General questions
Where is Communities@Work?
Communities@Work delivers community services right across Canberra. From Tuggeranong to Gungahlin and from Weston Creek to Narrabundah, we strive to meet the needs of our community wherever required.
Are you a charity?
Communities@Work is a charity registered by the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission, and endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient by the Australian Taxation Office. More than half of our operating funds come from running a profitable business as a provider of child care and education services. We are a social enterprise, and spend our profits from this business supporting our community through our Community Services.
Are you a government department, religious or political party?
Communities@Work is an independent organisation. We are a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. We have no corporate, religious or political affiliation. We like to believe that we have strong and inclusive relationships with a broad range of stakeholders.
Do you pay tax?
We pay taxes. As a charity, Communities@Work is exempt from income tax. This exemption makes it possible for us to put more of our revenue into supporting the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in our community. We are liable for Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT).
How are you funded?
We have three main funding sources, of which our fees for services are the biggest. We receive some funding from Grants and are grateful to the community for their donations.
Who are your clients?
From the development of children to the care of the aged, we deliver quality community services that meet the needs of young people, parents, people with a disability and the most vulnerable and disadvantaged members of our community.
How do you protect children and vulnerable people?
Every person who works for us or volunteers with us has to be registered with the ACT Government for Working With Vulnerable People. This means that their backgrounds have been checked and they are monitored for any activity that would cause the authorities to doubt their suitability for working with vulnerable people.
We also provide safe spaces for activities involving vulnerable people, to ensure only appropriate people can access areas where we work.
Will I receive a receipt for my donation?
Yes! If you donate, you will receive a receipt. It may be emailed to you, or printed on the spot, but one way or another, we will provide you with a receipt.
Do you need staff?
We are one of the largest employers in Canberra and often find ourselves in need of staff in a range of fields. We employ child care, community sector, human resources, finance and management professionals. We employ people to maintain our spaces, manage our vehicles, photograph our activities and welcome our clients. There is a broad range of opportunity, and we provide an exciting and supportive work environment with excellent remuneration and benefits.
How do I find the right child care for my family?
Our team can help you with that. If you fill in an application form, we will get in touch and work through what you’re after, covering things like the hours and location you need and any specific requirements you may have.
Do you accept donations of used clothing?
Yes we do, but only good quality business or special occasion wear. We use clothing donations for two purposes: to generate some funds for our social programs, and to provide clothing to people who need new clothes to help them with something important, like a job interview, a school event or a funeral. Your ten-year-old gardening jeans are probably not going to help with these purposes, so we ask for donations of good quality clothing in good condition that you just don’t need anymore.
For more information, visit our Essential Services page.
Where can I drop off donations?
Tuggeranong Community & Function Centre, 245 Cowlishaw Street, Greenway (food and clothing)
Gungahlin Community Centre, 47 Ernest Cavanagh Street, Gungahlin (food and clothing)
South.Point Tuggeranong (food can be donated outside Woolworths and Coles, clothing can be donated at our Best Dressed Store)
Cooleman Court Shopping Centre (food can be donated outside Woolworths)
Gungahlin Village (food can be donated just inside Coles)
Calwell Shopping Centre (food can be donated outside Woolworths)
Office of Senator, Unit A, Ground Floor, Law Society Building, 11 London Circuit, Canberra ACT 2600.
Do you accept food donations?
We accept non-perishable items in its original, sealed packaging before its use-by date. Your donations can help vulnerable and disadvantaged people in our community. For more information, visit our Essential Services page
How do I enrol my child in Galilee?
Communities@Work’s Galilee School is an independent secondary school that specifically caters for young people who are not experiencing positive outcomes in the mainstream schooling system. We accept referrals from youth workers and case workers, or from mainstream schools. The referral form is available on our Galilee page.
Do you support culturally and linguistically diverse and LBGTQIA communities?
Yes. We are proud of our diverse community, and welcome families from all backgrounds and beliefs.
Can I volunteer?
We have a range of volunteering opportunities available at all times, and people who are dedicated to making sure you can put your time, skills and knowledge to good use for your community. Visit our volunteering page under the 'Get Involved' section to find out more.
Can I ask an infrequently asked question?
Yes, if your question is not one of our frequently asked questions, please click on the 'get in touch' button on the top of the page
