Since starting in the role, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting with members and community organisations throughout Tasmania, learning more about your work and gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges you’re facing.
I have come away inspired by the extraordinary commitment, compassion and professionalism of the staff and volunteers who make up our community services industry. Every day, organisations across our state are changing lives, often under incredibly difficult circumstances. This work is something that you should all be proud of.
Yet these conversations have reinforced just how challenging the operating environment has become. And while every organisation’s story is different, the themes I’m hearing are remarkably consistent.
Recently, a northern-based trauma counselling service spoke to me of a nine month waiting list for support. A women’s shelter shared that it is forced to turn away two out of every three women and children seeking safety. Another organisation is providing petrol vouchers so people can simply afford to travel to essential appointments for the support they need.
These examples reflect the growing pressures being experienced across our industry, as demand mounts, operating costs continue to increase, and funding continues to fall behind the real cost of delivering services.
The ability of our members to deliver quality, timely services is truly admirable, but resilience should never be mistaken for unlimited capacity.
Without funding that reflects the real cost of delivering services, organisations face increasingly difficult decisions to remain financially viable.
We’ll be using what you’ve shared with us to inform our upcoming meetings with decision-makers and continuing to call for the sensible, fair policy and funding reforms our industry needs.
To amplify our advocacy and unlock better outcomes, we’re also working through the Tasmanian Coalition of Community Service Peaks on sustainable funding agreements for the industry, underpinned by the progression of a formalised Partnership Agreement with the Tasmanian Government.
Once again, thank you to everyone who has taken the time to meet with me and share your experiences. Hearing directly from members ensures our advocacy echoes the realities facing organisations on the ground and helps us speak with purpose and confidence on behalf of the industry.
I’m looking forward to continuing these member conversations at our upcoming North-West Members Meet & Greet in Devonport on Thursday 29 October. If you’re based in the region, I encourage you to come along, connect with fellow members and share what’s happening in your organisation and community. You can now buy tickets to the networking event and I hope to see you there.