Sector Support

SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S COMMUNITY SECTOR

SA’s community service organisations deliver vital supports for South Australians experiencing poverty and disadvantage. These supports come in many forms, including services, advocacy, social wellbeing and social justice. SACOSS is proud to represent the community sector, and the interests of the hundreds of charitable and not-for-profit organisations across South Australia which provide such meaningful service and care.

CULTIVATING AN INFORMED & THRIVING COMMUNITY SECTOR

BUILDING
SUPPORT
& INFLUENCE

BUILDING SUPPORT & INFLUENCE

SACOSS builds support and influence in the community sector to engage others to become allies in influencing decision-makers.

PROMOTE
& INFORM

PROMOTE & INFORM

SACOSS shares information, knowledge and innovation to drive better sector-wide policy and practice.

FOSTER COLLABORATIVE ACTION

SACOSS builds alignment and shared purpose in the sector, drawing upon the wisdom and expertise of our diverse member base to lead advocacy efforts.

CURRENT ACTIVITIES

Portable Long Service Leave

Workforce recruitment and retention is an issue acutely felt across the health and community sectors. A portable long service scheme which would allow more workers to accumulate and access long service leave provisions, even if they work across different organisations throughout their career, would be of great benefit for the state’s community sector.

Our impact

In September 2024 the SA state government introduced laws to establish a portable long service leave scheme. SACOSS is proud to have represented our sector in negotiations which improved the bill, but there will be many more issues to sort out as the scheme is introduced over the coming years.

Indexation and Funding

SACOSS co-chairs the Not-for-Profit Community of Practice with other sector peak bodies and Treasury, and we are particularly keen to see that adequate funding is provided to sector organisations to provide quality services. This requires assessing the fairness and adequacy of contract costing, as well as ensuring that contract indexation covers increasing service costs over the life of a contract. The current indexation rate, which is pegged to the general government rate, is no longer reflecting cost pressures on the sector. SACOSS is working with key stakeholders to develop a new approach. 

Gender Pay Gap Task Force

We actively contribute to the work of the Gender Pay Gap Task Force in developing proposals aimed at addressing the continuing gender-based gap in wages and superannuation across a lifetime of work, particularly in the community sector which has more female employees than many other sectors. 

Other representation

Along with the DTF Industry Advisory Group which focuses on reducing the complexity of doing work with government, SACOSS is represented on the Essential Services Commission’s Consumer Advisory Panel, the State Government’s Gambling Advisory Council, the SA Dental Service’s Consumer Advisory Panel, and the Court’s Community Reference Group.

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MICHELE WACHLA

Michele is an accomplished social services professional with a dual background in Social Work and Business, bringing over 18 years of experience to her work. She has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within Regional, Rural, and Remote (RRR) environments, particularly in South Australia. Michele is a recognised leader, known for her expertise in designing and implementing place-based initiatives that address the complexities of RRR communities. Her work is underpinned by strategic planning, effective resourcing, and a strong focus on policy review and advocacy to ensure that services remain relevant, equitable, and sustainable. Michele’s commitment to community-centred approaches drives meaningful outcomes, nurturing resilience, and growth across regional South Australia.

KHATIJA THOMAS

DAVE ADAMSON

Dave moved to Australia following a 30-year academic career in the UK. He has since worked in the Community Housing sector and authored the 2016 Towards a National Housing Strategy, and helped to establish the Everybody’s Home campaign. He also researches the interface between poverty and climate change and actively supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He has worked with government at all levels and has experience of policy development and evaluation. He is co-author of Sustainable Places: Addressing Social Inequality and Environmental Crisis (2022, Routledge). In his spare time he plays and builds guitars.

ROHAN FEEGRADE

Rohan is an experienced and forward-thinking CEO, senior executive and board director with demonstrated expertise across the not-for-profit, private and government sectors. Currently CEO of Lutheran Care, he has proven record for creating substantial organisational, stakeholder and client value, and has extensive experience in strategically positioning organisations for transformational change and growth within the health, disability, education and community service sectors. Rohan is a socially responsible professional, genuinely passionate about creating opportunities for people who live with disadvantage and disability, always acting ethically to serve those he works with and for.

JANE MUSSARED

Jane has worked in for purpose and government health and human service settings throughout her career. In June 2024 she returned to SA and joined the Maggie Beer Foundation as CEO following 20 months based in Canberra as an Advisor to the Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care. Previously she was Chief Executive of COTA SA and before that an executive of ACH Group. Jane served on a range of boards and committees prior to moving to Canberra, including the SACOSS Policy Council until 2022, as chair of the South Australian Circus Centre and as a non-Executive Director with the Maggie Beer Foundation.

NANCY PENNA

Nancy has than 30 years of experience in South Australian community services, and a a unique understanding of the political and social landscape and the issues and opportunities facing South Australia. Currently responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of AnglicareSA’s community services portfolio, she has previously held executive roles in government within child protection and disability, with her executive experience underpinned by her earlier career as a social worker in child protection and youth justice. She is also Chair of the Child and Family Focus South Australia (CAFFSA) Board and most recently on the Housing Security for Older Women Taskforce.

NICOLE CHAPLIN

Nicole is a dedicated and experienced youth support professional, specialising in solutions for disadvantaged young people in South Australia. As CEO of St John’s Youth Services, she oversees innovative programs like youth110 and Foyer Port Adelaide. With over thirty years in the community sector, Nicole has built extensive networks and her expertise spans governance, service delivery, policy development, and partnerships. Recognised with the 2018 AHI Inspirational Leader Award, Nicole is an active participant in housing and homelessness networks. She holds leadership roles in various organisations, including Anglicare Australia’s National Reconciliation Network.

EMMA CROSBY

Emma is a chartered Accountant with more than 15 years experience as a board member, finance and business professional, strategic advisor and company secretary. She has strong values and a passion for enabling and leading organisations to meet its operational and strategic direction through long-term financial sustainability, operational efficiency, innovation, leadership, transformation and partnerships. As Treasurer and Board member at SACOSS, she is committed to successfully leading and making a purposeful impact to the organisation and its stakeholders.

David PANTER

David has worked in health and social care for almost 45 years, over half of which has been as a Chief Executive. In the UK he initially worked in the NHS and more latterly in local government, where he was Chief Executive of Brighton & Hove City Council. In 2004 David was recruited to the South Australian public health system for over 10 years leading reforms including the development of the new Royal Adelaide Hospital. From 2015-2022 David was the Chief Executive of not-for-profit aged care provider ECH. At the end of January 2022 David became the Chief Executive at Minda, SA’s largest provider of services to people living with an intellectual disability.

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