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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COVID-19 Update No.9, 23 April 2020
Key Updates Support for people facing homelessness or domestic and family violence arising from the COVID-19 pandemic: The ACT Government has announced $3 million in funding for client support ($330,000); accommodation support ($832,000); responding to domestic and family violence ($550,000); and provider support ($1 million). ACTCOSS will distribute more information once it is received. Jobs […]
COVID-19 Update No.8, 17 April 2020
Key Updates Information to support landlords and tenants: the ACT Government’s COVID-19 resources site now includes factsheets for tenants (pdf), landlords (pdf), and real estate agents (pdf) in relation to their rights during COVID-19. If you would like to flag issues affecting your organisation or vulnerable communities, please get in touch with ACTCOSS through our […]
COVID-19 Update No.7, 15 April 2020
[TODAY!] COVID19 Diverse – a social media forum Join #COVID19diverse – a social media forum hearing from disabled, queer and diverse Canberra voices in the pandemic, and hosted by ACTCOSS, Women With Disabilities ACT, A Gender Agenda, Advocacy for Inclusion and AIDS Action Council. This all-day social media forum is an opportunity to provide feedback […]
Media release: Human rights must be protected in COVID-19
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has welcomed a landmark statement by internationally-recognised human rights advocates calling for equal access to lifesaving medical treatment for people with disability during COVID-19. Signatories to the Statement of Concern on COVID-19: Human rights, disability, and ethical decision-making include former Disability Discrimination Commissioner Graeme Inness AM; Vice-Chair of […]
COVID-19 Update for Organisations Supporting Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Communities No. 1, 9 April 2020
Welcome to the first edition of our CALD-focused newsletter. Information develops daily concerning COVID-19, and to support your important work, we are sharing some useful resources and links to assist organisations supporting culturally and linguistically diverse communities. If you would like ACTCOSS to get answers to particular issues or if you have information to share, […]
COVID-19 Update No.6, 7 April 2020
ACTCOSS COVID-19 Advocacy ACTCOSS have been advocating on behalf of community organisations during this COVID-19 pandemic period through actions, including: Engagement with Minister Orr and ACT Government to: Define essential services for the purposes of continuing work in a major shutdown Ensure transparency in the distribution of additional funds allocated to the community sector through […]
COVID-19 Update No.5, 3 April 2020
Community organisations who are ACT Property Group tenants will not be charged rent for 6 months, starting 1 April. All organisations who have already paid rent for this period will be reimbursed. Rent invoices will still be issued with a negative line item to indicate the no-rent charge The second phase of the ACT Government […]
Media release: COVID-19 – New stimulus package welcomed
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has welcomed the second ACT Government stimulus package, which focuses on relief to renters and additional funding to community organisations working to see Canberrans through the COVID-19 crisis. Highlights of the second phase of the ACT Government’s economic survival plan include: In addition to the initial $7 million […]