What we do
The Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) is the peak organisation of the non-government social and community services sector. VCOSS raises awareness of the existence, causes and effects of poverty and inequality, and contributes to initiatives seeking to create a more just society.
VCOSS provides a strong, secular, non-party political voice for low income and disadvantaged Victorians.
VCOSS works on those policy areas that both have the most impact on low income and disadvantaged Victorians and where there is not already a strong and active voice in the community sector.
Our work includes researching and developing ideas for government and community sector policies and practices that will better address poverty and inequality; responding to current and proposed government policies and practices; advocating for change using the media and direct lobbying; coordinating shared community sector responses to emerging issues; and forming collaborations with other organisations and individuals to build a stronger voice for change.
VCOSS also works to build a stronger community sector by facilitating training and development activities and by leading initiatives to ensure a stable funding base and continual improvement in practice. VCOSS hosts a number of forums and working groups.
Each year VCOSS develops a state budget submission to communicate our top priority proposals for spending to the Victorian Government. Read the VCOSS State Budget Submission 2007-08.