In the midst of a dual cost-of-living and housing crisis, our services are in demand more than ever. While we have lived through challenging times, we are now addressing critical aspects of the sector’s future and are looking at ways to advance excellence and better support the community.

At the forefront of these discussions, is the central theme to our Conference, Innovating Together, Leaving No One Behind. A timely reflection of the ongoing evolution of our sector.

We are seeing emerging technologies that have transformative potential, with their advantages and their implications, there are opportunities to harness emergent technologies to address systemic inequalities and capitalise on their benefits, for enhanced service delivery and operational efficiency. When we explore what these technologies look like, we can identify the opportunities and the challenges, and how they can be effectively integrated to better improve the lives of everyone.

Service design and delivery centres the exploration of new frontiers in how services are being conceived, funded, and delivered. Innovative practices can lead to significant impact and lead to greater inclusion, but the key is to seek innovative approaches, and practical examples of innovation.

Wellbeing measurement is a much broader way of capturing societal impact, that can help us shape effective policy and governance. Measuring what matters helps guide more informed policy and investment decisions, so that services are delivering programs with funding that is directed towards the outcomes that truly impact the wellbeing for everyone.

Services need to innovate, but not for just for innovation’s sake. It is central to the sustainability, efficiency and the intrinsic wellbeing of the people the community services sector support every single day.

Now is the time for innovation. Now is the time to leave no one behind.

The event will take place over three days.

Monday 12 May will mark the first day of the Conference, a half-day event we are currently working on in partnership with the Council of Aboriginal Services Western Australia, the recently formed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled peak body.

In the evening of Monday 12 May, we will party into the night, celebrating the sector at the Community Services Excellence Awards.

Days two and three, Tuesday and Wednesday, will feature keynote speakers, workshops, presentations and panel speakers, and we are locking in some incredibly talented local and international speakers.

Nominations for the Community Services Excellence Awards are now open, and you can nominate someone for their outstanding contribution to the sector and communities. Nominate here. 

Registrations will open in early December. A registration for the Conference is the perfect Christmas gift to get your staff and show your appreciation for them!

The Community Service Excellence Awards (CSEA) acknowledge the contribution made by the community services sector and provides a unique opportunity to showcase the work being undertaken by these organisations and the many individuals who work tirelessly to make a difference in the community. The Community Services Excellence Awards offer us the opportunity to take time out of our busy lives to recognise this work and to commend them for their efforts.

The Awards recognise the important role the community sector and individuals play in making a positive difference to people, families, and communities through their innovative and creative services.

Finalists and award winners will be acknowledged at the awards evening held in conjunction with the 2018 WACOSS Conference.

To nominate someone for an awards, click here.