News and Media
Here you’ll find news, announcements, and media releases from ACTCOSS and the Gulanga Program, along with major community sector news.
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Media Release: 2026 ACT Cost of Living Report
ACTCOSS’ 2026 Cost of Living Report shows how half a decade of inflation and economic strain have left low-income households close to the brink. “Too many Canberrans are faced with near-impossible trade-offs between basic necessities after five years of steadily increasing financial pressure,” said ACTCOSS CEO, Dr Devin Bowles. “The first half of the decade […]
2026-27 ACT Budget: investment in community services
The ACT Council of Social Service warmly welcomes the ACT Government’s pre-budget announcement today of meaningful investment in the ACT community sector. ACTCOSS CEO, Dr Devin Bowles said, “Our member organisations are being asked to help more and more people that have never needed community supports before. The permanent uplift of $23.7 million across the […]
Communities Climate Action Grant to host climate adaptation forum
ACTCOSS is extremely grateful to receive a Communities Climate Action Grant from the ACT Government to host a climate adaptation forum. The forum will take place in November 2026 and will bring together ACT community sector organisations, climate researchers and policy makers to share how we can all adapt to the changing climate and its […]
Help map the ACT’s disaster social recovery system: survey for community organisations
Does your organisation help communities recover after a disaster? We need your insights to help map the ACT’s social recovery ecosystem. Community organisations play a critical role in supporting people before, during and after disasters. The community sector is often at the frontline of social recovery providing essential support. This support can include housing, food, […]
Media Release: Burnout and pay gaps threaten equity in the ACT: Community sector workforce on the brink
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) released its factsheet – Workforce and Wellbeing in the ACT Community Sector: Findings from the 2025 State of the ACT Community Sector Survey. “The results show a sector that is highly skilled and deeply committed, but increasingly stretched by burnout, pay inequity and funding uncertainty. Effectively, the Government […]
Media Release: ACT Government funding shortfalls impact ACT Community Sector’s capacity to meet demand
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) today released their factsheet – Funding for ACT community services: Findings from the 2025 State of the ACT Community Sector Survey, revealing a change in the landscape of funding. The survey shows many in the community sector are worried they will not be able to meet increasing demands created by […]
Job Notice – Head of Engagement and Sector Development
Apply your experience in advocacy and stakeholder engagement to improve the lives of people living on low-incomes or experiencing disadvantage The Head of Engagement and Sector Development leads advocacy regarding community sector policy and builds relationships to position ACTCOSS to maximise its influence on the sector and ACT Government. The role also develops and manages […]
Special General Meeting and 2025 Annual General Meeting
ACTCOSS will be holding a Special General Meeting (SGM) at 3:30pm to approve changes to the Constitution. This will be held immediately prior to the Annual General Meeting (AGM) which starts at 3:45pm. Formal invitations and agendas for these two meetings have been sent to ACTCOSS Members and Delegates. Please register your attendance here. More […]