The NCOSS School Gateway Project aims to achieve positive education outcomes for children while changing life outcomes for families, young people and children in a highly disadvantaged urban community. It proposes that reducing the most severe, deep-seated disadvantage requires new thinking and a new approach. As Project Director I am responsible for the design, development, implementation and evaluation of this innovative work which is being watched with interest in the highest levels of NSW government, across sectors and by philanthropy. I will co-develop and lead mechanisms for change in the community and translate these at a systems level to address issues in service delivery and funding.

NCOSS is committed to influencing and shaping policy in NSW to create change and to benefit those who are experiencing disadvantage and poverty. NCOSS works to advance the interests of civil society in NSW, understanding it's importance to strong community. NCOSS works with it's members, the sector, the NSW Government and its departments and other relevant agencies on current and emerging (and ongoing) social, systemic and operational issues.www.ncoss.org.au

Collaboration for Impact is Australia’s leading organisation for learning how to respond to complexity through effective collaboration. We believe in a society where everyone is able to thrive - where communities come together to solve their own challenges and seize opportunities. Our contribution to achieving this vision is to support leaders, organisations and communities to learn how to collaborate for impact. We also convene the Australasian collaboration community of practice.

The Centre for Social Impact is focused on improving social impact in Australia through research, teaching, community engagement and contribution to public debate.

Collaboration for Impact launched The Search in June 2014 – an initiative offering $1 million in support to an Australian community working to address society’s biggest challenges. The Search is a first of its kind national initiative to help communities come together and successfully address society’s biggest challenges – issues like poverty, alcohol related violence, homelessness, youth unemployment and childhood obesity – through the adoption of the socially innovative Collective Impact framework.