At a glance
100+
enquiries received and supported
20
referrals made to community programs
200+
individuals supported by The Little Pantry
100+
magazines sold by The Big Issue vendors
10
volunteers supporting our work
10
regular participants in social groups
Access
Intake and Reception
Our Intake and Reception team is the first point of contact for anyone seeking support.
They listen, assess each situation, and connect people with the appropriate services, whether that involves making a referral to a WCS program, linking someone with crisis support, or simply providing reliable information about available community resources.
Our intake team also coordinates the Little Pantry, ensuring that anyone in need can access essential food and household items with dignity.
The Little Pantry
Based in our Woden Community Hub at Westfield, the Little Pantry provided crucial food relief to people in need.
We saw growing demand this year and introduced a new Thursday walk-in service, offered at the same time as our Tenancy Assistance Program walk-ins. This change gave people more choice and autonomy in selecting what they need.
The Little Pantry runs on generosity, and this year we were deeply moved by the support of our community. For the third year in a row, twins Asher and Ellie have chosen generosity over gifts by asking for donations to support the Little Pantry in place of birthday presents. Over Christmas, Randstad, the Lyons Club, and many other organisations as well as our own staff came together to donate items during what is always a critical time.
The Little Pantry is made possible through donations, contributions from other program areas, and the commitment of our volunteers. Our volunteers keep the Little Pantry running by counting, organising, and quality-checking items, and by encouraging donations through regular drives in the Westfield Woden fresh food plaza.
500+
Little Pantry visitors
1,800+
items provided
120+
generous community donors
Engagement
Volunteers
Volunteering is at the heart of WCS. It strengthens our culture, supports essential services, and creates meaningful connections across our community.
Over the past year, more than 60 volunteers contributed regularly, with another 20 assisting at one-off events such as the Children’s Fair and résumé writing workshops. While engagement remains strong, we acknowledge a gradual decline in numbers as the cost of living continues to rise.
Our core volunteers contribute an average of four hours each week across a wide range of roles, including:
English language classes
Aged Care driving
Social group support
Little Pantry helpers
Office and administration support
Playgroups
Community events
Mental health activities such as arts and crafts, breakfast and dinner groups
Men’s Conversation and Latte Ladies groups
The Big Issue support
Volunteers play a vital role in supporting people who may otherwise face isolation. Their presence creates connection, dignity, and belonging.
WCS deeply values the contribution of every volunteer. Their time, care, and commitment make it possible to reach further and serve in ways that would otherwise not be possible. We thank each and every volunteer for being an essential part of the WCS team.
“Volunteers don’t just support our work – they are the work.” - staff member
The Big Issue
This year, The Big Issue continues to provide stable income and purpose for people experiencing homelessness, disadvantage, or marginalisation.
Our vendors sold 9,987 magazines across Canberra this year, reflecting both growing community engagement and the continued success of the program.
WCS manages the ACT operations of The Big Issue, distributing magazines and providing vendors with training, materials, and support. Every fortnight, vendors gather at the Hub in Westfield Woden for the magazine launch. These launches are more than stock pick-ups; they are a chance to share a cuppa, catch up with peers, and celebrate each other’s achievements.
Several vendors were featured in national profiles this year, a moment of pride for the entire community.
The Big Issue annual calendar also played a vital role, offering vendors a much-needed boost during the holiday season. During the festive period, Canberra vendors sold 1,800 calendars, with Canberra vendor Daniel featured in this year’s edition.
Through their dedication, our vendors continue to show the strength of community enterprise, proving that with opportunity and support, people can change their own lives.
Other Highlights
Creative Writing
What began as a small gathering of three people has grown into a thriving group of 12 diverse participants. Together, they not only developed valuable writing skills and creative expression but also gained confidence and friendship.
English Conversations
We also responded to a growing local demand for English language support. In addition to ongoing groups in Hughes and previously in Whitlam, we launched a new English Conversation group in Woden, led by a passionate retired teacher.
Participants reported improved language skills, stronger social connections, and a renewed sense of belonging. Meanwhile, our English Conversation Playgroup saw steady growth thanks to a boost in social media promotion and new community partnerships.
Social Groups
The Woden Community Hub remained a cornerstone for local connection, hosting seven regular community and volunteer-led groups. These groups supported over 65 participants, including older adults, migrants, people with disabilities, and those facing mental health challenges, and were driven by 16 dedicated volunteers.
Among the highlights were the Women Supporting Women group and a popular Games group, both of which help foster positive routines for participants. Volunteer leadership was a defining strength this year, with one of our creative writing group leaders receiving an award nomination for their outstanding contribution.
Partnerships
We continued to nurture strong partnerships with Westfield Woden, ACT Playgroups, the Woden Valley Community Council, and local arts practitioners, enabling us to amplify our community reach and create shared value. We remained active in sector networks such as CDnet and the ABCD Practitioner Network, keeping community-led approaches at the centre of our work.
Community Murals
We support local artists and secure funding to work with communities on various mural projects. Previously, we have worked with PAW to give the Woden Community Hub entrance a fresh new look. We are currently working on a mural at Hughes in collaboration with the Hughes community.