The Supporting Communities Forum (Forum) is a critical advisory board to the WA Government, which supports the development of strong, collaborative relationships between Government and the community services sector to address complex challenges and emerging issues. The community services sector is a key Government partner in the delivery of services and a significant contributor to economic growth, employment and community wellbeing, particularly for vulnerable Western Australians.
In March 2024, a new two-year term of the Supporting Communities Forum was formally endorsed by Government, with its term ending on 31 December 2025.
More information on the Forum is provided in the sections below.
Meeting Schedule
Show moreMeeting dates | Deadline - Submissions due to Secretariat |
---|---|
Tuesday, 23 April 2024 | 5:00pm Friday, 12 April 2024 |
Wednesday, 19 June 2024 | 5:00pm Wednesday, 5 June 2024 |
Wednesday, 4 September 2024 | 5:00pm Wednesday, 21 August 2024 |
Wednesday, 27 November 2024 | 5:00pm Wednesday, 13 November 2024 |
Wednesday, 9 April 2025 | 5:00pm Wednesday, 26 March 2025 |
Wednesday, 18 June 2025 | 5:00pm Wednesday, 4 June 2025 |
Wednesday, 10 September 2025 | 5:00pm Wednesday, 27 August 2025 |
Wednesday, 19 November 2025 | 5:00pm Wednesday, 5 November 2025 |
Submissions are to be emailed to the Supporting Communities Forum Secretariat at SCF@dpc.wa.gov.au.
Meeting papers will be circulated to Forum members a week before each meeting.
For more information or questions, please contact the Forum Secretariat at SCF@dpc.wa.gov.au
Communiques and Papers
Show moreCommunique and Meeting Notes are released following each quarterly meeting of the Supporting Communities Forum.
Forum priorities and workplan
Show moreDuring its two-year term until 31 December 2025, the Supporting Communities Forum will advise and focus on three key work priorities, which are:
- Implementation of the National Principles in Child Safe Organisations
- Application of the Carers Recognition Act 2004 in Western Australia
- Implementation of the State Commissioning Strategy for Community Services
Additionally, and within the context of its Terms of Reference, the Forum will continue building on established relationships with the Aboriginal Advisory Council of WA (AACWA) and the Ministerial Multicultural Advisory Council, to advise on key policy reform initiatives and ensure the interests of Aboriginal and culturally and linguistically diverse people and communities are appropriately addressed.
Current Forum Membership
Show moreThe Forum is Co-Chaired by Mr Dan Minchin, Chief Executive Officer of Chorus Australia Ltd., and Ms Lanie Chopping, Director General of the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries. The Deputy Chairperson is Ms Sandy McKiernan, Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Affairs Council of WA.
Membership consists of 10 Directors General and Commissioners from Government agencies, and 16 senior leaders from the community services sector.
More information on the current 26 members of the Forum can be found here.