We strengthened our commitment to understanding and demonstrating the difference our work makes. Our social impact approach brings together evidence, participant feedback and the experiences of the people who engage with our services. Through the themes of Connection and Belonging, Purpose and Wellbeing, and Participant Voice, we are building a clearer picture of what is changing in people’s lives and how we can continue to improve. Participant feedback was encouraging, with 94 per cent of surveyed participants reporting that they trusted CRCS to do the right thing and 90 per cent saying CRCS helped them connect with their community.

Against the continuing challenge of loneliness and social isolation in our region, these results reinforce the importance of CRCS’s role in creating connection, belonging and practical support. They also show that our commitment to listening to participants and using evidence to guide improvement is strengthening how we understand, demonstrate and increase our impact. As community needs continue to change, this approach helps ensure our services remain relevant, responsive and grounded in what matters most to the people and communities we serve.

A significant achievement was the launch of our first Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan during National Reconciliation Week. The plan provides a practical foundation for strengthening cultural understanding and embedding reconciliation across our relationships, decisions, services and everyday practice. It represents the next stage of a journey that requires sustained commitment, accountability and learning.

We also continued to strengthen our safeguarding-first approach. The appointment of a dedicated safeguarding and quality leadership role has supported more consistent practice, training, oversight and continuous improvement across CRCS. Keeping children and young people safe, respecting their rights and listening to their voices remain paramount in every part of our work.

The establishment of the Belconnen Child and Family Hub was another important step forward. By bringing together support for families from pregnancy and early parenting through to age five, the Hub is helping families connect with information, early support and coordinated services. This reflects our commitment to responding early, working across traditional program boundaries and strengthening outcomes for children and families.

Across Living Well, Education and Care, Child, Youth and Families, and Community Development, our employees and volunteers adapted programs, strengthened partnerships and responded thoughtfully to participant feedback. We also continued preparing for significant

sector reforms, including Commissioning and changes in aged care, while strengthening governance, quality systems and evidence-informed practice.

None of this work happens in isolation. Our partnerships with government, community organisations, schools, health services, research institutions, funders and local groups allow us to offer more connected pathways and respond to needs that no single organisation can address alone. I sincerely thank every partner who has worked alongside us during the year.

I also acknowledge our Board for its stewardship and oversight, and our Executive Leadership Team for guiding CRCS through a year of growth, change and opportunity.

Most importantly, I thank our employees and volunteers. Their professionalism, compassion and willingness to learn underpin every outcome described in this report. Employee survey results showed that 90 per cent of employees were clear about their roles, 88 per cent viewed CRCS as an inclusive organisation and 87 per cent felt respected at work. These results provide a strong foundation, while also reminding us of our responsibility to continue investing in a safe, inclusive and capable workforce.

To the children, young people, families, older people and community members who engage with CRCS, thank you for your trust, your feedback and the contribution you make to our community. Your experiences and voices help us understand what matters, where we are making a difference and where we must do better.

As we begin our next chapter, CRCS will continue to listen, learn and adapt. We will build on 50 years of community connection while remaining focused on safe, inclusive, accountable and evidence-informed services. Together, we will continue working towards our vision of an inclusive, connected community.

Mandy Green
Chief Executive Officer

The Board has continued to focus on providing strong governance, strategic oversight and stewardship of the organisation. Throughout the year, we have worked closely with the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Leadership Team to ensure CRCS remains responsive to emerging community needs, financially sustainable, and positioned to deliver meaningful impact across the ACT and surrounding regions. We are committed to balancing innovation and growth with the accountability and discipline expected of a trusted community organisation.

This report demonstrates the breadth and depth of CRCS’s contribution to the community. Across Education and Care, Child, Youth and Families, Living Well, Community Development and Community Facilities, thousands of people accessed services, programs and opportunities that strengthened connection, wellbeing, participation and inclusion. Importantly, the report does more than describe what we delivered; it demonstrates the outcomes achieved for children, young people, families, older people and communities through participant feedback, evidence and lived experience. CRCS’s ongoing commitment to measuring and understanding social impact strengthens our ability to remain accountable, learn and continuously improve.

One of the most significant achievements of the year was the development and launch of CRCS’s first Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan. The Board strongly supports this important commitment and recognises the responsibility organisations like ours have in advancing reconciliation through meaningful action, respectful relationships and ongoing learning. The launch of the RAP marks an important step in embedding reconciliation more deeply across our governance, operations and service delivery.

The Board also welcomed new Directors during the year, broadening the range of skills, professional expertise and community perspectives available around the Board table. We welcomed Dr. Nigel Nutt, Adam Stankevicius and Naresh Gunasekere to the Board and said farewell to Vicky Choice. On behalf of the Board, I would like to acknowledge and thank Vicky, who concluded her service during the year, for her contribution and commitment to the organisation. We are fortunate to have Directors who generously contribute their time, expertise and passion in support of our mission and community impact.

The Board has maintained a strong focus on risk management, organisational performance, quality and safeguarding. We welcome the strengthening of CRCS’s safeguarding capability through the appointment of a dedicated safeguarding leadership role and the continued emphasis on creating safe environments for children and young people. The safety, wellbeing and rights of those who engage with CRCS remain central to our governance responsibilities and organisational culture.

I would like to acknowledge Mandy Green, Chief Executive Officer, and the Executive Leadership Team for their leadership throughout the year. Their commitment, professionalism and strategic focus have enabled CRCS to continue evolving while remaining firmly grounded in its purpose and values. I also thank every employee and volunteer whose dedication brings our vision to life each day. The positive outcomes highlighted throughout this report are only possible because of your care, expertise and commitment to community. Employee engagement results, participant feedback and ongoing service quality outcomes demonstrate the strength of the culture that has been built across the organisation.

Finally, I would like to thank our participants, partners, funders, supporters and community members for the trust they place in CRCS. The challenges facing our communities are increasingly complex, but they also create opportunities for collaboration, innovation and impact. By working together, we can continue to strengthen connection, inclusion and wellbeing for people across the Capital Region.

As we begin our next chapter, the Board remains confident in CRCS’s future. Building on 50 years of history, strong community relationships and a clear strategic direction, we are well positioned to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of the people and communities we serve.

Deiwane Bakkum AM
Chair, CRCS Board of Directors