At the recent hearing of the Select Committee on Essential Worker Housing, CI Group CEO highlighted the fact that across the board, our members are experiencing a workforce crisis. 

Access to safe, secure and affordable housing is a structural barrier to employment in our sector. Wages are low across our services and with housing shortages and escalating housing costs across our whole footprint, many workers cannot afford a home. That is why the Committee must recognise that every one of our workers are essential. Community organisations are resorting to extreme measures to attract and retain their essential workforce. For many, particularly in the aged care sector, this includes providing accommodation. However, there are enormous and onerous costs associated with acting as quasi-real estate agents, and all of this diverts funds from provision of core mission.

CI group’s recommendations to this Committee include:

• Increase social housing. Partnering with Community Housing providers to deliver more social housing will apply pressure to the private housing market. We recommend the NSW government set target of at least 10% of all housing to be public or community housing. This commitment must be supported by funding to meet this target.

• Stronger regulations on short-term rental accommodation. E.g. Caps on the number of days, and levies on short term rental investors. Levies should be quarantined for investment in social housing. 

• Fair limits for rent increases and stronger protections.  Many of our workforce have faced unfair rent increases which have ceratinly outpaced wages growth.

• Recognise residential aged care as housing and include in housing strategies. Residential care is ‘home’ to older people – often our last home. We are currently 1023 residential aged care places short in our region, with one of the fastest-growing ageing populations in the country. Residential care frees up established family homes for sale. 

• Do not link Essential Worker Affordable Housing eligibility to job type. Affordable Housing programs should be available to low income households, regardless of occupation type.

• Capital Grants for not-for-profit Community Housing providers and Aged Care providers to help grow housing stock and balance sheets.

Listen to Episode One of our brand new Podcase / Vodcast Series, where we discuss
Active Transport

Tune in to Community Matters, our very own podcast featuring Nicky Sloan and George Takacs, as they delve into the topics of Active Transport, Health, and Advocacy. Discover how residents of the Illawarra/Shoalhaven can have their say in the Strategic Regional Transport Plan, currently open for consultation through Transport for NSW. This critical plan addresses transport challenges across the region, emphasising active and public transport solutions to foster healthier, more connected, and sustainable communities.

Residents of the Illawarra/Shoalhaven are being urged to contribute to the Strategic Regional Transport Plan, currently open for consultation through Transport for NSW. This plan will tackle critical transport challenges in our region, with a focus on active and public transport options that promote healthier, more connected, and sustainable communities.

Community Industry Group CEO, Nicky Sloan, stressed the importance of community input: “This is your chance to ensure the unique needs of our region are reflected in this plan. From improving active transport options to enhancing connectivity in rural areas, your feedback will shape our future.”

To learn more, tune into the latest episode of Community Matters, Community Industry Group’s podcast. This episode features George Takacs, Active Transport Taskforce Coordinator at Healthy Cities Illawarra. George highlights the importance of active transport—such as walking, cycling, and public transit—and its benefits for public health, the environment, and community connection.

“Transport affects everyone, and the solutions we create now will shape the region for decades to come,” George explained.

Get Involved

• Contribute your feedback: Visit the Transport for NSW consultation platform and share your ideas or drop a pin on their interactive map.

• Listen to the podcast: Tune into Community Matters for insights into how transport impacts our lives and how you can make a difference.

Together, we can create a transport system that supports a healthier, more sustainable future for the Illawarra Shoalhaven.

Edward Birt Policy and Projects Specialist
Community Industry Group
Ph: 0448 200 894 Email: [email protected]

Another successful AGM

This week, Community Industry Group hosted our Annual General Meeting in the beautiful surrounds of the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music.

For us, an AGM is an opportunity to connect with our valued members, reflect on the year's achievements, and celebrate over three decades of dedication to social justice across Southern NSW communities.

The AGM is an important milestone in the governance of the organisation and a chance to thank our hardworking Board. While the majority of Board members graciously agreed to re-stand for another year, we farewelled Aunty June Lowe, who retired after serving as a valued Board member for many years. We thank Aunty June for her support, representation, and wise counsel. We are also pleased to welcome new Board member Michele Glasgow, who has filled the vacancy.

Our AGM allows us to share our hard work and collaboration, highlighting the innovative projects and advocacy efforts for our sector and region. It’s also a time to acknowledge the challenges faced and the resilience shown by the community sector throughout the year.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the members and guests who attended the AGM. Your ongoing support, insights, and dedication are the driving forces behind our mission to foster positive change. Together, we look forward to building on our successes as we continue striving for a fairer, more inclusive society in the year ahead.

Thank you for being part of this journey!

Have your say in improving access to Transport in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven

Transport disadvantage is a significant issue across much of the Illawarra and Shoalhaven, particularly in towns and suburbs with low socio-economic indicators. Transport is essential for accessing jobs, education, and critical services. The vast distances throughout the region, coupled with often isolated towns and villages, have left many people facing limited opportunities as well as geographic and social isolation.

The groups most vulnerable to this isolation include young people, individuals living with physical or mental illness or disability, those on income support payments, pensions or low incomes, older people, and carers.

Access to active transport routes and reliable, affordable public transport is inequitable across the region. Some areas have good access, while others only have one daily bus service, with fares that make regular travel unaffordable. Some villages in regional NSW have no active or public transport options at all, forcing residents to rely on private vehicles to access essential services, education, employment, and recreational activities.

How can I have my say?

Your feedback on the transport experiences of your client groups will ensure the submission better reflects the actual needs of the region. Send your thoughts, case studies, or specific concerns directly to Ed Birt at [email protected].  You can also:

· Talk to your clients and staff, let them know about the inquiry, and encourage their participation​

· Visit the website to stay up to date and subscribe to the mailing list https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/sritp/Illawarra-shoalhaven ​

· Have your say directly by emailing your thoughts to [email protected]​

· Drop a pin on the interactive map online at the website to highlight a particular concern, insight , or feedback.​

A great board makes a community organisation even greater! In person / Nowra.

This upcoming in-person training session is designed to build  an understanding of board roles and responsibilities within community service organisations. You’ll learn about the key duties of board officer positions and how these roles contribute to the success and sustainability of the organisation. Additionally, we’ll cover the Associations Incorporation Act, providing essential insights into the legal framework that governs not-for-profit organisations. Whether you’re new to board leadership or looking to deepen your understanding, this session will equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate these critical aspects with confidence.

Registration: Interested NFPs can register at Community Industry Group Training or call Community Industry Group on (02) 4256 4333.

BOOK HERE FOR FEB 2025

Food Relief: Free Good Practice Guide

To better support people experiencing food insecurity and foster long-term change, food relief services must be designed to offer more than just food. Download the evidence-based Food Relief Good Practice Guide, developed by researchers at CSI Flinders to assist providers in enhancing service delivery and advancing community impact.

Introducing Good360: A valuable resource for our members

Community Industry Group is proud to introduce Good360 Australia, an organisation that connects charities, schools, and vulnerable communities with businesses donating surplus or unsold goods, services, and disaster recovery essentials. Membership to Good360 is free and comes with numerous benefits.

As a Good360 member, you’ll gain access to brand-new products from leading Australian brands and retailers to support your programs and services. These items include nappies and toys for domestic violence shelters, notebooks for schools, clothing and toiletries for residential centres, make-up for teens and women in hardship, and much more. The goods are free, with only a small shipping and handling cost. We encourage all members to explore this resource. Join the Circle of Good today by visiting Good360’s website or contacting their Customer Success team at (02) 8594 3600. Good360 helps charities save time and money, so they can focus on making a difference.

Members News

What’s on for our Members This Week?

Guidelines: If you are a member and want to add something to our Newsletter email your flyer to [email protected].

Member Jobs / Positions Vacant

Grant Opportunities