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: Over 25,000 Canberrans experiencing food stress as food rescue more than doubles over 8 years
A report released today by the ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has found that a significant number of Canberrans living in low-income households are experiencing food stress. Food stress is when a low-income household spends 30% or more of its income on food. The report also found that the supply of rescued food to […]
Nominations extended! 2019 Canberra & District Aboriginal &/or Torres Strait Islander Community Sector Worker of the Year
NOMINATIONS NOW EXTENDED TO 31 MAY 2019 Since 2006, the ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has coordinated the Canberra & District Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Community Sector Worker of the Year Award for NAIDOC Week. This award recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander volunteers and workers at the forefront of the community […]
Media release: Clear messages to ACT Federal Election Candidates
With only four days to go until polling day, a report from the ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) Federal Election Forum has asked candidates to focus on local issues outside the issues raised in the so-called ‘Canberra bubble’. Using a combination of electorate-specific discussion prompts, priorities identified by community sector workers, leaders and other […]
Media release: ACT Budget must address cost of living pressures for low-income households
In the lead up to announcement of the ACT 2019-2020 Budget the ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has released research highlighting the need to ease cost of living pressures for low-income Canberra households. ACTCOSS’ 2019 ACT Cost of Living Report found that Canberra’s overall CPI has continued to increase above the national rate over […]
ACTCOSS supports housing funding for remote communities
The leaders of Councils of Social Service (COSS) around the country have welcomed the ALP announcement of a ten year, $1.5 billion investment in housing in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and pledge to develop a new COAG partnership on remote housing and called on the Liberal Party to provide a similar commitment. […]
Federal candidates forum: Spaces filling up fast!
Come along to ACT Decides: A Community Conversation – ACTCOSS’ ACT federal election candidates forum next Monday 29 April 2019. We’ve invited federal election candidates across party or independent affiliations to share with you their responses and plans for federal priorities, services and programs for ACT residents. It’s an opportunity for local dialogue with a […]
Enter the ACTCOSS 2019 National Reconciliation Week Draw!
Would you like to enter a draw for over $300 worth of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander resources for your workplace? Resources include items such as: AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia, The Little Red Yellow Black Book, Ngunnawal Plant Use Book, and more. In recognition of Australia’s first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander […]
Media release: FEDERAL BUDGET 2019: Some catch up on services but failing the poorest in Canberra
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has joined other Councils of Social Service in expressing disappointment that the Federal Budget has failed to reduce severe poverty and close the worst gaps in essential services, while welcoming some investments and supports. According to ACTCOSS Director Susan Helyar, “Tonight’s Budget promises the first surplus in 12 […]