Western Sydney Community Forum Logo

Latest News & Media

Christmas Message from the CEO Billie Sankovic

Western Sydney Community forum with Christmas tree and Christmas ornaments on the tree
AgeingCommunity DevelopmentDisabilityEventsGovernanceGovernanceLatest NewsReform
8c123644 b039 4ebb b787 820c44aeef36

As 2017 draws to a close, on behalf of the team at Western Sydney Community Forum I would like to say a warm thank-you to all of our members, partners and colleagues for your continuing support and inspiring work throughout the year. Much has been achieved!

While we look forward to a well-earned rest during the upcoming holiday season, celebrating and relaxing with family and friends, we can reflect on a year of continuing change and growth.

In 2017, the basis of our endeavours was shaped by our commitment to the people, places and services of Greater Western Sydney. We have continued to work alongside organisations who are achieving inspiring outcomes for the region and its communities. Our organisation is in the fortunate position of being able to witness the improvements being made and their diverse, positive impacts.

The past year was also complex.  Reforms across government programs continued, and we saw an increasing demand from agencies for transition support. The magnitude of change impacting on communities and our industry makes it vital that we continue to advocate for equitable access to services and support.

54c16cf7 369d 4cec ba9b 7ed8801c80a1
2b97106c 5898 4895 925f 658097aef783

Working alongside community groups and organisations, regional and local businesses, and in partnership with government, Western Sydney Community Forum has sought to keep the community central to the conversation.

We continued to expand our reach and voice in the region. Our work with the Whitlam Institute culminated in the launch of landmark publication, ‘The Planning, Funding, and Community Action: The Area Assistance Story’.

In partnership with The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, the Blacktown Energy Initiative was established, bringing Blacktown to the fore as the leading region in NSW for energy efficiency and renewable energy.

We collaborated with CHETRE to produce and launch the Health Impact Assessment on community consultation and the new airport at Badgery’s Creek, ‘Is Anyone Listening? Community Engagement and the Western Sydney Airport’.

Earlier this year, we worked closely with services to review the new Integrated Care at Home Program to support older people. Clear recommendations were made to government, particularly on current gaps and duplication across the aged care and health systems and integrated assessment models.

The Liveable Cities Symposium was held in partnership with WSROC. This was a key initiative that  engaged a wide range of agencies, and informed priorities and benchmarks for social sustainability in the Greater Sydney Commission’s District Plans.

We were also very pleased to deliver the inaugural Generation CommunitY emerging leaders program, with eight graduates moving toward confident, competent career paths in management capacities across the human services sector.

d6c14036 1bd4 4869 800c c4cdb4c81b57
e59d86fd 7955 4553 a89b 06128cde2e65

I was personally delighted that WSCF’s article, arguing that ‘Social infrastructure and services are just as vital to liveability’, was published in the NSW Planning Journal as a key feature. As leaders, this reinforces our mandate to continue sourcing and securing these opportunities to influence decision making.

As we look ahead to the new year, 2018 brings another exciting ZEST Awards Ceremony at ANZ Stadium, celebrating the unsung heroes and inspiring initiatives of Greater Western Sydney communities. We look forward to the attendance of ZEST Patron and Premier of NSW, Gladys Berejiklian, as well as honoured guests and our esteemed ZEST Ambassadors.

It’s been a dynamic, eventful year. We look forward – with great enthusiasm – to working with you again next year to continue leading and shaping the future of our region and its communities.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and Staff Team at Western Sydney Community Forum, I wish you and your family a safe and enjoyable holiday season, a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Best wishes,

billiesignature_crop_rgb
Billie

The Western Sydney Community Forum office will close at 12pm on Friday 22 December 2017 and re-open at 9am on Monday 8 January 2018

Related posts

Support-Services-Gaza-Conflict-1024x330
Latest News
The escalation of violent conflict in Israel and Gaza is being felt by communities in Western Sydney, and it may be affecting your staff or the people you work with. Multicultural NSW has developed a list of support services available for people who may be impacted at this time.
NSW-Budget-2023-Statement-FINAL
Latest News
With the unveiling of the first Budget by a NSW Labor Government in 12 years, I—like many others in Western Sydney’s community sector—watched with interest for signs that the new government was committed to taking the bold steps needed to address the challenges facing the region. However, what I witnessed this week was a budget that did not step up to those challenges.
Federal-Budget-2023-FINAL-1024x330
Change ReadinessCommunity DevelopmentEventsGovernanceGovernanceInfrastructureLatest NewsMedia ReleaseTransportYouth
Since the budget announcement on Tuesday night, I have been reflecting on what all this means for the community and human services industry, and more importantly for the people of Western Sydney that we support. On budget night, I saw a shift in the national narrative with the Government’s approach to people experiencing vulnerabilities. I saw a shift in how income support and rental assistance was viewed, that it is a security safety net for times when people are in need and at times of crisis.
Economies thrive when communities do equity and the NSW State Budget 2020-21
Change ReadinessCommunity DevelopmentEventsGovernanceGovernanceInfrastructureLatest NewsMedia ReleaseTransportYouth
As I tuned into the NSW Government’s Budget 2020-21 announcement on Tuesday, I couldn’t help but hold a level of anticipation. Amid recent announcements that Australia is facing a recession, I needed to know as I scanned the influx of media announcements – was Western Sydney going to be a ‘winner’ in this year’s budget?
A guy holding a boomerang looking at smoke with people watching
Latest NewsMedia Release
Western Sydney Community Forum welcomes a recent Mayoral Minute adopted by Council as a measure towards reconciliation for communities in Western Sydney. Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne of The Hills Shire Council made a significant motion regarding reconciliation in the region. The Mayoral minute was unanimously endorsed by Council where an invitation will be extended to local Aboriginal Elders to meet with Council, and an Acknowledgement to Country will be included in Citizenship Ceremonies and at major community events.
When you notice a change, no matter how small, RU OK ? DAY banner with a guy looking at another sad looking guy with empathy on the left side
Latest News
Held annually, this national day is committed to starting conversations surrounding mental health, acting as a catalyst for community connection and support. This day advocates for not just a onetime check in to ask “RUOK?” but asks of us to collectively support others regularly each day of the year, especially those who may be struggling with the ups and downs of life.

Recent posts

Support-Services-Gaza-Conflict-1024x330
Latest News
The escalation of violent conflict in Israel and Gaza is being felt by communities in Western Sydney, and it may be affecting your staff or the people you work with. Multicultural NSW has developed a list of support services available for people who may be impacted at this time.
NSW-Budget-2023-Statement-FINAL
Latest News
With the unveiling of the first Budget by a NSW Labor Government in 12 years, I—like many others in Western Sydney’s community sector—watched with interest for signs that the new government was committed to taking the bold steps needed to address the challenges facing the region. However, what I witnessed this week was a budget that did not step up to those challenges.
Federal-Budget-2023-FINAL-1024x330
Change ReadinessCommunity DevelopmentEventsGovernanceGovernanceInfrastructureLatest NewsMedia ReleaseTransportYouth
Since the budget announcement on Tuesday night, I have been reflecting on what all this means for the community and human services industry, and more importantly for the people of Western Sydney that we support. On budget night, I saw a shift in the national narrative with the Government’s approach to people experiencing vulnerabilities. I saw a shift in how income support and rental assistance was viewed, that it is a security safety net for times when people are in need and at times of crisis.
Economies thrive when communities do equity and the NSW State Budget 2020-21
Change ReadinessCommunity DevelopmentEventsGovernanceGovernanceInfrastructureLatest NewsMedia ReleaseTransportYouth
As I tuned into the NSW Government’s Budget 2020-21 announcement on Tuesday, I couldn’t help but hold a level of anticipation. Amid recent announcements that Australia is facing a recession, I needed to know as I scanned the influx of media announcements – was Western Sydney going to be a ‘winner’ in this year’s budget?
A guy holding a boomerang looking at smoke with people watching
Latest NewsMedia Release
Western Sydney Community Forum welcomes a recent Mayoral Minute adopted by Council as a measure towards reconciliation for communities in Western Sydney. Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne of The Hills Shire Council made a significant motion regarding reconciliation in the region. The Mayoral minute was unanimously endorsed by Council where an invitation will be extended to local Aboriginal Elders to meet with Council, and an Acknowledgement to Country will be included in Citizenship Ceremonies and at major community events.
Skip to content