Over the past decade, Social Change Projects (SCP) has worked with the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) across a range of policy, advocacy and communications engagements, supporting VCOSS in its role as Victoria’s peak body for the social and community services sector. SCP has provided strategic advice and practical support to help VCOSS translate complex policy positions into clear, persuasive public narratives, drawing on SCP’s experience in advocacy, media and systems reform. This relationship has included collaboration on major policy moments and sector priorities, with SCP contributing to VCOSS‑led work alongside other peak bodies, service providers and community organisations. [FCLC – Adv…e for CLCs | PowerPoint], [FCLC – Adv…art two(2) | PowerPoint]
A significant strand of SCP’s work with VCOSS has involved media and public communications, particularly during critical budget, disaster recovery and cost‑of‑living debates. SCP has supported VCOSS with the development and editing of media releases, opinion pieces and reactive commentary, helping to sharpen messages, sequence media activity and ensure sector perspectives cut through in a crowded media environment. This work has often been time‑sensitive and closely coordinated with VCOSS executives and policy staff, supporting the organisation to respond quickly and credibly to emerging issues while maintaining alignment with its broader advocacy objectives. [RE: VCOSS…media work | Outlook], [Miriam Sved in chat | Teams]
SCP has also worked with VCOSS on policy development and cross‑sector collaboration, including contributing expertise to briefings and advocacy related to disaster recovery, community legal centre funding and system reform. This has involved working alongside VCOSS policy teams and member organisations to integrate on‑the‑ground service experience into state and federal advocacy, and to support coordinated approaches to government engagement. Across these varied engagements, SCP’s role has been to complement VCOSS’s leadership with targeted strategy, communications and advocacy support that strengthens the collective voice of Victoria’s social services sector [RE: Draft…ding needs | Outlook], [VCOSS – Deb/Daniel | Meeting]
