WSCF staff attended the launch of the Community Investment Collective at Parliament House on 26 June. The launch hosted by Minister for Ageing & Disability Services, John Ajaka was addressed by the new Family & Community Services (FaCS) Minister Gabrielle Upton and Treasurer Andrew Constance. The Treasurer reaffirmed the Premier’s commitment and passion for human services and vulnerable people. He also spoke about the need to be more innovative in responding to individual need and not being constrained by the limitations of government funding programs.

The Community Investment Collective is a model which aims to break the cycle of disadvantage in communities through collaboration across government, businesses and community. The CIC has been initiated by the Northern District of NSW Family & Community Services and the Western Sydney FaCS District is in the process of establishing the model in this region. The concept is to collaborate across sector and bring not only funding from the private sector, but also time and talent and encourage new ways of working to tackle social disadvantage.

Northern Sydney FaCS District have already held an event with business and community leaders and have established an ongoing Thought Leadership group to tackle social issues in the Northern Sydney region. Plans are underway for a similar process in the Western Sydney FaCS District.

In addition, a social media platform is in development which will enable companies, communities and government to give and bid on-line. A “for-purpose” trust will also be established in the future to support initiatives across the state.

WSCF is working with FaCS and will keep you abreast of updates about CIC and plans for Western Sydney.

To view the inaugural event hosted by Northern Sydney FaCS click here.