Monday 12 May 2025

I was privileged to attend two significant discussions in the Legislative Assembly last week.

The first was a motion to establish a Board of Inquiry into the treatment of Aboriginal detainees at the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC), particularly in relation to deaths in custody. This was moved by Mr Emerson. ACTCOSS was proud to support this motion publicly, and has stood alongside the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community’s calls for an inquiry for years. I commend and thank the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community for their tireless pursuit of justice in the justice system, led by Julie Tongs and Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services. I pay particular tribute to the mothers of people who recently lost their lives in custody for their courage to attend the discussion. It was humbling to be in their presence, and contributed to my relief when the motion passed without opposition.

The second motion was on community sector funding, moved by Ms Barry of the ACT Liberals. Context is incredibly important, with the Government having total control of the budget but without the numbers to block a motion. In other words, when the opposition and cross-bench agree with each other, they can publicly pressure the Government but cannot require any expenditure. The timing of this motion meant that the Government was exceptionally unlikely to reveal any of its expenditure ahead of the budget, and it did not. Notably, the community sector attended in force. Over 30 representatives answered the ACT for Community call to attend the chamber on very short notice, heightening scrutiny on the Government. Thanks to everyone who was able to attend.

I was heartened by the discussion on community sector funding in several ways. All MLAs who spoke highlighted the importance of the community sector’s work. Many eloquently summarized issues and talking points the sector has been discussing with them and publicly, including increasing client complexity, implementing the recommendations of the Counting the Costs report, and the need to factor in population growth in funding for the sector. There was also a repeated recognition of the need to inform the community sector about funding decisions well in advance of the expiration of contracts. As part of our pre-budget submission, ACTCOSS called for moving the date of the budget to earlier in the year, helping to give the community sector earlier funding certainty. There were some signals from Government that it was strongly considering this for future years.

Both motions were significant, and together they highlight the ways that the new Legislative Assembly can work.

In the Media: Region articles highlight urgent need for investment in ACT community services

As part of the ACT for Community campaign, ACTCOSS is supporting a series of powerful opinion pieces published in Region Canberra that shine a light on the growing pressures facing our community sector and the people it supports.

In Investing in community services is a win for everyone (23 April), ACTCOSS’s Michelle Barclay underscores the tough choices ahead for the ACT Government in the 2025-26 Budget. She calls for a stronger commitment to the community sector, which not only delivers vital services but also ensures the voices of the most vulnerable Canberrans are heard in budget decisions.

In Budget decisions loom as volunteers and community services face unsustainable strains (30 April), Jean Giese from VolunteeringACT highlights the financial pressure on organisations and volunteers alike, with many services forced to reduce support or consider closure due to inadequate funding. Jean stresses that sustainable investment is needed now more than ever to meet growing community needs.

The latest article, Urgent funds needed to meet rising demand for domestic violence legal services (6 May), written by Elena Rosenman from the Women’s Legal Centre, reveals a stark increase in demand for specialist legal support as rates of gender-based violence rise. She calls on the ACT Government to ensure women in crisis can access the legal support they need.

These stories are a powerful reminder that investing in the community sector is investing in Canberra’s future. Join the campaign and show your support by visiting the ACT for Community website.

Media Release: ACTCOSS supports Board of Inquiry into the Treatment of Aboriginal Detainees

7 May 2025: The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) stands in full support of the motion introduced today by Independent MLA Mr Thomas Emerson, calling for a Board of Inquiry into the treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people incarcerated in the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC).

Read the media release.

Media Release: Crisis point for Canberra's community services: Will the ACT Budget deliver crucial investment?

7 May 2025: Canberra’s community sector is at breaking point and today ACT for Community supporters will gather at the ACT Legislative Assembly, where MLAs are expected to acknowledge the funding challenges that have long strained the sector. 

Read the media release.

ACTCOSS in the media

• Our Place Youth Foyer in Braddon faces funding uncertainty, The Canberra Times, 7 May 2025
• ACTCOSS warns the sector is at breaking point, ABC Radio Canberra, 7 May 2025 at 6AM & 9AM
• Crisis point for Canberra's community services: Interview with Dr Devin Bowles, 2CC, 7 May 2025
• Community sector calls for real funding commitments, MIX 106.3 Canberra, 7 May 2025
• ACTCOSS calls on Government for real funding commitments, 2CC, 7 May 2025 at 4PM & 4:30PM
• ACT rental market out of reach for low-income earners: Anglicare, The Canberra Weekly (Print), 8 May 2025
• Canberra Rape Crisis Centre faces funding uncertainty, The Canberra Times, 8 May 2025 
• ACT politics bulletin: Inquiry into Aboriginal deaths in custody; More funding for the community sector, The Canberra Daily, 8 May 2025
• Centre unsure if funding will continue, The Canberra Times (Print), 9 May 2025

Michelle was initially drawn to ACTCOSS because of our commitment to social justice and community advocacy. The thing Michelle loves the most about her job is that every day she knows that coming to work means making a difference to the ACT community sector and the people they help.

Aside from ACTCOSS, Michelle is often busy being… scared of heights! Once Michelle tried to conquer her fear by hang-gliding and skydiving. Turns out, although it was an incredible experience, it did nothing for her fear at all!

Find out more about our events and training opportunities.

Member CEOs Forum

Date: Tuesday, 13 May 2025
Time: 3:30PM - 5:00PM
Location: Weston Community Hub, 1/6 Gritten St Weston
Cost: Free. Register here!

Join us for the second Member CEOs Forum for 2025. We will discuss working constructively in the new political environment and how we can advocate more strongly whether it’s through inquiries, utilising the cross bench or other opportunities.

Commissioning Drop-in

Date: Thursday, 15 May 2025
Time: 9:00AM - 9:45AM
Location: Online via MS Teams
Cost: Free. Let us know you're coming.

May’s session will focus on the Draft Health NGO Strategic Investment Plan which is currently open for public consultation. You can find more information about this draft and the consultation process here.

We value your input into these consultations and hope you can join us. If you can’t attend, please feel free to send us your written feedback by COB 16 May to [email protected].

We hold regular online commissioning drop-in sessions. If you’d like to be added to the calendar emailing list so you never miss them, please email [email protected].

LGBTIQA+[Ai] Foundation Training

Date: Monday, 26 May 2025 or Thursday, 12 June 2025
Time: 11AM - 1PM or 1PM - 3PM
Location: Weston Community Hub, 1/6 Gritten St Weston
Cost: Free. Register here!

Building awareness and inclusion of LGBTIQA+ communities leads to better outcomes for service users and staff. If this feels like new territory, you’re not alone. This free, two-hour training hosted by Meridian is a great starting point—or refresher—for anyone working to create more inclusive, respectful services.

Reconciliation Week Community Sector Event

Date: Tuesday, 27 May 2025
Time: 9:30AM - 11:30AM
Location: Tuggeranong Community Centre, 245 Cowlishaw St Greenway
Cost: Free. Register today!

This year, ACTCOSS and the Gulanga Program are hosting a National Reconciliation Week event for community sector organisations to learn about cultivating cultural safety and reconciliation in the workplace.

Hear from a panel consisting of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, a recruitment expert and community workers as they discuss practical strategies for creating culturally safe environments.  

Attending events like this is an important step in our reconciliation journey. We invite all community sector organisations to come and learn alongside us. We hope you will join us!

Communicating Impact with Better Data

Date: Wednesday, 28 May 2025
Time: 11:00AM - 12:00PM
Location: Online via MS Teams
Cost: Free. Register today!

Are you looking to improve your research and evaluation skills? Join ACTCOSS and Jen Riley, Chief Impact Officer at Our Community (SmartyGrants) to find out how to:  

• balance data, transparency, and context to drive meaningful change in the sector 
• understand and overcome barriers to effective impact measurement and evaluation; and 
• communicate impact to foster a culture of learning, adaptation and honest reflection. 

Don't miss out on this opportunity to strengthen your organisation's impact measurement and reporting! 

ACTCOSS Member Forum – ACTCOSS’ Strategic Plan 2026 and beyond

Date: Thursday, 29 May 2025
Time: 9:30AM - 11:00AM
Location: Weston Community Hub, 1/6 Gritten St Weston
Cost: Free. Register today!

We invite you to join us for this special Members Forum, where we will discuss ACTCOSS’s strategic direction and explore your aspirations for ACTCOSS beyond 2026.

Your insights and vision for ACTCOSS are essential in shaping the path forward.

You can find our current Strategic Plan here.

Yuma Cultural Awareness Training

Date: Thursday, 29 May 2025 or Thursday, 26 June 2025
Time: 9:30AM - 4:30PM
Location: 169 Goyder St, Boomanulla Oval, Narrabundah
Cost: Paid

Yuma! Come to a one-day Cultural Awareness Workshop led by local Ngunnawal Traditional Custodian, Bradley Mapiva Brown, and enrich your understanding of the cultural landscape and protocols within the ACT and its surrounding regions. 

Participants will gain invaluable insights into Ngunnawal traditions, cultural values, protocols, sensitivities, and rich histories through this essential training opportunity. Don’t miss out!

Reading the 2025-26 ACT Budget Papers

Date: Wednesday, 12 June 2025
Time: 10:30AM - 11:30AM
Location: Online via MS Teams
Cost: Free. Register here!

The 2025-26 ACT Budget is approaching. Join ACTCOSS to learn some practical tips on how to effectively navigate and interpret the ACT Budget papers.

There will be an opportunity to ask questions. 

Introductory Grant Writing Workshop for the ACT Community Sector

Date: Wednesday, 22 October 2025
Time: 9:30AM - 4:30PM
Location: Weston Community Hub, 1/6 Gritten St Weston
Cost: Paid

This practical one-day workshop for ACT community organisations will develop and build upon your skills to write successful grant applications. You will also receive tips and advice directly from Hands Across Canberra and the ACT Government Community Services Directorate Grants team.

This workshop will cover: 

• the community sector funding landscape and identifying funding opportunities
• the key points to writing successful grant applications including preparing workplans, budgets and risk management statements
• how to demonstrate your organisation's capacity and capability to deliver the grant; and;
• evaluation and reporting.

Media Release: No affordable rentals for someone receiving JobSeeker/YouthAllowance

Media Release: ACOSS congratulates Albanese Government and urges bolder reform to ensure no-one is left behind

4 May 2025: ACOSS congratulates Prime Minister Albanese and Labor on its return to government. The second term of the Albanese Government must now seize this opportunity to be bolder in delivering real reform to fulfill its promise of leaving no-one behind.

“We welcome the Prime Minister’s recognition last night that there is still much more to do to help people under pressure. He is absolutely right,” said ACOSS CEO Cassandra Goldie.

“Millions across the country cannot afford the basics of life, including food, rent, medicine and power bills and we are facing a worsening climate crisis. People waking up today face exactly the same long-term challenges as they did before the election.

Read the full media release here.

Online Forum: Housing as a Human Right in the ACT

Cross Sector Networking Forum

Cuppa and Careers: Exploring Work Possibilities for People with Disability

Information Session: Understanding refugee experience

This session provides an overview of the refugee experience, the impact of trauma and the process of migrating to Australia.  The workshop also offers useful tools for anyone assisting or supporting people from a refugee background.

Date: Thursday May 15
Time: 10:00am – 12:30pm
Cost: Free

To RSVP and book a place please email: [email protected]

Challenges in integrated care: Psychedelic assisted therapies for addiction and mental illness

The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use at the University of Sydney has been funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care to develop a series of on-demand webinars on evidence-based practice. Our webinars are freely available and focus on building capacity in relation to evidence-based practice approaches to the management and treatment of co-occurring alcohol and other drug (AOD) and mental health conditions. You can register for our upcoming webinar below. All previous webinars are freely available via the Comorbidity Project webinar library.

When: Wednesday 14 May, 12:00 - 1:00 PM (AEST) 
Where: Online via Zoom. Register here.
Speakers include: Associate Professor Shalini Arunogiri

By the end of this webinar, attendees will be able to:

• Understand the current evidence base for the use of MDMA and psilocybin in addiction and related mental health problems
• Understand key evidence gaps in existing evidence in psychedelic assisted therapies
• Identify and critically appraise challenges with implementation of psychedelic assisted therapies in Australia

For more information, contact [email protected]

Pathways Out of the Criminal Justice System Project

The ANU is currently inviting people who've had contact with the ACT justice system to share their experiences. What they've learnt could help others move forward and shape better support for the future.

What's involved:

• Do a short survey (35 minutes), OR
• Do a one-on-one interview with a researcher (30-60 minutes)
• Get a $50 visa gift card to reimburse you for your time.

Who can take part?

• If you are 18 or older, and
• You have been found guilty of, or pleased guilty to, an offence in the ACT in the last 5 years (since 2019).

Visit http://bit.ly/43wjKms to participate or email [email protected] if you have any questions.

ACT Government Consultations

Provide feedback to the ACT Government as they plan, develop and consult on policies and projects. Add your voice to conversations shaping the decisions affecting you and your community.

Inquiry into Petition 017-25 and E-Petition 005-25: Closure of Burrangiri Aged Care Respite Centre in Rivett closes 12 May 2025

Inquiry into Human Rights (Housing) Amendment Bill 2025 closes 30 May 2025

Inquiry into men’s suicide rates closes 6 June 2025

Bail Law Reform in the ACT closes 13 June 2025

Review of the Charter of Rights for Victims of Crime closes 20 June 2025

Inquiry into the operation of the 2024 ACT Election and Electoral Act 1992 closes 31 July 2025

Inquiry into barriers and opportunities for participation in community sports in the ACT closes 26 September 2025

More opportunities for consultation can be found on the YourSay or the inquiries page on the ACT Legislative Assembly websites

Commonwealth Government Consultations

Compensation and income support for veterans closes 16 May 2025

Whistleblower Protection Authority Bill 2025 (No.2) closes 30 June 2025

Keep an eye on the Parliament of Australia's website for a list of all current Senate, House and Joint Committee inquiries accepting public submissions.

LGBTIQA+ Leadership Grant

This grant supports people who want to develop or improve as an LGBTIQA+ leader.

Applications open 4 times a year. The final round for the financial year is 17 March to 18 May 2025.

The grant is part of the Capital of Equality Grants Program. The program aims to achieve:

• improved understanding of LGBTIQA+ experiences
• improved wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ people
• increased participation of LGBTIQA+ communities
• increased capacity and leadership.

Applications close 18 May 2025. Find out more or apply here.

26 MAY 1997
STOLEN GENERATIONS
Bringing Them Home, a report on the Stolen Generation is released at the Australian Reconciliation Convention, Melbourne.

26 MAY 1997
SORRY BOOKS
Representing a ‘people's apology’, over half a million Australians sign 461 Sorry Books, calling on the Federal Government to make a formal apology to the Stolen Generations.

26 MAY 2005
NATIONAL SORRY DAY
Every year on 26 May, National Sorry Day remembers and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities. It is a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our people and nation.

26 MAY 2013
CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE
The Journey of Recognition relay begins, led by AFL legend Michael Long. It aims to build support for constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians.

27 MAY 1967
THE REFERENDUM
Over 90% of Australians vote ‘Yes’ in a Federal Referendum for changes to the Australian Constitution.

27 MAY 1996
NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK
The week begins on the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum and ends on 3 June, the anniversary of the Mabo Decision.

28 MAY 2000
BRIDGE WALK
Over 250,000 people walk across Sydney Harbour Bridge in a public declaration that ‘Reconciliation is the work of all Australians’.

29 MAY 1992
TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER FLAG
The Torres Strait Islander flag was designed by the late Bernard Namok of Thursday Island, to symbolise the unity and identity of Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Rental affordability snapshot: national report 2025 
Anglicare Australia, 30 April 2025
Australians on the lowest incomes are struggling to pay the rent in electorates across the country. This snapshot surveyed 51,238 rental listings across Australia. Despite an increase in the number of listings surveyed for this year’s Snapshot compared to 2024, Australians on low incomes or relying on income support payments will be hard pressed to find good news.

Election 2025: unpacking the impact of climate and energy on Australian voters 
Climate Council, 5 May 2025
This paper reviews the outcomes of the 2025 federal election, the major party positions and how the electorate voted on climate and energy policies. Australians from both cities and regions want to keep building more wind, solar and storage – and made this clear at the ballot box. A steep swing towards the ALP represents a resounding endorsement of Australia’s current plan for renewable power. 

The Blak Women’s Healing Project 
Victoria University, 6 May 2025
The Blak Women’s Healing project was a two phased project that set out to understand and support Aboriginal women living in Melbourne’s west whose families had negative encounters with child protection services. Fourteen women took part across different aspects of the program, while four women participated in the two-year program. 

How climate change affects mental health in Australia 
Doctors for the Environment Australia, 8 May 2025
A growing body of evidence shows mental ill-health from climate change impacts has grown in recent years, with children and young people among those most at risk. 
To successfully address climate mental health impacts, action is required at multiple levels – individual, organisational and local community as well as state and national policy.
The report urges government to consider the cost to health and substantially increase resourcing to meet the escalating mental health impacts from worsening extreme weather.

Advertising in eNotices: Do you have a conference, training course, fundraising function or other event that you'd like to advertise in eNotices? For a small fee we can include events relevant to the community sector. Spaces are limited. Visit our website or contact [email protected] for more information. Free events do not incur a fee.

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ACTCOSS is committed to reconciliation, acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land, and pays respect to elders past and present.

Authorised by Dr Devin Bowles for the ACT Council of Social Service Inc

ACTCOSS advocates for social justice and represents not-for-profit community organisations in the ACT. Add your voice to hundreds of organisations and individuals committed to making a fair and equitable Canberra community - Join us.

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