Social housing at a crossroads

18 September 2025

CEO Update

In NSW, it seems there’s a third certainty alongside death and taxes: the social housing waiting list will keep growing.

Over 66,500 people are now on that list, including more than 1,000 who joined between June and July this year. With average wait times between five to ten years, we must ask: is this a waitlist or a permanent state of crisis?

These are real people — older Australians couch surfing, young people in tents, families living in cars, all priced out of a private rental market that no longer works for low and moderate-income earners.

The waiting list grows even amidst a statewide construction boom with housing developments from Woollahra to Wagga Wagga, or Marrickville to Mudgee. But within this apparent action plan lies a glaring omission: where is the social and affordable housing?

We are at a crossroads. If we keep building only for the wealthy, or with minimal allocation for social and affordable housing, we risk locking in deep social divides. The answer lies in mixed housing developments that integrate social, affordable, and private housing. The evidence is clear: mixed communities are stronger, healthier, and more resilient. They give people access to jobs, schools, healthcare, and community — and they reduce stigma and social isolation.

We urge all levels of government to act with urgency:

Deliver secure, affordable homes for those in greatest need
Improve housing opportunities across all communities
Set and enforce minimum energy efficiency standards in all rental homes
With housing as a foundation, connect people to employment, education, and support systems.

Meanwhile, we commend the NSW Government for the recent announcement on strengthening rental protections for domestic violence victim-survivors. The reforms will be a massive weight lifted off the shoulders of victims, most of them women, who find themselves trapped at home with their abusers due to outdated tenancy laws.

This included expanding the list of vulnerable people to give them better access to protections under the Act, allowing changes to locks without landlord approval and requiring permission from renters to use images or video of their personal belongings.

On this we can all agree, providing safe housing should be another of life’s certainties.

NCOSS spoke to Belinda Reed, manager of Warlga Ngurra Women and Children's Refuge.

1. Tell me about how Warlga Ngurra got started and how it has changed over the years?

Warlga Ngurra was originally established in response to the urgent need for safe accommodation and support for Aboriginal women and children escaping domestic and family violence. Our roots are deeply embedded in community, we were created by Aboriginal people, for Aboriginal people, and we've always worked from a culturally safe, trauma-informed approach.

Over the years, Warlga Ngurra has grown from a small refuge service into a holistic support hub. We don’t just provide crisis accommodation — we now offer case management, advocacy, housing support, and community education. We’ve also strengthened our partnerships with other services, so that women and children receive wrap-around support that meets their cultural, emotional, and practical needs. One of the biggest changes has been our increased focus on early intervention and prevention of family and domestic violence and helping to break the cycle of violence before crisis occurs.

2. What’s a program you run that you are really proud of?

We run multiple programs here at Warlga Ngurra, and honestly, I’m proud of them all. Each one plays a vital role in supporting some of the most vulnerable members of our community, women and children who are fleeing or have survived domestic and family violence.

Our Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) program provides crisis accommodation and case management for women and children in immediate danger. Targeted Earlier Intervention (TEI) focuses on prevention and early support for families, while helping to reduce the risk of violence before it escalates. And Maali’s Journey, one of our more recent and culturally-grounded initiatives, walks alongside Aboriginal women on their healing journey, reconnecting them with culture, community, and self-determination after leaving domestic violence.

Each program has a unique focus, but together they offer a holistic response, one that not only supports safety but also empowers long-term recovery and independence.

3. How can we address the root causes of domestic and family violence?

Addressing the root causes of domestic and family violence means going beyond emergency responses — we have to tackle the deeper social, cultural, and economic factors that drive violence in the first place. For Aboriginal communities, this includes the ongoing impacts of colonisation, intergenerational trauma, systemic racism, poverty, and the breakdown of cultural and kinship systems.

We need to prioritise culturally safe, community-led solutions, invest in early intervention and education, and support programs that promote respectful relationships, gender equality, and healing. It’s about changing attitudes, restoring community strength, and creating environments where violence is neither normalised nor tolerated.

But to do all of that effectively, we need long-term, sustainable funding. Services like Warlga Ngurra can only continue supporting women and children if we have the resources to meet demand, and right now, the need is greater than ever. Without proper funding, we’re limited in how many people we can reach and how much support we can provide. If we want to break the cycle, the investment has to match the scale of the issue.

4. Last week the NSW Government announced new rental laws to make it easier for women to leave unsafe homes. What impact will this have on the women you support?

These new rental reforms are a positive and much-needed step forward for the women we support at Warlga Ngurra. One of the biggest barriers for women leaving violent relationships is the fear of housing instability or being financially trapped in a lease with their abuser. The fact that victim-survivors can now end a tenancy without needing to notify the alleged perpetrator is a huge safety win, it allows women to leave quickly, quietly and safely.

Expanding the list of professionals who can declare someone is experiencing domestic violence also means faster access to support, especially for women in regional or remote areas, or those who may not have had contact with police but are still experiencing abuse.

We also really welcome the strengthened privacy protections, and giving NCAT the power to split rental bonds and remove victims from tenancy databases means fewer women will be financially penalised for the violence they’ve endured. All of this sends a clear message: the system is starting to listen, and it’s shifting to support women rather than re-traumatise them.

That said, for these reforms to have real impact, they must be backed by strong implementation, community awareness, and access to safe housing options. Most importantly, services like ours need increased, long-term funding so we can meet rising demand and walk alongside women through every step of the journey, from crisis to recovery.

The NCOSS AGM will be held on Friday, 21 November 2025 at 10am at Yirranma Place, 262 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst and by livestream.

Information on how to register for the AGM will be released soon.

Call for Resolutions

NCOSS members would have received information about submitting resolutions for the AGM. Resolutions must be submitted by Friday, 19 September, 2025. If you are a NCOSS member and you haven't received this notification please contact us and we will be happy to help.

If you need more information about the NCOSS AGM, or have any questions, please contact NCOSS on 02 9211 2599 or by email.

If your service and community have been impacted by recent disasters, consider making a submission to the NSW Parliament Review of the operations of the NSW Reconstruction Authority regarding the NSW East Coast severe weather from May 2025. The Inquiry covers multiple disaster events that have impacted northern NSW since the end of 2024 and asks about the NSW Reconstruction Authority’s:

Use of planning powers
Communication with affected communities
Effectiveness of any relevant preparedness and adaptation work
Application of any relevant funding under the Joint Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements

If you are an NCOSS member and would like to provide input to the NCOSS submission, please contact advocacy@ncoss.org.au.

Do you work for a non-government organisation and want to know more about Parliamentary Inquiries, so that you can participate and influence policy?

Do you want to build your skills in writing submissions or in appearing as a witness?

This workshop is most useful for people who have limited or no experience in writing submissions or taking part in hearings. It is also well-regarded by those who would like to refresh their knowledge and skills in the subject areas.

Discussions are facilitated by staff members of the NSW Legislative Council parliamentary committees, as well as by the NCOSS Policy and Research team.

It is free to attend, but numbers are limited and RSVP is required. (Sorry in-person only - no livestream available).

15 October, 2025, 8.45am-1pm. NSW Parliament House, Sydney.

Register here.

Submissions to the Fair Work Commission’s (FWC) review of the SCHADS Award closed on 12 September. Contributions came in from organisations across the country, as well as from the NSW and Commonwealth governments and the Council of Social Services (COSS) Network.

In its joint submission, the COSS Network called on the FWC to:

Recognise the unique combination of diverse qualifications, skills and lived experience for valuing the workforce,

Protect the workers’ pay to prevent pay cuts and wage stagnation, and

Rollout any changes in stages to consider and balance administrative and financial impacts.

The submission also included new data from the recent COSS Network survey on SCHADS, highlighting that:

572 small, medium and large community organisations took part

Respondents stressed the importance of qualifications alongside lived, professional and cultural experience to be employed in the sector

One in three organisations expect ‘high difficulty’ in implementing the new structure without significant time or support.

Just 5% said their current government funding would adequately cover any significant new wage costs.

You can read the COSS Network’s full submission here and explore the complete list of submissions on the FWC website. We’ll keep you updated as the review progresses. In the meantime, please contact Justine Lee at justine@ncoss.org.au with any questions.

Community service organisations can take on many roles to support communities impacted by disasters and to help communities prepare. But what do these organisations need to meet the challenges of disasters and remain operating effectively?

The CODA Community of Practice focus areas are:

Investigating the main roles (current and potential) of the NSW community service sector across the disaster management cycle – relief, recovery, mitigation and preparedness.
Identifying the sector's resourcing and development needs to effectively undertake these roles.

The first CODA Community of Practice is on Thursday 6th November. We’ll discuss Disaster preparedness – people: Incorporating client disaster preparedness planning into service delivery.

You can complete an expression of interest here.

The CODA Project receives grant funding from the Australian and NSW Governments.

Have your say on your experience of the scheme by using the survey and upcoming consultation.

Stakeholder survey for employers, workers and stakeholders to provide feedback on the registration process and help shape how the scheme is managed into the future.

Stakeholder consultation 23 September at 10am– determining the boundaries of a community service team.

Stakeholder consultation 30 September at 10am – determining the distinction between health services and community services.

Stakeholders to help the Phase 2 employer portal design, including the submitting of service returns and processing of levy payments. The commitment would be for 1 hour over the next 2-3 weeks and potentially more as the system build progresses. 

Register your employees ASAP (before December 2025) so they can take their Long Service Leave in six years instead of seven. Participation on the scheme is mandatory.

Make sure you read about it here, and register here to sign up for regular updates.

Anti-Poverty Week 2025 will run from Sunday 12 October to Saturday 18 October.

For more than 20 years Anti-Poverty Week has operated in Australia around the 17th of October, the UN Day for the Eradication of Poverty. The purpose is to help Australians understand poverty and to take action collectively to end it.

We support three campaigns that are acting to end poverty: End Child Poverty, Raise the Rate and Everybody’s Home.

Host an event during Anti-Poverty Week. See the comprehensive list of Ideas for Activities including:

online lectures, debates, workshops and conferences
in-person panel discussions, lunches, breakfasts
drop-in advice, training and information sessions
virtual competitions, exhibitions and tours.

In partnership with the National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse, our research team is undertaking a study to explore accessibility of child sexual abuse prevention services across Australia.

Participants are invited to complete an anonymous online survey, which would take approximately 10 minutes.

The survey is designed for service providers, professionals, community members and families, and young people over 16 years.

Participants may also enter the draw to win one of three $150 gift cards.

For more detailed information and to access the survey, please click here.

Never Too Old for a Future: Dignity, Equity, and Power for Older Women

Older Women's Network
2 October, UTS Function Centre
$150 | Register here

You are warmly invited to the National Older Women's Network's Conference!

This one-day conference will highlight issues which impact on the realisation of older women's rights to safety, economic security, housing and health as well as aged care.

It will give policy makers important perspectives to inform more inclusive policy-making, and provide older women the opportunity to share expertise and experiences.

The conference seeks to foster discussion, share expertise, and promote dignity, equity, and power for older women.

Youth Work Conference and Awards
Youth Action
3-4 November, Bicentennial Park, Sydney
$90-$350, Register here

This year’s conference, proudly partnered with the NSW Office for Youth, will focus on moving beyond boundaries. Guided by the voices of young people and the expertise of the sector, we’ll examine bold ideas, practical solutions and innovative approaches that can drive real change in NSW.

Highlights include:

Two days of connection, collaboration and learning
Inspiring discussions that challenge current systems and explore new approaches
Celebration of creativity and resilience across the sector
The Youth Work Awards dinner on Monday 3 November, recognising outstanding contributions statewide

Annual Gala Ball
Great Lakes Womens Shelter
22 November, Tuncurry
$125 | Register here

This enchanting evening promises not only to be a memorable celebration but also a vital opportunity to support a cause that transforms lives.

As you enjoy a night filled with exquisite dining, live entertainment, and inspiring stories, you'll be contributing to the essential services and programs that empower women and children in our community.

Join us in making a difference—secure your tickets now and be part of a night that truly matters.

Gala Dinner & Awards Night

AbSec
18 November, Murrook Culture Centre

$180 - $260 | Register here

This year’s theme, Honour the Past, Empower the Present, Shape the Future, is about coming together to celebrate our communities, reflect on our shared journey, and shine a light on the people making a difference for Aboriginal children and families.

Tickets include a 3-course meal, Unico Zelo wines, live entertainment, and access to the NSW Aboriginal Child and Family Awards Ceremony, all while celebrating on Worimi Country, in the company of community leaders, practitioners, carers, and supporters from across NSW.

Community Mental Health Drug & Alcohol Research Network Grant
Closing Date: 16 October 2025

CMHDARN is excited to invite member organisations of Mental Health Coordinating Council (MHCC) and/or the Network of Alcohol and Other Drugs Agencies to apply for the 2025–2026 Innovation and Evaluation Grant.

This $20,000 grant supports community-managed organisations working across mental health and alcohol and other drugs to undertake a project that:

Champions innovation and evaluation
Addresses both MH and AOD service delivery contexts
Builds sector knowledge and capacity

For more information, please visit the grant information page.

Gambling Harm Prevention Grants
Closing Date: 20 October 2025

Funding to support the creation of culturally relevant social media content about gambling harm, developed in partnership with young Aboriginal people.

The grants aim to:

empower Aboriginal young people to start conversations about how gambling affects them and their communities
raise awareness about gambling harm among Aboriginal young people
support the development of engaging, culturally meaningful and community-informed social media content
build community capacity to co-design and deliver awareness campaigns about gambling harm
learn how social media campaigns on this issue can make a difference.

For more information, please visit the grant information page.

Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grant
Closing Date: 30 September 2025

The Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grant adopts a number of strategies to develop and support Aboriginal people through the creation of training and employment opportunities.

Promoting diversity, innovation and service responsiveness in the NSW workforce, the Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grant subsidises the salary, development and support costs of Aboriginal employees in public service agencies, local government authorities and Aboriginal community controlled organisations.

For more information, please visit the grant information page.

Some of the latest from our Jobs Board:

Program Manager (Inner City Sydney) NADA - VIEW JOB

Senior (State) Manager - Programs (Sydney CBD) Australian Red Cross - VIEW JOB

Communications Lead (Inner City Sydney) Seniors Rights Service - VIEW JOB

Senior Project Officer - Family Inclusive AOD Services (North Sydney) Carers NSW - VIEW JOB

Project Officer, StreetCare (Sydney CBD) Justice and Equity Centre - VIEW JOB

Program Manager - Homelessness (Griffith) The Salvation Army - VIEW JOB

Aboriginal Family Worker (Western Sydney) Junaya Aboriginal Corporation - VIEW JOB

Team Leader – Multicultural Peer Navigation (Sydney CBD) ACON - VIEW JOB

NCOSS gives its members the opportunity to share their stories, research, resources, events and more through NCOSS eNews. If you have something to share with the sector, send through a short blurb (50-70 words), image (250 x 250px) and relevant links to info@ncoss.org.au.

We will endeavour to add it to an edition of NCOSS e-News (goes out every fortnight on Wednesday morning). Deadline for content is 5:00pm on Monday, the week of publication. The next deadline is Monday, 29 September 2025.