Acknowledgement of Country
NCOSS acknowledges First Nations peoples as the sovereign custodians of Country, and pays respect to Elders of past, present and future generations. We acknowledge and value the distinct culture, customs and practices present in the many and diverse tribal nations across NSW.
NCOSS accepts the invitation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and supports a First Nations Voice to Parliament enshrined in the Australian Constitution.
About NCOSS
The NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS) is the peak body for the social services sector in NSW. With over 400 members and a wider network of organisations and individuals who share our values, we advocate to alleviate poverty and disadvantage in NSW.
NCOSS was founded in 1934 during the Great Depression when unemployment rose to 28% and extreme poverty was rampant. With few government programs available, assistance was provided through a limited number of overstretched religious charities. A small group was motivated to improve the lives of those suffering and so the NSW Council of Social Services was formed, to coordinate relief efforts and maximise benefit for those in need. Our core vision remains unchanged; a NSW free from poverty and inequality. To achieve this vision we work to:
- Amplify the experience of people affected by poverty and disadvantage
- Support a diverse, collaborative and innovative community sector
- Form constructive partnerships to influence change
- Ensure a strong, effective and sustainable organisation
- Over 995,600 people are living below the poverty line in NSW and this number is growing. As communities struggle to meet the cost of living, many people are being left behind. Natural disasters as well as the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated the already growing number of vulnerable communities.
