The world has an eerie COVID-esque feeling about it. People are not required to stay put by virtue of a health pandemic but the cost of fuel and living pressures is having similar impacts. We are hearing from our members that people and communities are coming forward seeking support to fund the items we all know are getting more expensive. We are also hearing that people are either cancelling appointments with services providers or looking to move the session online to save on fuel. This of course makes sense – as the Government’s recent campaign suggests – ‘Every little bit helps’. However, we also know that it is important to keep eyes on those in our community for whom the ‘choice’ of leaving home is being eroded. It is also important that we keep an eye out for each other too. Sometimes it is the small things that can make a world of difference.
As a member of ACOSS, FRSA has been linking into their policy and advocacy activities relating to the cost of fuel and living pressures and we value real time feedback from our members that we can bring to that table. Robyn Clough would be the best point of contact at policy@frsa.org.au. ACOSS has updated their Briefing note (dated 31 March 2026) and they also have a ‘Joint Statement on Tax and Spending’ – if you want to sign up to that.
I am excited to let our e-bulletin readers know that we have been working hard in setting up the Family and Relationship Services Workforce Project and following an exceptionally high calibre Request for Proposal process, will be working with the Centre for International Economics on this exciting project. We can’t wait to tell you all about it and will have a dedicated stand at the FRSA Conference promoting this activity so, please be sure to drop past and find out how you can get involved. As part of the project we will be aiming to define the family and relationship services workforce so, we will need members and non-members involved!
I also wanted to congratulate current CEO of Families Australia, Jamie Crosby, on the recent announcement that he will be moving to head up the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare (Tas/Vic). He will certainly be missed on the national scene, but I have no doubt his strong commitment and service to families, children and young people will find new life and meaning in this new role. Fortunately, he will still be around for Families Week finishing up as CEO of Families Australia on 29 May 2026.
If you have been keeping up-to-date with the FRSA Conference, we are edging closer to 18 May and looking forward to bringing together people from the Family & Relationship Services sector in Brisbane. It is not too late to register and we will be keeping registrations open until the Friday beforehand.
