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[Featured] [COSSes] [Government] [Media] [NCOSS Members] [NCOSS Regional Forum Members] [Other Community Links]

Featured

Australia Fair
www.australiafair.org.au
Australia Fair wants to encourage discussion, action, solutions and connections between communities to make Australia fair. Initiated by the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS)*, the peak council of the community and welfare sector, Australia Fair is supported bymany organisations providing services to well over 4 million Australians.
Community Sector Banking
www.csbanking.com.au
Unlike a traditional bank, Community Sector Banking is not designed to serve a geographic community, rather a "community of interest", a collection of stakeholders from the not-for-profit and community sector sharing a common purpose.
Anti-Poverty Week
www.antipovertyweek.org.au
Poverty and severe hardship affect more than one million Australians. Around the world, more than one billion people are desperately poor. Anti-Poverty Week is an Australia-wide initiative that began several years ago and continues to grow. This United Nations recognised event was held from 12-18 October in 2008.
Keep Them Safe
www.keepthemsafe.nsw.gov.au
The NSW Government has launched the Keep Them Safe Website to provide information on the implementation of the key changes to the child protection system in NSW

Councils of Social Services (COSSes)

The COSSes are the principal voice of low income and disadvantaged people in social and economic policy matters throughout Australia and all states and territories.

National

Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS)

States/Territories

Government websites

New South Wales Government
Main entry point for State government Departements and agencies.
Premiers and Cabinet
The NSW Premier's Department is the central agency for the Government of New South Wales, Australia.
Communitybuilders.nsw
Resources for community workers and groups, including guides on how to form a cooperative, where to get funding for community projects, how to compose surveys and advice on drug and youth suicide prevention. Also contains real case studies, discussion forums and the opportunity to publish your own info to the site. A NSW Government project.
Department Ageing, Disability and Home Care (DADHC)
DADHC provide support and services to older people, people with disabilities and their carers in NSW.
Department of Community Services (DoCS)
This site includes essential support numbers and information on DoCS programs, projects and publications.

Preschool Investment and Reform Plan Growth Phase: www.community.nsw.gov.au/DOCS/STANDARD/PC_101341.html

Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ)
The NSW Department of Juvenile Justice supervises and cares for young offenders in the community and in detention centres. It provides youth justice conferences for young offenders referred by police or the courts.
NSW Department of Housing
The NSW Department of Housing provides a range of housing solutions to meet the needs of today’s community.
Department of Corrective Services
The Department of Corrective Services provides custodial and community-based correctional services as an important element of the NSW criminal justice system.
Department of Planning
Manages state resources.
Parenting NSW
Online resource developed by DoCS for people like family support and child care workers, teachers, health care professionals, researchers and policy makers.
Commission for Children and Young People
An organisation that listens to kids and promotes their interests, and aims to make NSW a better place for children and young people.
WorkCover NSW
WorkCover NSW is a statutory authority within the Ministry for Commerce. Its primary objective is to work in partnership with the NSW community to achieve safe workplaces, effective return to work and security for injured workers.
Commonwealth Government
Main entry point for Federal government Departments and agencies.
Healthelink EHR
NSW Health is piloting a new electronic health record called Healthelink in parts of NSW. Healthelink brings together summaries of health information for individuals from different GPs, hospitals and community health centres and puts it into one secure computer record.

Media websites

NCOSS member websites

NCOSS has over 700 members and affiliates throughout the NSW community, health and NGO sectors. This list is by no means complete - if you are a member organisation and your website isn't listed below then please let us know.

Aged

Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Assoc of NSW Inc.
www.cpsa.org.au
Advocacy organisation for all pensioners and superannuants. Campaigns on issues such as health, aged care, HACC and public transport. Provides tenancy advice services, information on medicine use, a seniors infoline and policy development on ageing, disability and related areas.
Council On The Ageing (NSW)
www.cota.org.au
Council on the Ageing (COTA) protects and promotes the well-being of all older people. It is an independent consumer organisation run by and for older Australians.
Older Mens Health and Wellbeing (COTA NSW initiative)
www.oldermenswellbeing.com.au
Designed to promote the health and wellbeing of older men, by providing a directory of links to useful resources, particularly in NSW with some national links.
Grandparents Raising Children (COTA NSW initiative)
www.raisinggrandchildren.com.au
GRG (NSW) a website that has stories, information and support links for grandparents who are raising grandchildren. For more information ring COTA NSW on 02 9286 3860 (Sydney callers) or 1800 449 102 (regional callers only).
Disability and Aged Information Service Inc.
www.daisi.asn.au
Information/referral service for people with disabilities, older people, and their carers and their advocates

Care

Carer Resource Centre
www.carersnsw.asn.au
The Carer Resource Centre is part of Carers NSW. Carers are people who provide care and support for family members and friends who have a chronic or mental illness, disability or who are frail aged. The Carer Resource Centre staff can assist carers across NSW with information, referrals and emotional support as well as providing resources for Service Providers who are in contact with carers. The Centre is an initiative of the Commonwealth Government. Free call number: 1800 242 636
NSW HACC Development Officers Network
www.nswhaccdos.org.au
The NSW HACC DOs Network is a structure through which HACC DOs arrange to meet for mutual support and the exchange of information, including developments relating specifically to the Home and Community Care (HACC) Program.
NSW Meals on Wheels Association Inc.
www.nswmealsonwheels.org.au
Peak Body supporting Meals on Wheels and Food Services in NSW.
NSW Neighbour Aid & Social Support Association Inc.
www.nswnassa.org.au
Neighbour Aid has developed creative and flexible community based support services, primarily via the coordination of volunteers to help frail aged and people with disabilities and their carers to live independently in their home and community.
Sutherland Shire Community Care Network Inc
www.ssccn.org.au
SSCCN was formed as a local community development organisation in 1998 as a result of the Building Bridges Community Care Demonstration Project. it manages the Sutherland Shire HACC Development Project, Carer Support Project and Sutherland Shire Carers and Consumers Forum.
The Working Carers Support Gateway
www.workingcarers.org.au
The Gateway website provides information and support for people who juggle paid employment with unpaid caring. The Gateway project encourages support for service providers to offer after-hours services, and employers to adopt flexible workplace practices. The website publishes stories and fact sheets for busy working carers and also includes a discussion forum, comprehensive services database, and links to websites about illnesses and general health issues.

Children, Young People and Family

Association of Childrens Welfare Agencies (ACWA)
www.acwa.asn.au
Reflects the responsibility of non-government agencies to be concerned with the welfare of the 'whole child' by not just providing a substitute care environment, but rather assisting the child and young person to 'find their place in the world'.
Association for the Welfare of Child Health
www.awch.org.au
Services: Addresses the psychosocial needs of children, young people and their families in the health care system in Australia.
Barnardos Australia
www.barnardos.org.au
Barnardos is Australia's leading children's charity providing services which successfully help prevent and reverse the effects of abuse, neglect and homelessness on children and young people.
New South Wales Family Services Inc
www.nswfamilyservices.asn.au
The aim of NSW Family Services is the promotion of quality support services provided by non-government organisations in NSW and the ACT to families experiencing stress.
The Infants' Home
www.theinfantshome.org.au
A range of caring and educational services for children from birth to school age and their families. We offer Learning and Development Centres (Long Day Care), Family Day Care, Family Centre of Early Intervention, Sydney Hope Family Cottage.
Marrickville Youth Resource Centre Inc
www.beanbag.net.au/marrickville
Provides Recreational, Educational and Cultural programs, free Internet Access, and, Individual Support for young people in the Marrickville area aged between 12 - 24yrs
Network of Community Activities
www.netoosh.org.au
Out of school hours care and activities
Regional Extended Family Services
www.refs.asn.au
Early Intervention to prevent youth homelessness by mediating between young people and their families.
SDN Children's Services Inc
www.sdn.org.au
Provides quality education and care. Currently manages more than 25 services including 20 Long Day Care Centres, 2 Preschools, 2 Outside School Hours Care Services and Early Intervention programs.
The Ted Noffs Foundation
www.noffs.org.au
The Ted Noffs Foundation operates direct services to young people and their families.
Twenty 10 Gay and Lesbian Youth Service
www.twenty10.org.au
Twenty 10 is an organisation for young gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people who are having problems at home or have become homeless. We offer Subsidised Medium Term Supported Accommodation with support, referral, information, advocacy and case management as well as Family Support services focussing on family relationships, employment, education and community support.
Youth Off The Street
www.youthoffthestreets.com.au
Youth Off the Streets is a registered charity working with chronically homeless and drug addicted young people. We support these youth by providing accommodation, education and counselling, as they work to turn their lives around and overcome immense trauma such as neglect, physical, psychological and emotional abuse.
YouthZone - Youth Centre
www.youthzone.stgeorgeonline.com.au
YouthZone is here for all young people aged between 12 - 24 who live, work or study in the St George area regardless of their race, religion and gender.

Community

The Benevolent Society
www.bensoc.asn.au
The Benevolent Society's vision is to be an outstanding social enterprise, anticipating changing social needs and driving innovative and effective responses in ageing, children, women's health and social leadership.
Bicycle New South Wales Inc
www.bicyclensw.org.au
Bicycle New South Wales Inc is a member funded not for profit community organisation. Its principle objectives are to promote the use of bicycles for transport, recreation, tourism and for improved community health.
Cabramatta Community Centre
www.cabracc.org.au
CCC is a large community based organisation that receives funding from a number of different sources and Government departments. CCC provides a wide range of services for the community of Cabramatta and its environs.
Community Programs Inc
www.communityprograms.org.au
Community Programs Inc. provide the following services: Aged Care Programs; Home Clubs; Sunshine Clubs; In-Home Respite and Flexible Dementia Options; Disability Services Programs; Community Participation and Post School Options; Transition To Work; Rural & Remote Respite; Family Based Respite; Respite Options Supported Accommodation Program; Rural Access Service; Leisurelink; Ageing Parent Carers Brokerage Services
Fairfield Migrant Resource Centre
www.fmrc.net
FMRC provides settlement services to newly arrived immigrants and refugees to improve access to services, address special settlement needs and help develop skills and confidence. Services include: advice, support and information relating to employment, housing, education, Centrelink, health, domestic violence, immigration, refugee and humanitarian entrants support and aged care.
Georges River Community Services Inc
www.grcs.stgeorgeonline.com.au
Independent Living Centre NSW
www.ilcnsw.asn.au
Provide free infoline service to public. Our display centre have a comprehensive range of products and equipment to assist with daily living activities.
Inner West Cultural Services
www.innerwestcs.org.au
General community cultural activities in the region.
Northern Sydney Regional Community Forum Inc.
www.nsforum.org.au
Provides support to funded community services, information and co-ordination of respite for carers, community development and support to HACC services.
Northern Rivers Social Development Council
www.nrsdc.org.au
NRSDC is a regional community-based organisation that aims to provide a peak organisation role for the community services sector located in the Far North Coast of New South Wales.
Riverwood Community Centre
www.rcc.stgeorgeonline.com.au
A local centre providing a wide range of community services for everybody.
Sutherland Shire Community Care Network
www.ssccn.org.au
Working towards improved quality and co-ordination of community care services; auspices four HACC projects: Sutherland Shire HACC Development Project, Southern Sydney HACC Reform Project, Sutherland Shire Carer Support Project, Sutherland Shire Carers & Consumers Forum
UnitingCare NSW.ACT
nsw.uca.org.au
A diverse provider of child care,community, family, and aged care services and the peak body for the Uniting Church's social advocacy in NSW and the ACT.
YWCA, Sydney
www.ywcansw.com.au
Providing training and employment services, vacation and out of school hours care, Youth services and opportunities for volunteers. Plus a lot more. For more information phone 02 9285 6211

Disability

Spinal Cord Injuries Australia
www.scia.org.au
The mission of Spinal Cord Injuries Australia is to enable people with severe physical disabilities to achieve maximum independence through a rehabilitation perspective in all its services.
Disability and Aged Information Service Inc.
www.daisi.asn.au
Information/referral service for people with disabilities, older people, and their carers and their advocates
Disability Information & Referral Centre
www.dirc.asn.au
Comprehensive information on services available to people with any type of disability, carers, family and service providers in Eastern Sydney. Provides information on: accommodation, employment, education, transport, disabilities, disorders, equipment, recreation, disability organisations and support groups, building access and design, legislation, benefits and mobility. Printed reports by mail, email or fax and verbal reports by phone or in person.
Family Advocacy
www.family-advocacy.com
Family Advocacy is an independent, community based social advocacy organisation which works across New South Wales. They work with families in which there is a child or an adult who has a developmental disability and provide information and support. Family Advocacy has a resources library with books, articles and videos about different issues around disability and families, educators, professionals and researchers are welcome to borrow material. Family Advocacy also organises workshops and makes representations at the government level for changes legislation, policy and services.
I.D.E.A.S. Inc - Information on Disability Equipment Access Services
www.ideas.org.au
An information service on disability with an extensive resources including information on services available, equipment and suppliers of equipment, Accessible Holiday accommodation, accessible tourist attractions and venues, government legislation and Reports.
Intellectual Disability Rights Service
www.idrs.org.au
The Intellectual Disability Rights Service (IDRS) is a community legal centre in New South Wales working to advance the rights of people with an intellectual disability. IDRS provides free legal advice, develops and provides community education and resources for people with an intellectual disability, and engages in law and policy reform work.
Macarthur Disability Services
www.mdservices.com.au
Provides a range of services to people with disabilities, HACC development, central info and referral for Macarthur.
Multicultural Disability Advocacy Assoc. NSW
www.mdaa.org.au
Peak advocacy service for people from NESB with disability and their families in NSW.
The Spastic Centre
www.thespasticcentre.org.au
The Spastic Centre provides services people with cerebral palsy and their families. Services include: conductive education, technology, therapy, accommodation, respite care, specialist advice and information, Hart Walker program, employment services, hydrotherapy and recreation. The website features an extensive range of information for people with cerebral palsy, parents, students, teachers and disability service providers.

Health

The Alzheimer's Association NSW
www.alzheimers.org.au
The Alzheimer's Association NSW is an Australian non-profit community organisation providing support services to people with dementia and their families who live in NSW.
Australian Huntington's Disease Association (NSW) Inc.
www.ahdansw.asn.au
The Association provides education, support and advocacy for people with Huntington's Disease, their families and carers. The Association operates within the Australian States of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, is an incorporated, non-profit organisation and is managed by a committee elected annually by the membership.
Brain Injury Association of NSW
www.biansw.org.au
The Brain Injury Association of NSW works to make the community, and the government, aware of the needs and issues affecting people who have an acquired brain injury. Their purpose is to represent and support people with an acquired brain injury so that they can participate equally in the community. A peak organisation with members who are individuals living with an acquired brain injury, their families and friends, their carers and support workers. They also have organisational members and aim to use all of these voices to inform our work
Cystic Fibrosis NSW
www.cysticfibrosisnsw.org.au
Achieving the best possible care and quality of life for people with Cystic Fibrosis and their carers, now and in the future. Provides support services, education and information.
Hepatitis C Council of NSW
www.hepatitisc.org.au
Provides information, support, referral and advocacy to people affected by hepatitis C. Distributes a range of hard copy and electronic information resources, operate an telphone infoline, publish a regular hepatitis C magazine and provide education and workplace development services.
Mental Health Association NSW Inc
www.mentalhealth.asn.au
The Association's vision is a society that maintains, promotes and protects the mental health of everyone, in which people who have, or have had mental illness participate to their full potential in the community. Our mission is to promote opportunities for the people of NSW to achieve their optimal level of mental health through providing information services, education about protecting mental health, mutual support and advocacy services.
Positive Life
www.positivelife.org.au
Positive Life NSW is a non profit community organisation representing the interests of people living with HIV in New South Wales.
Post-Polio Network (NSW)
www.post-polionetwork.org.au
The Post-Polio Network (NSW) Inc is a self-help self-funded organisation run by polio survivors for polio survivors. It was established in 1989 and provides support and information to people who are experiencing the late effects of polio.
Workers Health Centre
www.workershealth.com.au
Occupational health and safety services, including medical, audiological and rehabilitation services. Safety audits, ergonomic assessments, occupational hygiene (air quality, hazardous substances etc), OHS training, information. We specialise in OHS for community sector organisations.

Housing and Homelessness

ARCH (Association To Resource Co-op Housing Ltd)
www.arch.asn.au
ARCH is the peak resourcing agency for Housing Co-operatives in NSW. It assists interested groups of people statewide to plan, develop and establish housing co-operatives. It also undertakes representation, advocacy, networking, education and training, program and policy development, information provision, planning and project development on behalf of NSW co-ops.
Homelessness NSW
www.homelessnessnsw.org.au
A central contact point for information and resources concerning adult homelessness in NSW.
NSW Federation of Housing Associations
www.communityhousing.org.au
Peak body for community managed housing associations. The website contains useful links and information about community housing, including housing associations. Tools, resources, reports and information on training is available for housing managers.
Shelter NSW
www.shelternsw.org.au
Shelter is a peak housing body, which promotes the interests of low-income and disadvantaged housing consumers in NSW.
Tenant's Union of NSW and Tenant's Advice and Advocacy Program (TAAP) Services
www.tenants.org.au
Provides tenancy advice for NSW tenants.

Information, Communications and Technology

Tricomm
tri.ngo.net.au
Tricomm is a leader in Community IT development initiatives and is a valuable community resource in all areas of IT, including training, web services, information management, consultancy, research, technical support and advice and advocacy for the sector on all IT issues. Tricomm has been providing on-line information services since 1993 and supports the community sector in Greater Western Sydney, Central West NSW and across the state.

Legal

Beyond Bars
www.beyondbars.org.au
Provides access to expert commentators on criminal justice issues for journalists and members of the public, facts and information for students, politicians and interested citizens
Communications Law Centre
www.comslaw.org.au
The Communications Law Centre (CLC) is an independent, non-profit, public interest organisation specialising in media and communications law and policy.
Redfern Legal Centre
www.rlc.org.au
Community Legal Centre providing services for people who live and/or work in Sydney, South Sydney, Leichhardt and Botany LGAs.

Local Government

Baulkham Hills Shire Council
www.baulkhamhills.nsw.gov.au
For access to information on community events, schools, shopping, parks, health support groups, and more.
Hastings Council
www.hastings.nsw.gov.au
To provide, manage or facilitate a range of services and activities to enhance equity and social well-being and create a safe, inclusive and vibrant community.
Lake Macquarie City Council
www.lakemac.com.au
Planning and developing community facilities and services.
Lismore City Council
www.lismore.nsw.gov.au
Working with the community to maintain Lismore as the regional centre in a healthy rural setting.
City of Ryde
www.ryde.nsw.gov.au
The Community Services team is responsible for social planning and policy, cultural planning and community development.We deliver a range of direct services to the community icluding immunisation,vacation care,home modification and maintenance,family and childrens services,community information.
Orange City Council
www.orange.nsw.gov.au
Community services section provides a range of childcare, youth and aged and disability services as well as community development,crime prevention, road safety, and HACC regional development. Involved in social planning, consultation and needs assessment as well as information provision and advocacy.
Warringah Council
www.warringah.nsw.gov.au
Warringah is a community which values its quality of life and strives to care for its special bush and beach environment.

Multicultural/NESB/CALD

Liverpool Migrant Resource Centre
www.lmrc.org.au
LMRC aims to contribute to the successful settlement of migrants from NESB in the Liverpool area. We strive to provide relevant information, referrals and services to local communities and individuals.
South Sydney Community Aid
www.ssca.org.au
Provides all neighbourhood centre services focusing on multicultural, culturally and linguistically diverse service provision.

No Interest Loans Schemes (NILS)

No Interest Loan Schemes
www.nilsnsw.org.au
Many low income households face a major problem if they need to buy an essential household item, but don't have savings and can't get affordable credit. Community groups have devised "No Interest Loan Schemes" (NILS) to solve this problem.

Unions/Professional Associations

Australian Association of Social Workers (NSW Branch)
www.aasw.asn.au
Professional Association for social workers in NSW.
Australian Service Union (ASU)
www.asuservices.labor.net.au
NSW and ACT branch - committed to developing a strong presence in the workplace and in the industries our union represents to protect and enhance the working lives of our members and their families.

Utilities

EWON (Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW)
www.ewon.com.au
EWON provides an independent way of resolving complaints for customers of electricity and gas providers and member water providers.

Volunteer

Hunter Volunteer Centre Inc.
ust.idl.com.au/hvcinc
Services: Volunteer Referral and Resource Centre.

Welfare

Mercy Foundation
www.mercyfoundation.com.au
Foundation established for grants, advocacy and education.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
www.vinnies.org.au
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (Vinnies) has been providing care and assistance to people in New South Wales and the A.C.T. for more than a century.
Wesley Mission
www.wesleymission.org.au
Wesley Mission Sydney is a strategic city church committed to ministering to human need, utilising the media and providing personal and family care.

Women

NSW Women's Refuge Refuge Resource Centre
www.wrrc.org.au
The Women's Refuge Resource Centre is the central contact for the New South Wales Women's Refuge Movement (W.R.M) a network of 55 women's refuges situated across New South Wales providing support and accommodation for women and children escaping domestic violence.
Older Women's Network
www.own.org.au
The Older Women's Network promotes the rights, dignity and wellbeing of older women, and its focus is skill development, social action, empowerment and having fun!

NCOSS Regional Forum members

Broken Hill Community Inc
www.bhcominc.org.au
Central Coast Community Council
www.thecccc.org.au
Illawarra Community Forum
www.illawarraforum.org.au
Inner South West Community Development Organisation
www.iswcdo.comcen.com.au
Inner Sydney Regional Council for Social Development
www.innersydney.org.au
Macarthur Community Forum
www.macforum.org.au
Mid North Coast RCSD
www.mncrcsd.com.au
Northern Rivers Social Development Council
www.nrsdc.org.au
Northside Community Forum Inc
www.nsforum.org.au
Western Sydney Community Forum
www.wscf.org.au