Caz Heise, the community-backed independent candidate for Cowper, is calling for a major shift in how governments fund local non-government organisations (NGOs), highlighting the urgent need for consistent, long-term support for trusted community service providers.

“For months, I’ve been hearing the same message from people across our region: incredible local organisations are being held back by inefficient, short-term funding models,” Caz said.

“These are service providers who know their communities inside and out - helping people facing mental health challenges, domestic and family violence, homelessness, and food insecurity. But instead of supporting them properly, governments keep forcing them to fight for scraps of short-term funding. It’s not good enough.”

“If elected, I will advocate for a full review of current funding models and push for structural reform to deliver a more sustainable, long-term funding system that recognises the unique challenges faced by regional NGOs. That includes 

• A transparent, reliable funding model that gives trusted local organisations consistent support to plan, recruit, and deliver long-term programs.
  

• Mechanisms to secure long-term funding for high-performing local providers, and to ensure that funding doesn’t just go to organisations with the biggest grant-writing teams.
  

• Partnerships across all levels of government to strengthen regional service delivery.
  

• Regular community feedback and impact evaluation to ensure funding evolves to meet real needs.”

“Right now, the system rewards size and grant-writing capacity, not the organisations doing the best work,” Caz said. 

“It also created an unhealthy and competitive environment between local service providers. Many providers have described feeling like they are ‘fighting over scraps’, rather than working collaboratively with each other.” 

“Without real change, we risk losing the trusted local providers who are embedded in our communities. Too many organisations depend on a patchwork of grants and donations, which can vary dramatically from year to year. This makes it nearly impossible for them to maintain a stable workforce and implement the long-term programs our communities rely on.”

“With the increasing demand for services, especially in the face of ongoing economic pressures and the lasting impacts of natural disasters, we need to ensure that local support services are sustainable and well-resourced,” Caz continued.

“In Cowper, we’ve seen a rise in people seeking help from NGOs - whether for food relief, mental health support, or emergency housing. These organisations often serve as the first point of contact for individuals in crisis.”

“Without reliable funding, these services are under threat, and vulnerable individuals may fall through the cracks.”

Caz also stressed that investing in NGOs isn’t just about emergency support, but about building stronger, more resilient communities for the long term.

“We need governments that understand that stable, long-term investment in local organisations is a foundation for community resilience. Without it, the cracks get wider and more people slip through.”

“If elected, I will fight for funding models that back our trusted local service providers. The amazing organisations who are already doing the work, and who deserve the security to do it even better.”