Western Australian Council of Social Service

Since 1956, WACOSS has been developing and strengthening the non-government community services sector's capacity to assist all Western Australians.

At the heart of its activities, lies the belief that the mark of a civilised community is the support and help it gives to those most in need.

WACOSS and its members aim to improve the quality of life of people disadvantaged by the inequities of our society through:

• Improving community services by exchanging ideas, information, skills and resources
• Creating a strong, united and informed voice capable of advocating for the social needs of all Western Australians

A continual consultation process with members, their clients, the general public and other professional organisations enables WACOSS to identify and address social inequities within the community.

This is achieved by:

• Contributing to the development of social policy
• Promoting the provision of social services
• Raising awareness of social issues in the community
• Facilitating coordination and cooperation amongst social service agencies across the State
• Providing a range of services to member and non-member agencies

WACOSS also provides government with feedback on policies and programs to ensure they are relevant, and offers an alternative avenue through which government can discuss sector issues with service providers and consumers. It further advocates the views of the sector by providing information and comment to the media and the public through media releases, regular newsletters and by making representatives available to speak at public forums. WACOSS is part of an extensive network comprising Councils of Social Services in all Australian States and Territories and a national body (ACOSS), based in Sydney.

The Council is governed by an experienced Board which overseas WACOSS operations and provided many forums to ensure members have an opportunity to develop the organisation's policy position. The Executive Director is responsible for the day to day management of WACOSS and its staff. Membership is open to non-government service providers including voluntary agencies, self-help community groups, students, professional organisations, politicians, Commonwealth, and State and Local Government bodies. Organisations and individuals can become a WACOSS member and receive a range of benefits including:

• Voting rights
• Representation of member views to Government
• Information mailouts and publications
• Training and Development Services

Government agencies, authorities, business and unions can join WACOSS as an Associate Member which entitles them to receive regular information, access to up-to-date advice, and training and development services at a discount price.