A. Community Service Organisations (CSOs) are not-for-profit organisations accountable to a governing body that are established to provide support and assistance to individuals, families, and groups to maximise their potential and enhance community wellbeing.

A. CSOs play an important role within City of Casey, providing psychosocial, physical, educational, financial, and other support services. Whilst their services are critical in building healthier and stronger communities, the need across Casey continues to grow. As the most populated city in Victoria, City of Casey is expected to reach over 500,000 people by 2050. With the region experiencing many challenges relating to service delivery and infrastructure, the Framework and its actions will provide a foundation for positive and equal partnership between Council and community service organisations to support attracting the most appropriate resources to the region. This will help keep everyone on the pulse of what is happening for community, and what is needed to create sustainable change.

A. We would like to hear your feedback on all elements of the Framework. This includes the 4 goals and the initiatives that sit underneath them. Do we have the priorities right? Is there anything that would make this Framework stronger? Is there anything we haven’t thought of that you think should be included?

A. The Framework was informed by data provided in Council’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2021-1025 and other sources of population level data referenced in the draft Framework on page x.

A. More than 30 CSOs contributed their knowledge and expertise through forums and meetings of the CSO Relief and Recovery Network. They told us what the biggest issues were for them, the barriers they faced in providing residents with the support they need and how they could see us working together to have more impact on community health and wellbeing.

A. Casey is a diverse and vibrant community with a highly capable and resilient community services sector; however, we know that many CSOs do not have the resources they need to meet community demand and there are people missing out on the support they need. Establishing a Casey Futures Partnership and developing Casey-specific data, will allow us all to advocate more effectively for additional resources where they are most needed. As we collectively learn more about community strengths and barriers, more residents will have access to the services they need.

A. Council will work with CSOs as equal partners to assess and respond to community needs. Rather than creating more competition across community service organisations, the Framework will support better understanding service gaps to increase the number of services available for under-represented residents across the municipality.

A. Council currently offers CSOs funding, which provides eligible community service organisations with up to $40,000 per year for 3-years through a competitive application process. This funding opportunity will continue, enabling CSOs who are successful in obtaining a grant to deliver vital services.