HISTORY

Following World War II, a number of social welfare agencies met to consider the most appropriate way of responding to gaps in Victoria’s social structure.

The agencies felt that a coordinating body needed to be established to help drive social change in a meaningful way.

Consequently, the Victorian Council of Social Service was founded following a public meeting at Melbourne Town Hall in December 1946.

The newly formed VCOSS identified six crucial areas demanding action:

A shortage of adequate housing and inadequacy of emergency stock
The plight of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders
Appropriate training for employees working in children’s institutions
The need to contribute to public knowledge on issues of juvenile delinquency and adoption
Other serious social problems (such as alcoholism)
The social welfare needs of low income families and migrants.

Seventy years later it is interesting to note many of these social issues remain the focus their work today.

The Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) has served as the peak organisation of the social and community services sector for 70 years. VCOSS raises awareness of the existence, causes and effects of poverty and inequality and advocates for the development of a sustainable, fair and equitable society. As well as promoting the wellbeing of those experiencing disadvantage and contributing to initiatives seeking to create a more just society, VCOSS also provides a strong, non-political voice for the community sector.