Yesterday TASC CEO, Frances Klaassen OAM was at the QLD Council of Social Services town hall meeting in Toowomba where she caught up with QCOSS CEO Aimee McVeigh.
The town hall was a chance for community and social service organisations to discuss existing and emerging issues facing the Toowoomba and South West QLD communities.
The housing crisis was a key topic of conversation. Apart from the immediate impact it’s having on vulnerable people across the country in terms of a place to live and feel secure, a key take away was the opportunities for employment and community growth which are being lost due to lack of housing impacting people’s ability to relocate.
Other emerging issues discussed included funding inconsistencies and gaps in rural and regional areas and the difficulties faced by the Community Sector in finding workers for those communities. Possible solutions to help overcome these challenges were also discussed and include suggestions such as programs to upskill local people in rural and remote areas.
These events are fantastic opportunities to connect with others in the sector and see if their experiences reflect our own and foster cooperation across the Community Sector.