The Community Services Directorate is dedicated to fostering a safe and fair Canberra for everyone. We are committed to enabling all Canberrans to achieve their full potential and lead fulfilling lives through a wide array of programs, services, and strategic policy advice.
Our directorate provides crucial support and resources to diverse groups within our community. These include:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples: Tailored programs and services to support the unique needs of First Nations communities in Canberra.
- Carers: Assistance and resources for individuals who provide care and support to others.
- Children, young people, and families: A range of services focused on child development, youth support, and family well-being.
- People experiencing financial hardship: Programs designed to alleviate financial stress and provide pathways to economic stability.
- Multicultural communities: Support and inclusive services that celebrate diversity and assist multicultural communities in Canberra.
- People and families affected by domestic and family violence: Critical services and support networks for those impacted by domestic and family violence.
- People with disability: Programs and services designed to promote inclusion, accessibility, and empowerment for people with disabilities.
- Seniors: Support and resources to enhance the quality of life and well-being of older Canberrans.
- Veterans: Dedicated services acknowledging the contributions of veterans and supporting their needs.
- Women: Initiatives and programs focused on women’s health, safety, and empowerment.
In addition to these community-focused services, the Community Services Directorate offers extensive housing-related assistance, catering to individuals:
- Seeking housing: Support and guidance for those navigating the housing market and looking for a place to call home.
- Experiencing or at risk of homelessness: Emergency and long-term housing solutions and support services to combat homelessness.
- Living in public housing: Management and maintenance of public housing and support for tenants.
- Requiring specialist housing support: Targeted housing services for individuals with complex needs.
Directorate Leadership
The Community Services Directorate is led by a dedicated executive team:
- Director-General: Catherine Rule
- Deputy Director-General: Jo Wood
- Deputy Director-General and Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Coordinator-General: Kirsty Windeyer
Divisions and Key Services
Our directorate is structured into various offices and service areas, each specializing in delivering specific community support and programs across Canberra. These divisions work collaboratively to ensure a comprehensive and integrated approach to community services. For a detailed overview of the organizational structure, please refer to the Community Services Directorate Organisational Chart Structure [PDF 214 KB].
Strategies and Action Plans
The Community Services Directorate operates under a framework of strategic plans and action plans designed to address key social challenges and improve community well-being in Canberra. These strategies guide our service delivery and policy development, ensuring we are responsive to the evolving needs of our community.
Stay Informed
Keep up-to-date with the latest news and developments from the Community Services Directorate by subscribing to our newsletters.
Get in Touch
For general inquiries, please contact the Community Services Directorate:
Call: 13 34 27
Email: [email protected]
Post: Community Services Directorate GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601
For media inquiries, please contact:
Call: 0478 401 117
Email: [email protected]
Feedback and Complaints
Your feedback is important to us. If you have feedback or wish to make a complaint about a service provided by the Community Services Directorate or a community service provider in the ACT, please visit our complaints page for information on the process and resolution.
Find out how to complain
Freedom of Information
For information requests, please explore our website or submit a Freedom of Information (FOI) application. Details on how to access information and make an FOI request are available on our website.
Get information or make an FOI application
Privacy
The Community Services Directorate is committed to protecting your privacy. Our privacy statement outlines how we manage personal information.
Read our privacy statement.
