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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ACTCOSS submission to the Inquiry into the Secure Local Jobs Code – Standing Committee on Public Accounts and Administration, ACT Legislative Assembly
ACTCOSS has lodged a submission to the Inquiry into the Secure Local Jobs Code, calling for a stronger focus on the factors that genuinely support secure employment in the community services sector. The community sector shares the goal of secure, fair and sustainable work. However, feedback from ACTCOSS members consistently indicates that the Secure Local […]
2026 ACTCOSS SGM and AGM
ACTCOSS will be holding a Special General Meeting (SGM) on Thursday, 19 November 2026 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 […]
Poverty and disadvantage in the ACT cannot be effectively reduced without accurate data – Anti-Poverty Week 2026
ACTCOSS and Vinnies warn that poverty and disadvantage cannot be effectively reduced without accurate data on how many people are affected and where need is concentrated. In 2026, the proportion of Canberrans living in poverty is estimated to be at its highest level since 2001, according to the Australian Council of Social Service. However, we […]
Announcement – ACTCOSS CEO will step down in January
Dr Devin Bowles, CEO of ACTCOSS, has announced he will be stepping down from his current role at the start of 2027. Following a recent contract extension, he has now informed the Chair of his intention to resign effective from mid-January. “ACT Government elections are the most important lever for ACTCOSS’s advocacy on behalf of […]
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, […]