housing options available for Canberrans most in need when the Housing Strategy expires in 2028. VCOSS and Victorians back significant social housing push. More than three quarters of Victorians want the State Government to “build significantly more public and community housing” as part of its response to COVID-19. According to a new Essential Poll conducted exclusively on the eve of National Homelessness Week, support for more social housing was rock solid in all demographics, regions and age groups, and right across the political divide. In her latest video update, QCOSS CEO Aimee McVeigh talks about our Living Affordability in Queensland report for 2020, and how your contribution can shape our Queensland state election priorities statement. See Aimee’s video here. Did you catch the NTCOSS 2020 NT Election Leaders Debate? For more information on what the social and community sector are asking for this election – and what is being promised, take a look at our election asks here. | 
