We embraced opportunities to deepen collaboration and co-design. Working alongside Community Services # 1 to deliver the CATS Program and our partnership with ARACY to develop the Child and Family Wellbeing Framework, ensuring our services reflect best practice and respond to the evolving needs of families. We advanced our Social Impact Framework, embedding a culture of measuring what matters – connection, wellbeing, and empowerment – across all programs. Our digital transformation journey continued, making our services more accessible and transparent, and positioning us to meet the expectations of a modern, connected community.

Our successes this year speak volumes about the dedication of our team and the trust placed in us by the people we serve. Participant feedback tells a compelling story: the majority feel supported, respected, and connected through our programs. These results affirm that our work is not only meeting immediate needs but is creating lasting change. Our workforce has been central to this achievement, living our values of respect, inclusion, accountability, ethics, optimism, and innovation while building capability for the future.

Employee feedback reinforces this positive trajectory. In our latest engagement survey, 91% of employees reported clarity about their job expectations, 86% agreed they have the tools they need to do their work, and 92% described CRCS as inclusive. Importantly, employees overwhelmingly expressed that they feel respected and aligned with CRCS’s vision and purpose, demonstrating a strong cultural foundation that supports both individual and organisational success.

However, this progress has not been without challenges. Rising demand for integrated services has required agility and innovation. Resource pressures and sustainability considerations led to difficult decisions, including the closure of Belconnen Early Childhood Centre, and our complete withdrawal as a registered provider of NDIS services. These decisions were not taken lightly; they reflect our commitment to focusing resources where we can deliver the greatest impact and ensure long-term viability. We also experienced the closure of the Bruce Early Childhood Centre which had been a part of CRCS for 40 years; this was as a result of a decision by CIT to redevelop the site and relocate their services. Policy shifts and funding changes have further tested our adaptability, reinforcing the importance of strong partnerships, evidence-based practice, and advocacy for systemic change.

Looking ahead, we remain committed to building inclusive, connected communities across Belconnen, Canberra and the wider Capital Region. We will continue to invest in workforce capability, expand co-design approaches, and leverage digital solutions to enhance service delivery. Most importantly, we will keep listening to the voices of those we serve, ensuring that every individual feels supported, valued, and empowered to thrive.

Finally, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our Board of Directors. Their leadership, guidance, and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in navigating this year’s opportunities and challenges. Together with our employees, volunteers, partners, and community, we are shaping a future defined by opportunity, resilience, and shared success.

Mandy Green
CRCS Chief Executive Officer

Against this backdrop, CRCS’s work has never been more vital or more impactful. Our commitment to connection, purpose, and choice is evident in every program and service we deliver. The results speak for themselves: 71% of participants say we help them connect with their community, 85% trust us to act in their best interests, and 92% feel they are always treated with respect. These outcomes are a testament to the dedication of our employees, volunteers, and partners, whose efforts ensure that every individual who comes to CRCS feels valued and supported.

This year, we have seen remarkable progress in strengthening our organisational culture. Our people report high levels of clarity in their roles, access to the resources they need, and a growing sense of respect and inclusion. The Board is particularly proud of the strides made in aligning our work with CRCS’s vision and values, fostering an environment where optimism, accountability, and innovation thrive.

We have also deepened our commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous improvement. The development and implementation of our Social Impact Framework and the co-designed Child and Family Wellbeing Framework, in partnership with ARACY, are significant milestones. These frameworks not only guide our work but also ensure that we measure what matters—real outcomes for children, families, and communities.

Our impact is perhaps best illustrated through the stories shared in this report: from older adults finding renewed purpose and connection through Involve social groups, to children and families thriving in our early education and family support programs, to young people building skills and confidence for the future. These stories remind us that behind every statistic is a person whose life has been changed for the better.

We are pleased to report an annual surplus of $79,060 for the 2024/25 financial year, marking a significant turnaround from the deficit of $188,335 recorded in the previous financial year. A key contributor to the improved financial result was the increased income from government funded services. The ACT Government’s Community Assistance and Transport Scheme (CATS) had its first full year of operation and showed strong demand within the community. In addition, service outputs in the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) were increased across all services, most notably Transport. This positive result reflects our continued focus on financial sustainability and strengthening our capacity to deliver high-quality community services.

On behalf of the Board, I extend our deepest gratitude to our volunteers and employees, particularly the senior leadership team led by our wonderful CEO Mandy Green. Your dedication, compassion, and professionalism are the foundation of our success. Volunteers have contributed thousands of hours, supporting everything from transport and gardening to creative and social groups. Your generosity and care create genuine belonging and make a real difference in the lives of those we serve. To our employees, your commitment to living our values of respect, inclusion, accountability, ethics, optimism, and innovation is evident in every interaction and every achievement. Thank you for your unwavering support, your adaptability in times of change, and your ongoing pursuit of excellence.

We also thank our community partners, supporters, and, most importantly, the people we serve, for your trust and engagement.

As we look ahead, the Board remains focused on strong governance, strategic leadership, and ensuring that CRCS continues to be a beacon of inclusion, respect, and excellence.

Together, we are building a stronger, more connected Capital Region—one where everyone has the opportunity to belong, contribute, and thrive.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Deiwane Bakkum
Chair, CRCS Board of Directors