Community Sector Banking and the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) announce a unique long-term partnership designed to strengthen the community and not-for-profit sector.
The partnership will combine the strengths, reach and valuable networks of both organisations. Their long-term goal is to achieve a fair, inclusive and sustainable Australia and to help create heathier and more vibrant communities. Both organisations are committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and to enhancing the capacity of the community and not-for-profit sector.
Through their partnership, Community Sector Banking and ACOSS will launch a new national survey of the community sector. This annual survey, last published in 2014, will provide regular data and analysis on the challenges confronting the community sector and the capacity of not-for-profit service providers to meet these challenges.
ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie said that ACOSS chooses its partners very carefully because they know the needs of the community and the pressures on community and not-for-profit organisations in confronting ever growing challenges.
“We also know the power of collaboration and the need to partner with other compatible, shared-value organisations if we are to increase our resources, knowledge and networks. We are confident that the partnership with Community Sector Banking will enhance our capacity and that of the sector over coming years,” she said.
CEO of Community Sector Banking, Andrew Cairns said that one of the key drivers for Community Sector Banking is to strengthen the community and not-for-profit sector through the delivery of better products and programmes and through strong partnerships.
“This partnership with ACOSS is built on a shared belief that only by working together, sharing knowledge and skills and pursuing national community goals through joint advocacy can we add value to thousands of community and not-for-profit organisations that strive every day to make a positive difference,” he said.