The Minns Labor Government is backing in the vital role of local neighbourhood centres through a formal agreement signed this week outlining a shared vision for the future.
The Shared Commitment agreement between the Local Community Services Association (LCSA), Neighbourhood and Community Centres (NCCs) and the NSW Government sets out a collaborative approach to strengthen communities across the state.
There are more than 180 not-for-profit NCCs across the state, delivering vital local services such as family support groups, playgroups, counselling and youth programs.
The Minns Labor Government is proud to formalise this essential partnership with not-for-profit hubs and the role they play in building safe, strong and connected communities in NSW.
Co-designed by the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) and LCSA, the inaugural Shared Commitment agreement outlines 15 commitments and sets clear priorities to improve outcomes for individuals, families and communities.
In 2023–24, more than 436,000 people accessed group services at NCCs in NSW, with nearly 39,000 receiving individual support cementing their role as the heart of local communities.
The Shared Commitment agreement complements broader reforms being undertaken by the Minns Labor Government to strengthen community and social services across NSW. For example, the Secure Jobs and Funding Certainty roadmap provides longer-term funding in exchange for improved job security within non-government organisations and increased performance measurement.
Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:
“Local neighbourhood centres so often represent the heart and soul and generosity of local communities. This formal agreement is about acknowledging the important role of neighbourhood centres, and working together to ensure local communities are strong, safe and supported.
“Neighbourhood and community centres respond to the unique needs of their local communities, so they look different in every town and region. But they all serve a critical role in supporting families, building resilience, and connecting communities.
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to supporting the organisations and workers who support local families, and this agreement represents an important step in the right direction.”
LCSA CEO Can Yasmut said:
“We thank Minister Kate Washington for recognising the role of NCCs as vital social infrastructure and for embedding this recognition in social policy. This is a landmark acknowledgement that resilient communities are built when social infrastructure is valued, resourced, and sustained.”
“For too long, social infrastructure has been invisible in policy discussions, yet it is the foundation that enables communities to withstand crises and build stronger futures.”
“This partnership recognises that communities already hold the solutions and just need the right support to put them into action.”