Friday 5 July, 2019: Community Sector Banking and the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) today 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.
In launching the partnership, ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie said that ACOSS chooses its partners very carefully:
“We 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.”
CEO of Community Sector Banking, Mr Andrew Cairns also spoke of the value in this unique partnership:
“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 long-term 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.”
For further information and interviews please contact Steven Anderson from Community Sector Banking on 0412 634 132 / [email protected] OR contact Monique Vandeleur from ACOSS on 0419 626 155 / [email protected]
Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS)
ACOSS is a key national advocate for action to reduce poverty and inequality and the peak body for the community services sector in Australia. Backed by its membership of major charities and community organisations throughout Australia, ACOSS analyses government policies and programs, develops national economic and social policies and advocates for a fair, inclusive and sustainable Australia in which all individuals and communities can participate and benefit from social and economic life. ACOSS was active in forming Community Sector Banking in 2001 and is a shareholder in Community 21, a 50% owner (along with Bendigo and Adelaide Bank) of Community Sector Banking.
Community Sector Banking (CSB)
Established as a joint venture between Australia’s leading shared value-based bank, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, and the community and not-for-profit sector through Community21, Community Sector Banking’s goal is to continuously enhance the sector’s capability in building financial solutions and creating new revenue streams for social programs. CSB works closely with the sector to build new suites of products and services to meet current and emerging needs and woks through partnerships to strengthen CSB, the sector and the community.