Since the budget announcement on Tuesday night, I have been reflecting on what all this means for the community and human services industry, and more importantly for the people of Western Sydney that we support. On budget night, I saw a shift in the national narrative with the Government’s approach to people experiencing vulnerabilities. I saw a shift in how income support and rental assistance was viewed, that it is a security safety net for times when people are in need and at times of crisis.

As I tuned into the NSW Government’s Budget 2020-21 announcement on Tuesday, I couldn’t help but hold a level of anticipation. Amid recent announcements that Australia is facing a recession, I needed to know as I scanned the influx of media announcements – was Western Sydney going to be a ‘winner’ in this year’s budget?

The NSW Government released its much-anticipated Budget this week. I was excited. We had the recent signing of the Western Sydney City Deal. We saw a strong public discourse of governing ‘with heart’.  And we have an election(s) looming. I was excited and keen to hear how this would all play out in reality, to get to the heart of priorities across Western Sydney and beyond, in NSW. What I found is that this Budget, in the main, begins to address some of the infrastructure priorities of the region but has some considerable way to go before it gets close to being a Budget that will foster, sustain and improve community wellbeing and liveability.

Joint Media Release St Vincent de Paul Society NSW and Western Sydney Community Forum Parramatta, 23 May 2018:  The release of a major report on the changing landscape of Western Sydney reveals important insights which could impact future planning and investment in community health and wellbeing. The ‘Communities of Change: Western Sydney Now and Into the Future’ report, a collaboration between Western Sydney Community Forum and St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, highlights areas of potential shortfalls in investment and service delivery.

'Don't Keep History A Mystery' is this year's National Reconciliation Week (NRW) theme. From 27 May to 3 June, NRW explores the facts about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, achievements and cultures - encouraging individuals to consider: what it is you do not currently know, about our shared national history?

As 2017 draws to a close, on behalf of the team at Western Sydney Community Forum I would like to say a warm thank-you to all of our members, partners and colleagues for your continuing support and inspiring work throughout the year. Much has been achieved! While we look forward to a well-earned rest during the upcoming holiday season, celebrating and relaxing with family and friends, we can reflect on a year of continuing change and growth. In 2017, the basis of our endeavours was shaped by our commitment to the people, places and services of Greater Western Sydney. We have continued to work alongside organisations who are achieving inspiring outcomes for the region and its communities. Our organisation is in the fortunate position of being able to witness the improvements being made and their diverse, positive impacts.