Community and not-for-profit groups are struggling and there’s no obvious fix

VCOSS is a peak group with membership of groups across the community and non-profit sector.

It’s clear that the community sector is facing a number of challenges going forward. In some ways, a range of groups are facing an existential crisis.

The community sector will come under financial stress, for a number of reasons.

Often during times of hardship for many, such as now, charities are doubly affected. The services they provide face further demand.

Groups such as Moira Foodshare provide more assistance as demand increases. At the same time, their revenue is often negatively impacted.

Donors facing financial pressure limit, restrict or reduce their support. Charities also use utilities, fuel, buildings and other goods. Like the rest of us, their bills have increased.

Many charities have been established by faith-based bodies. Examples include Catholic organisations Vinnies, Jesuit Social Services and McKillop Services.

The Anglican Church has associations with Anglicare and the Brotherhood of St Lawrence.

The Uniting Church is involved with groups such as Wayside Chapel in Sydney, Wesley Mission and Uniting Vic Tas.

Many of these have benefited from volunteers from their church congregations. There were numerous churches and parishes who provided many volunteers.

The charities, especially faith-based services, could depend upon these as a source of help and labour.

Growing up locally, there were churches in Cobram, Yarroweyah, Naring, Katamatite, Katunga, Strathmerton, Wunghnu and Yalca of many denominations.

Recently, the Numurkah St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church has folded, and the property listed for sale.

The Methodist/Uniting Churches and former Presbyterian Churches at Yarroweyah, Katunga, Naring, Strathmerton have all closed and the properties sold.

Every church, with few exceptions, is seeing ageing and declining congregations. Even in Shepparton, a growing regional city, churches have closed.

Faith-based charities are thus impacted. They are now accepting volunteers from a diverse range of backgrounds, including those of no faith or a different faith.

To replace lost volunteers, many are increasingly reliant upon a paid and professional workforce to deliver the same services.

Another issue facing charity groups is the ageing membership. This has resulted in the closure or loss of many groups.

Nathalia has lost several groups in recent years. One example was the Nathalia Rotary Club, which held its final meeting in 2024 after 61 years of service.

The issues are complicated, indeed very complex.

Many people do not want to pay taxes. Taxes provide infrastructure and community facilities.

Many services once provided by the state for nothing are now charged. Examples include police and ambulance services.

At music festivals, or community events, there would be a police presence. Now, governments will charge event organisers fees for these services.

It can cost tens of thousands of dollars to have police there. As the state retreats, the burden falls on to the community sector.

When I was a young student, company taxes were at 46 per cent and the highest income tax rate was over 60 per cent.

Today the top marginal tax rate is 45 per cent and company tax is at 30 per cent, with 25 per cent for smaller companies. There is a perception that we are paying more taxes.

Wealth inequality is growing in Australia.

When the first Rich 200 list was compiled in Australia, to make the list required a net worth of $35 million.

Prior to this was the BRW Rich 100 in 1984. To make that list, an aspirant needed $10 million.

The entry figure in the AFR Rich list in 2025 was $747 million. This inequality falls on the community sector.

Issues facing the non-profit sector are complex.

Growing up in the Goulburn and Murray valleys there were a number of popular events, that brought people together, attracted visitors and importantly raised funds.

Examples include the Numurkah Rose Festival, Yarroweyah Sports, then the third largest sports carnival in Victoria. Cobram held the biennial Peaches and Cream Festival.

To hold such events now, there are issues with the high cost of insurance, fees for police and ambulance attendance and regulations.

Issues are never black and white, they are nuanced and complex.

At an event like those mentioned, volunteers need working with children and police checks, and food handling and responsible service of alcohol certificates.

These are often disincentives for volunteers or add cost to either the volunteer, or the community groups.

Yet, no-one would dispute the need for a working with children check or police check. Food handling requirements lead to better health outcomes and hygiene.

To use another example, in recent years, the Silo Art Trail.

These are amazing examples of community involvement and achievement. They bring tourists to the area, benefiting local communities.

Yet, they are very hard work, involving co-operation and the participation of multiple parties.

The silos are older concrete structures, which themselves can be difficult.

They require structural investigation to ensure they are safe. Many are owned by GrainCorp, council approval is required, as well as fundraising and implementation.

The community and non-profit sector is disparate and diverse. It covers:

NCN Health has benefited greatly from the support of local communities, including its auxiliaries and public support.

Your local cemetery benefited from volunteer trustees. Cemeteries, often overlooked, are important. They provide healthy disposal of deceased remains, are guardians of local history and provide an environment of reflection and closure.

The sector comprises entities of all sizes.

It’s a sector that needs our support. It enriches our lives, providing social interaction and engagement.

There are a number of groups that cover all interests and abilities.

Many are in desperate need for volunteers.

Groups such as Men’s Shed provide camaraderie and companionship.

Church groups offer spiritual and social connection.

— Peter Sutton, formerly of Yarroweyah and Cobram