Catholic Social Services Australia is inviting interested parties to participate in a national initiative designed to gather detailed data on the operations, challenges and contributions of Catholic social service organisations across Australia.
As Australians face rising cost-of-living pressures, growing housing insecurity, increasing mental health concerns, and escalating family and domestic violence, Catholic social services continue to stand alongside those most in need – offering support, restoring dignity, and helping build pathways to safety and hope.
“Our sector is a beacon of compassion and resilience, yet our collective impact often remains overlooked in national conversations about social policy and funding,” CSSA Chief Executive Dr Jerry Nockles said.
CSSA’s State of the Sector Survey 2026 – Mapping the National Footprint of Catholic Social Services initiative “is far more than just data collection,” Dr Nockles said. “It is a vital opportunity to ensure the voices of Catholic social services and the communities we accompany are heard clearly and powerfully.”
CSSA is calling for participation from all Catholic social service organisations across the country – from large established agencies to small local groups.
The State of the Sector Survey 2026 will provide the evidence needed to:
- Demonstrate the scale and life-changing impact of Catholic social services across the country.
- Highlight ongoing and emerging challenges faced by organisations and the communities they support.
- Strengthen advocacy with governments and policymakers on key social priorities.
- Build a compelling case for sustained and increased investment in services for Australia’s most vulnerable.
“Every group working under the Catholic banner has a vital story to tell. By completing this survey, you help us build a true and powerful picture of our sector’s reach and effectiveness,” Dr Nockles said.
“The survey will provide important, timely data on the depth and breadth of our impact. This allows us to influence policy, secure resources, and improve the lives of countless Australians.
“Equally as important, it will tell the story of our mission in action – how Catholic social services uphold human dignity, foster solidarity, and accompany the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in our community every day.”
The survey is now open and accessible online. For more information and to participate, visit https://cssa.org.au/cssas-state-of-the-sector-survey-2026/ Submissions are requested by Saturday 25 July.