NCOSS Local Connect

The NSW Council of Social Services (NCOSS) and the Mirrung School Gateway Project, in partnership with Western Sydney Community Forum (WSCF), are holding a free one-day forum for locally-based non-government organisations and networks, including government agencies and local council staff, working and volunteering in the diverse field of social services and community health.

The NCOSS Local Connect forum will explore the existing strengths of community organisations and explore solutions to shared challenges and unmet needs.

What can you expect?

NCOSS will share important sector updates, such as the Fair Work Commission’s review of the SCHADS Awards,
Have your voice heard in meaningful discussions about what matters most to our sector
Connect and collaborate with like-minded people in your area and create new networks
Build your capabilities through practical workshops and resources

Attendance is free with catering provided.

NCOSS is committed to supporting marginalised and historically excluded voices to be heard - if your organisation needs financial support to attend, please get in touch.

Got a question? Contact the NCOSS Sector and Community Engagement Officer, Michelle Shackleton at michelle@ncoss.org.au.

Do you run services in Western Sydney and/or Nepean Blue Mountains? Join our social sector forum for organisations in the area being held in the Blue Mountains on Monday 11 November: https://events.humanitix.com/ncossforum-wsnbm

About NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS)

NCOSS is the peak body for the social services sector in NSW. With over 350 members and a wider network of organisations and individuals who share our values, we advocate for a NSW free from poverty and disadvantage. NCOSS is uniquely placed to provide a platform for sharing information and resources, developing agreed positions and seeking greater transparency and delivery on commitments from government.

This event is part of our commitment to engage, connect with and provide capability development opportunities for our members and the wider community services sector by holding social sector forums in each of the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ’s) seven districts across NSW.

https://www.ncoss.org.au/

About Mirrung School Gateway Project

Mirrung is a wellbeing hub in Ashcroft Public School that supports the education and wellbeing of children through an integrated whole-of-family approach.

Mirrung opened in 2022 in partnership with NCOSS, backed by the Ashcroft school community and the NSW Department of Education. Mirrung’s design is informed by deep consultation and engagement with the Ashcroft community and draws from successful place-based education initiatives in NSW and around Australia, including the Our Place initiative in Victoria.

Read more in the Mirrung Impact report 2024.

About Western Sydney Community Forum (WSCF)

Western Sydney Community Forum is the regional peak body for the community services sector in Greater Western Sydney. For more than 30 years, the Forum has been a trusted voice, connecting government, community organisations, and local residents to ensure the region’s diverse communities are heard and supported. Guided by values of fairness, collaboration, integrity, and excellence, we advocate for social justice, inclusion, and community wellbeing while helping shape policy and service delivery for a thriving and resilient Western Sydney.

Western Sydney Community Forum provides a strong network and practical support for community organisations of all sizes, from local grassroots groups to major service providers. Through training, forums, and resources, it builds sector capacity and creates opportunities for collaboration and shared learning. The Forum also celebrates the region’s “unsung heroes” through the annual ZEST Awards and delivers initiatives that strengthen aged care, multicultural services, youth programs, and more. The Forum continues to champion the voices of over two million people across Greater Western Sydney, ensuring they remain at the heart of decision-making.

https://wscf.org.au