A Housing ACT tenant could face eviction because hoarding has made their home unsafe. A vulnerable mother may have to attend an appointment, but not be able to get her children to daycare. A family member might be terminally ill, but not qualify for the NDIS, aged care, or another program.
Since 1989, Community Options has helped Canberrans in those situations, providing case management, advocacy, and practical help for people whose needs cross bureaucratic boundaries or do not meet conventional eligibility rules.
But after 37 years, the organisation is closing. It is urging the ACT Government to fund a replacement flexible-support pathway for vulnerable Canberrans who are not eligible for existing service systems.
“Without a replacement flexible-support pathway, future Canberrans in the same circumstances may have nowhere appropriate to turn,” CEO Brendan Taber said.
“These people do not stop needing help simply because they do not meet a program’s eligibility criteria.”
The board voted on 23 July to wind down Community Options after the ACT Government did not fund its proposed Community Transition Support Program, and did not confirm any alternative funding or commissioning pathway.
Community Options expects client services and client-facing positions to end on 31 December, and the organisation to be wound up in March 2027.
Mr Taber said its closure might result in the ACT community sector losing more than 200 years of combined workforce experience.
“Our staff know Canberra’s services, have trusted relationships across the sector, and understand what to do when there is no obvious pathway,” Mr Taber said. “Once that capability is dismantled, it will be difficult and costly to rebuild. We are asking the Government to act now to preserve the flexible service model, referral pathways and workforce knowledge that vulnerable Canberrans will continue to need.”
Since 2020, Community Options has provided assistance on more than 15,000 occasions. In 2021-22 alone, it connected 5,646 clients, families and carers to support.
The ACT Government funds only two Community Options programs: Women and Newborn Community Support Program and Palliative Care Project. It says it is considering future delivery options and working with Community Options to ensure continuity of support.
“Our primary focus is on the people who rely on these services, and we are committed to ensuring they continue to receive the support they need,” health minister Dr Marisa Paterson said.
The government says other public and non-government services assist women, families, older people, and palliative care clients, but it has not identified which organisation will take over Community Options’ flexible case-management role.
