About Us
As the peak non-government representative body for community services in South Australia, the South Australian Council of Social Service (SACOSS) works to influence public policy in a way that promotes fair and just access to the goods and services required to live a decent life.
SACOSS has a strong membership base of almost 300 people and organisations from a broad range of areas in the social services arena. Members of our organisation span both small and large agencies, peak bodies, service providers, individuals and some government departments.
What we believe
Our Vision
Justice, opportunity and shared wealth for all South Australians
Our Mission
SACOSS does not accept poverty, inequity or injustice.
We will be a powerful and representative voice that leads and supports our community to take actions that achieve our vision.
We will hold to account governments, business, and communities for actions that disadvantage vulnerable South Australians.
Our Goals
All social and economic policy in SA ensures all South Australians have their basic human needs met.
South Australia has strong, cohesive community services and health sectors
driving social change.
SACOSS is a sustainable, independent organisation equipped
to support the community services
and health sectors to achieve our vision.
Download the SACOSS Strategic Plan 2011-16
SACOSS' Blueprint for the eradication of Poverty in South Australia presents an anti-poverty strategy to renew focus and action on the anti‑poverty agenda. While it is now due for a revision, the framework and broad strategies of the Blueprinti still underpin much of SACOSS' key activities.
Download the Blueprint.
History
SACOSS was formed in 1946 as a broadened, restructured and renamed version of a Youth Welfare Coordinating Council that had appeared earlier in the decade. SACOSS was, and remains, an umbrella organisation with a membership consisting of organisations active in the community services and welfare field, broadly defined, along with individual associate members. Today a few of the constituent organisations and individuals come from the public sector, but the overwhelming majority may be described as non-government/charitable/welfare.
The Council, through a range of committees and working parties, tackled many issues and spawned many organisations over the years, e.g. Good Neighbour Council, Mental Health Association, Shelter, Community Information Strategies Australia, Volunteering SA, Citizens Advice Bureau, Welfare Rights Centre and Community Employees Association.
Originally records were kept at the homes of committee members. Eventually an office was set up in Grenfell Street. After several moves, including locations in Morphett Street and Waymouth Street, SACOSS settled into the Torrens Building on Victoria Square in July 1997. In May 2007 SACOSS moved again, this time to Marjorie Black House in Unley.
Read about Barbara Garrett MBE, SACOSS President 1985-2007 (reproduced from 60th Annual Report 2006-07)
Governance
The SACOSS Board is responsible for the governance of the organisation; the SACOSS Policy Council, drawn from the SACOSS membership, develops policies relevant to the sector and helps to plan and develop key areas of social policy development work.
The South Australian Council of Social Service is part of a national network, consisting of the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) and the State and Territory Councils of Social Service, who assist low income and disadvantaged people Australia wide.
Download a list of the current Board and Policy Council.
Staff
General Enquiries 08 8305 4222 sacoss@sacoss.org.au
Executive Director
Ross Womersley
Direct number 08 8305 4223
Senior Policy, Advocacy,
& Community Engagement Officer Dr Catherine Earl (Currently on maternity leave)
Please contact Dr Angie Bletsas
Direct number 08 8305 4225
Senior Policy & Research Officer Dr Greg Ogle
Direct number 08 8305 4229
Senior Policy Officer
Energy & Pay Equity Jo De Silva
Direct number 08 8305 4211
Events Coordinator Vivian Clark
Direct number 08 8305 4224
Office & Finance Coordinator Libby Connell
Direct number 08 8305 4226
Communications Officer
Marnie Round
Direct number 08 8305 4227
Mobile 0423 767 015
Healthy Workers Adviser Kate Kameniar
Direct number 8305 4231
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