ANHCA visits Canberra!

ANHCA visits Canberra to advocate and explore partnership opportunities

Representatives from our national peak body, Australian Neighbourhood Houses & Centres Association (ANHCA), recently spent 3 days in Canberra meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and key federal Ministers to advocate for the vital role of Neighbourhood and Community Houses and Centres (NCHCs) across Australia.

Tomas Passeggi, Paul Sekfy, Liz Bonner and Jarrah Kelly began their Canberra visit with a networking event hosted by Cassandra Goldie from ACOSS (Australian Council of Social Service) which provided a valuable opportunity to connect with other national peak bodies. Speaking at the event was Minister Tanya Plibersek and Assistant Minister Ged Kearney who both emphasised strengthening communication between government and frontline organisations, and the importance of ‘place-based’ and ‘community-led’ approaches.

The following days were spent in meetings with MPs and Senators having conversations about partnership opportunities where government policy and funding can have greater impact by building on what's already working and the possibilities that emerge when we maximise the potential of our national asset of Australia’s largest place-based social infrastructure, delivering trusted, community-led solutions to some of the country’s most complex challenges.

“The highlight on one of the days, was an incredibly constructive meeting with the Department of Social Services, who recognised the unique value our sector provides while also acknowledging the very real challenges we face being under-resourced, often overlooked in funding systems, and yet doing critical place-based work every single day.”

Our ANHCA representatives also had the opportunity to meet with Andrew Leigh’s office to discuss the barriers our sector faces in accessing DGR status. DGR status is not just a tax classification, it’s a critical tool that would enable fair access to philanthropic and community support, reduce the fundraising barriers many of our members face, and strengthen the sector’s sustainability and local impact. They acknowledged the urgency of this issue and are committed to finding a solution - A working session with the ATO and all parties is expected soon to map the best way forward.