WACOSS

27/08/2026

A great yarn by Kim Macdonald in today's The West Australian, following the release of the Priced Out report by Everybody's Home, which found - amongst other alarm bell-raising issues - that renting in WA has become so unaffordable that even earning $130,000 isn’t enough to make Perth’s rental market “affordable”.
You can find the full report here:https://apo.org.au/sites/default/files/resource-files/2026-08/apo-nid335555.pdf
Make Renting Fair WA

Our call for a rent cap grows stronger every day. Even The West Australian is getting behind us - with this powerful opinion piece out today saying:

“It is time to recognise that we don’t live in an entirely free market anyway, and that the rental crisis is so far out of control that price caps are required — even if only as a temporary measure. The system is clearly broken when someone on a $130,000 annual salary- which is the top 10-15% of earners in Australia – struggles to pay the rent”

We know how hard renters in WA are doing - and we'd love to include your experience on unfair rent increases and what it's like to live in this hellscape in the huge report we are working on right now and will be releasing next month! Got five minutes? Have a vent here https://makerentingfairwa.org.au/take-action/renters-survey/

26/08/2026

Being digitally included isn’t just about having access to technology - it’s also about having the skills and confidence to use it safely. 📱💻

This Scams Awareness Week, we’re highlighting a simple message that can help everyone navigate the digital world more safely:

🛑 STOP before you act.
🔎 CHECK that it’s really who they say they are.
🛡️ PROTECT yourself and others if something goes wrong.

Building scam awareness and online safety skills is an important part of digital inclusion. The more confident we are recognising and talking about scams, the better equipped we are to participate safely online.

And remember; anyone can be targeted by a scam. There’s no shame in asking for help or reporting what happened.

Think you’ve seen or experienced a scam? Report it to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam

24/08/2026

20/08/2026

Dr Aunty Millie Penny AM

It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Dr Aunty Millie Penny AM.

Aunty Millie was a treasured member of the WACOSS family, one of our elders for nine years. She was a leader, advocate and friend. She gave so generously of her wisdom, guidance and support. Through her guidance, she helped us become a stronger organisation, deepening our understanding of culture and Aboriginal ways of being, and challenging us to listen and learn. She was a truth teller and challenged us to do better, be better.

A fierce and unwavering advocate for Aboriginal self-determination, Aunty Millie dedicated her life to creating a more just and equitable future for Aboriginal people and communities. Her leadership, courage and compassion earned her the respect and love of countless people across WA and beyond.

For many of us, Aunty Millie was much more than an adviser. She was a trusted friend whose kindness, honesty and wisdom shaped our work and touched our lives. Her legacy will continue to guide us and her influence will remain woven through everything we do.

We extend our deepest condolences to Fred, her family, friends, community and all those who loved and admired her.

Aunty Millie will be missed beyond words. We owe her so much and will remain forever grateful for the gift of her friendship, leadership and guidance.

May her spirit, her Wiran, rest in peace, and we have no doubt her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

From the board, staff and members of WACOSS

13/08/2026

If your organisation works with children and young people, you need to be part of this conversation. You'll hear from the Office of the Ombudsman WA, the Commissioner for Children and Young People WA and prominent sector leaders about practical ways to strengthen child safe culture and prepare for the implementation of the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations. Registration details in the comments 👇
City of Stirling

11/08/2026

Learn more about the reality of poverty and homelessness in our beautiful State at the Voices for Change exhibition in Mandurah.

05/08/2026

✏️ It’s time to complete your Census ✏️

You can start your Census as soon as you get your instructions, if you know who will be in your home on Census night (Tuesday 11 August 2026).

You can complete it online, on paper or with help from the Census team.

Hearing from everyone helps plan resources for communities.
The information you provide is confidential. Your personal information isn’t shared with other government agencies or anyone else.

To find out more about completion options and support visit census.abs.gov.au/indigenous or call 1800 181 227.

03/08/2026

It's . We know homelessness is getting worse - and we can't keep waiting for change to happen. There are lots of events planned throughout Western Australia where you can help to make change happen - check them out 👇

Homelessness Week 2026 begins today!

While our events this week have reached capacity, we would love to know what you or your organisation has planned for this week. Be sure to tag Shelter WA in your Homelessness Week posts and we will, when we can, share them with our online community. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Find out more about what we have planned this week, and in coming weeks across the regions at https://www.shelterwa.org.au/our-work/homelessness-week-2026/

24/07/2026

We were delighted to welcome Community Services Minister Matt Swinbourn MLC and Mike Bosley-Smith from Lotterywest to our office yesterday. Minister Swinbourn presented us with a Lotterywest grant to support our Community Relief and Resilience Program and help hundreds of WA organisations which deliver vital food relief, emergency assistance, financial counselling and referral services.

23/07/2026

👇Important information about the AusAlert national warning system, which will be tested on Monday 27 July 2026 👇

Domestic violence support groups are warning people to take extra precautions if they keep a secret safety phone ahead of a nationwide emergency warning system being tested on Monday, July 27.

STORY: https://ab.co/4gvn6fS

Officially launching in October, AusAlert will be used during emergency situations such as natural disasters, biosecurity threats or other safety risks.

Before it launches, the system will be tested across Australia on July 27 which will trigger a loud noise and message on mobile phones.

Using geolocated technology, AusAlert sends a text to compatible mobile devices, including most phones, and some smartwatches and tablets.

Devices will also vibrate and play a siren-like warning sound for about 10 seconds.

If receiving an AusAlert test message will disrupt you or cause you or a loved one to feel unsafe, there's a way to avoid the alert.

The government advises to turn your mobile device off or switch it to aeroplane mode one hour before the scheduled test time in your location.

The alert may stay active for up to an hour so make sure to leave the device off for at least one hour.

The nationwide test alert will be sent at the same time on Monday, July 27. This will be 12pm in Western Australia.

ℹ️Family and domestic violence support:
• 1800 Respect national helpline: 1800 737 732
• Full Stop Australia: 1800 385 578
• Women's Crisis Line: 1800 811 811
• Men's Referral Service: 1300 766 491
• 13 YARN: 13 92 76
• Lifeline (24-hour crisis line): 131 114
• Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277
• Victims of Crime Helpline: 1800 819 817