A future with new buildings but very little community

25 June 2025

CEO Update

This week’s state budget has focussed on how the government can support its ambitious housing targets with significant financial commitment to the ’pipes and poles’.

But unless the government matches this commitment with a determined push to improve the state’s social infrastructure, I fear what we will be building is a future with lots of new buildings but very little community.

‘Social infrastructure’ is not a commonly used term in Australia, but it is increasingly being embraced internationally as describing the physical places that encourage social interaction and connection.

While they may not be as obvious as a toll road or a power grid, social infrastructure is the ‘glue’ that holds communities together, linking services and supports and filling gaps that any of us can fall through.

In December 2023, NCOSS released ‘Beyond Roads and Bridges’, an analysis of the shortfall in social infrastructure in South-Western Sydney. It found an underspend of $3 billion a year up to 2041 to meet the demands of a growing population base.

One of those critical pieces of social infrastructure are the network of 175 Neighbourhood and Community Centres that serve the state, represented by NCOSS member the Local Community Services Association.

Neighbourhood Centres play a critical on ground role, facilitating community development projects, coordinating service delivery, and playing an integral part of frontline responses to, and recovery from, natural disasters.

Right now, these centres are chronically underfunded, with the majority unable to keep the doors open five days a week and being linked into servicing specific funding arrangements rather than focussing on their broader mission of community development.

NCOSS supported the LCSA’s call for a modest increase in core funding to ensure that all centres can build a dedicated full-time workforce and expand coverage to areas without centres.

NCOSS also supported the creation of a Loneliness Investment Fund that would support pilots to address social isolation by facilitating purposeful group activities that connect and support people.

The investments required for these types of initiatives are modest, particularly in comparison to the more than $120 billion in fixed infrastructure spending planned in the budget.

For less than $100 million the government could now be laying the foundation for a safer, happier and more inclusive society, delivered through a proven network of trusted providers. This is less than the funding announced to deal with increased number of young people ending up in prison as a result of tougher bail laws.

Clearly these arguments did not bear fruit in this year’s cycle, it’s up to us to spend the next 12 months establishing the case for social infrastructure to be a priority budget item next time around.

NCOSS spoke to Karleigh Mortimer, Community, Child and Family Practitioner at Warragamba Silverdale Neighbourhood Centre.

What do you love about your neighbourhood?

I grew up in Warragamba and have seen changes over my time here from big bush fires and floods that have come through to growing from development. With all the changes and challenges this community has gone through we still come together to help each other out no matter how big or small the help and support is always there. That’s what I love about my neighbourhood. We're very lucky to have a neighbourhood community like that.

When was the Neighbourhood Centre established and how has its services evolved over time?

Warragamba Silverdale Neighbourhood Centre has been an integral part of the community for over three decades. Founded in April 1982, the organisation was established to deliver essential services and facilities aimed at supporting the increasing population resulting the establishment of the Warragamba and Silverdale townships in the Wollondilly region, an area that previously had limited services and resources. Throughout the years, WSNC has continually adapted to the dynamic needs of the community, responding effectively to its growth and increasing diversity, thereby ensuring that residents have access to vital support and services.

The building where the neighbourhood centre operates was originally the doctors/ambulance station and child-minding centre for people and families who worked on the building of Warragamba Dam from 1942 to 1960 and continued services after the completion. And was community run and operated up until 1982.

How did you celebrate Neighbourhood Centre Week this year?

We celebrated Neighbourhood Centre week with a morning tea with our foodbank day, I personally made scones fresh that morning and everyone enjoyed the morning tea and chatting with people they hadn’t seen in a while. We had a morning tea and craft days in the centre itself later that week giving people the chance to come and meet the staff and chat up with other community members.

We also went out to a new subdivision in the area and set up a pop-up information tent and had a sausage sizzle and flyers and other information to hand out to new members in the area. Which was a great success with more families accessing services and programs run within the Warragamba Silverdale Neighbourhood Centre

Give us an example of a service or a program that excites you?

It would be two events and services. Christmas Carols in the park and our Santa photos at the Centre, with all the Christmas lights to go with it.

The centre has always put on Carols in the park, And the last couple years we have done the Santa photos. The joy that comes on the children;s faces seeing santa or singing their favorite Christmas song or families and friends using this event to catch up before Christmas and the genuine connections people have with these events means a lot. Knowing we have made an impact on these community members in the busiest time of the year for a night of Christmas cheer and spreading the love.

The wellbeing of people across New South Wales is at increasing risk, with the 2025 NSW Budget failing to deliver critical investment in social infrastructure to support the state’s most vulnerable communities, according to the New South Wales Council of Social Service (NCOSS).

The peak body welcomed investments in transport and construction, but warned this alone will not achieve the Budget’s goal of building a prosperous future for NSW.

NCOSS CEO Cara Varian said the peak body was disappointed with the Budget’s minimal funding for essential community services and crisis prevention, particularly for those on low incomes, experiencing domestic and family violence or trauma, or who are at risk of homelessness.

Read the full media release here.

The NSW Council of Social Service’s chief executive, Cara Varian, said the premier’s comments were “concerning” and urged the government to “stay focused” on implementing the panel’s recommendations. The council was also a member of the panel.

“We know that cashless gambling is an effective tool to minimise gambling harm,” Varian said. “Pokies tear people, families and communities apart – and disproportionately impact people on low incomes, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage.”

Read the full article here.

Register now for the NCOSS Post Budget Breakfast on Wednesday 2 July at NSW Parliament House.

This event gives you the opportunity to hear from the NSW Treasurer, the Hon. Daniel Mookhey MLC and the Hon. Damien Tudehope MLC about the state budget. It will be hosted by Alexandra Smith, State Political Editor of The Sydney Morning Herald.

We are pleased to announce that the following speakers for a panel discussion:

Michael Coutts-Trotter, Secretary, NSW Treasury
Giancarlo de Vera, Chief Executive Officer BEING – Mental Health Consumers
Di Kapera, State Director ACT/NSW, Mission Australia
Kate Harrison-Brennan, Director, Sydney Policy Lab, University of Sydney

They will focus on the theme of ‘Working together towards a fairer future’ and will explore the foundations of a fairer future and how the sector, communities and government can best work together for inclusion, wellbeing and opportunity.

Afterwards, stay for a delicious breakfast and chat with others working in the community sector.

Don't miss out, tickets are selling fast, so register now.

NCOSS is hosting a free public briefing with Australian Services Union (ASU) about the Fair Work Commission’s proposed changes to the SCHADS Award.

In April 2025, the Fair Work Commission found evidence of gender-based undervaluation in certain SCHADS Award classifications and has proposed changes to address it. While the Commission’s finding is welcome, aspects of the proposed restructure are cause for concern as they could result in pay cuts for some current and future workers.

The Council of Social Services network wrote a joint submission to the Fair Work Commission expressing concern about the potential for some employees to have their pay reduced. Read the submission here.

In response to submissions and advocacy from the social services sector and unions, the Commission is considering options and timeframes to allow further consultation to design a more appropriate Award classification structure that reflects the complex and diverse work of the sector.

Angus McFarland, Branch Secretary ASU NSW & ACT, will give an update of the current situation and what lies ahead, to help you understand what the changes may mean for you and your organisation, followed by a Q&A.

When: Tuesday 15 July 2025, 12pm - 12:45pm AEST

Register here: https://www.ncoss.org.au/register-asu-sector-briefing-on-schads-changes/

Contact NCOSS Policy Officer Justine Lee justine@ncoss.org.au if you have any questions.

A new report from ACOSS has found that seven in ten renters are worried about asking for repairs in case they face a rent increase.

Completed by the ACOSS/UNSW Sydney-led Poverty and Inequality Partnership, National Shelter and the National Association of Renter Organisations, the study also found a third of renters would be unable to afford their rent if it went up by 5%.

The report notes that rents have surged by a staggering 47% in the past five years and calls for nationwide rental increase limits

Read the report Rights at risk: Rising rents and repercussions.

Kumil Art, Aboriginal Affairs NSW and partners are proud to launch the Creative Futures, Planning and Development program—a dynamic initiative celebrating the power of arts and culture in strengthening communities.

Happening through July - September 2025, it will span the Camden Haven, Hastings, Manning Valley and Great Lakes regions—with invitations extended from Port Stephens to Kempsey—this program aims to foster Indigenous-led truth-telling, collaboration and self-determination. It focuses on the vital role arts and culture play across sectors like health, education, social services, disability and aging.

The program features:

3 Forum Days – an opportunity to discuss regional needs and inter-sector strategies.
5 Workshop Days – Free, hands-on sessions led by paid facilitators across all artistic styles and practices.
2 Community Days – Public celebrations with stalls, performers, food and cultural demonstrations. Free for services and not-for-profits!

We’re calling for panellists, workshop facilitators, artists, service providers, stallholders, performers, and supporters. There are also opportunities for volunteers, donors, investors and future partners.

This is your chance to help shape a bold, inclusive future for our communities through cultural connection and collaboration.

To get involved, express interest or learn more, contact us at kumilart@gmail.com

The Gambling Impact Society runs a free education program through its Consumer Voice project regarding Gambling Harm.

This project aims to provide a trained group of peer educators to raise community awareness of the issue of problem gambling.

Its bureau of peer educators are trained and coordinated to provide awareness training and community education from the perspective of people who have been directly negatively impacted by problem gambling but also recovered and able to share their story.

They are running free Community Education Sessions. Each session is co-facilitated by a local Gambling Counsellor and a GIS Lived Experience speaker who will share their insights and experiences of gambling harms and the journey of recovery. Day and evening sessions can be arranged for your staff, community group, service organisation, students.

For more information call Barbara Bicego 0400 661 637 or Joan Gillis 0417 194 307 or email us at info@gisnsw.org.au

Disability Support Pension Webinar
Welfare Rights Centre
3 July, Online
Free | Register here

Our free webinar explains the complex DSP rules that determine eligibility by working through the multi-layered assessment process, including eligibility criteria, evidence requirements, and key steps in the claim process.

Speakers cover manifest eligibility, Impairment Tables, Programs of Support and job assessment capacity. They also explain temporary exemptions from mutual obligations to look for work for those struggling to gain access to DSP.

Rural, Regional and Remote Summit
Community Legal Centres NSW
22-24 July, Port Macquarie
$45-$150 | Register here

The RRR Summit is a rare and exciting opportunity to unite Community Legal Centres operating in rural, regional, and remote areas for a three-day, in-person event focused on professional development, knowledge exchange, and sector-wide collaboration.

Day three of the Summit welcomes community organisations for sessions on legal capacity in rural, regional and remote areas; care and protection; partnerships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations; and climate justice and innovation.

Supporting neurodivergent young people using violence in the home
Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare
30 July, Online
$260 | Register here

Supporting neurodivergent young people using violence in the home requires a specialised, therapeutic approach—one recognising their unique needs while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of their families.

The Centre, in collaboration with Dr Amanda Mullin (Doctor of Clinical Psychology and Director, Mindworx Psychology), is offering a three-hour interactive training designed to equip professionals with the skills and strategies needed to work effectively in these complex situations.

Community Grants Program
Closing Date: 7 July, 2025

Australia Post’s Community Grants program supports projects that connect people to improve mental wellbeing in local communities.

This year, we are proud to offer additional grants totaling up to $250,000 to support disaster-impacted communities across Australia. These funds will be dedicated to projects that enhance mental wellbeing by fostering connection and building resilience within communities recovering from a natural disaster or a major storm event.

For more information, please visit the grant information page.

Multicultural NSW Stronger Together Grants Program
Closing Date: 7 July 2025

The Multicultural NSW Stronger Together Grants Program aims to support multicultural festivals and events across NSW. We invest in community events and activities that foster community harmony and celebrate cultural diversity as a precious part of our identity and way of life.

The Stronger Together Festival and Event Grants Program will support multicultural and multifaith community groups to produce Festivals and Events that celebrate and embrace our state’s vibrant cultural diversity.

For more information, please visit the grant information page.

Penrith Safe Communities – Domestic and Family Violence Grant
Closing Date: 25 July 2025

The Safe Communities – Domestic and Family Violence Grant funds primary prevention initiatives that target the underlying drivers of domestic and family violence.

Applicants must:   

provide services or be located in the Penrith LGA and deliver initiatives in the Penrith LGA that benefit Penrith residents.  
be a not-for-profit organisation that is incorporated or have evidence of auspice from an incorporated organisation with an ABN.

For more information, please visit the grant information page.

Building Digital Skills Grant
Closing Date: 27 June 2025

Building Digital Skills grants of up to $20,500 help organisations to support older Australians aged 50+ through free digital mentoring sessions. A range of resources and support materials are available to help organisations to deliver this program, including the learning courses available on the Be Connected learning site.

By providing the Be Connected program for free using this grant, recipients will help older people to develop their digital skills and confidence.

For more information, please visit the grant information page.

Telco Cost Reduction Grant
Closing Date: 30 June 2025

This Round offers offers NFP and for-purpose organisations an opportunity to save and control ongoing mobile costs. By applying, you have the chance to consult with our clever telco analysts, who can show you where and how to optimise your organisation's mobile spend - all for nix. And, your organisation could be selected for an implementation project or 6-months access to our cost control dashboard - all for free.

For more information, please visit the grant information page.

Some of the latest from our Jobs Board:

Administration Officer (Sydney CBD) - Welfare Rights Centre - VIEW JOB

Family Caseworker (Inner West Sydney) - Community Action for Better Living - VIEW JOB

Operations Manager, Client Services (Sydney CBD) - ACON Health - VIEW JOB

AOD Community Service Worker (Inner West Sydney) - We Help Ourselves (WHOS) - VIEW JOB

Caseworker – Creating Futures Justice Program (Sydney Wide) - Weave Youth and Community Services - VIEW JOB

Financial Counsellor (Sydney CBD) - University of Sydney - VIEW JOB

Director - Digital Health (Sydney CBD) - LGBTIQ+ Health - VIEW JOB

Research Project Officer - Neurofeedback Program (Western Sydney) NSW STARTTS - VIEW JOB