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.4, 31 March 2020
ACT Property Group tenants: The ACT Government has announced that from the 1 April 2020, community organisations who are ACT Property Group tenants will not be charged rent for a period of 6 months. Should you have any further questions you can contact Brianna Crowe at [email protected] or on 02 6205 2368. Info sheet coming […]
COVID-19 Update No.3, 27 March 2020
ACT Property Group Update The ACT Property Group is writing to tenants informing them that many ACT Property Group buildings are being closed in line with the Federal Government’s announcement. However, they are keeping the venues open for essential services. If you are a community service that has received this notice and you need to […]
COVID-19 Update No.2, 25 March 2020
ACTCOSS COVID-19 Advocacy ACTCOSS have been advocating on behalf of community organisations during this COVID-19 pandemic period through actions including: Media release and continued advocacy calling for flexibility on contract requirements for our sector from all ACT Government Directorates, specifically to: Delay or relax reporting obligations Suspend KPIs and outcomes to allow for adaptation to […]
Media relese: ACT Government must allow community services flexibility in responding to COVID-19 crisis
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) is calling upon the ACT Government to reduce the administrative burden on community service providers as they respond to the COVID-19 crisis. The Chief Executive Officer of ACTCOSS, Dr Emma Campbell, said: “It is really important that community service providers continue to be funded and supported so they […]
COVID-19 Update No.1, 23 March 2020
ACTCOSS COVID-19 Advocacy ACTCOSS have been advocating on behalf of community organisations during this COVID-19 pandemic period through actions including: Regular engagement with the Chief Minister’s Office to ensure community organisations are included in territory-specific economic stimulus packages Letter to the ACT Government on community sector contracts calling for: A delay or relaxation of reporting […]
Media release: Report shows ACT community services already struggling before COVID-19 crisis
Government support for the not-for-profit (NFP) community service sector in the ACT is failing to keep up with demand for services, foster collaboration and allow for advocacy. This is a key finding from the Australian Community Sector Survey prepared by the Social Policy Research Centre at UNSW Sydney in collaboration with the Councils of Social […]
Media release: Community COVID-19 rescue package welcomed
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has welcomed key elements of the ACT Government’s rescue and stimulus package announced today in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. The package includes support for low-income people through rates and rebates, a cash payment to housing tenants, funding for community organisations at the front line and […]
Media release: Scrutiny of Government progress welcomed
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has welcomed last week’s public hearings on government services by the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body (ATSIEB). The annual hearings provide an opportunity for scrutiny of ACT Government programs by ATSIEB. ATSIEB was created to enable Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT […]