FAQ

Half Day Workshop Monday 12 May Registration from 1:00pm
Community Services Excellence Awards Monday 12 May Awards commence at 6:00pm
Conference Day 2 Tuesday 13 May Registration from 8:00am, official proceedings commence at 9:00am
Conference Day 3 Wednesday 14 May Registration from 8:00am, official proceedings commence at 9:00am
A coffee cart will be serving barista-made coffee on Days 2 and 3, and attendees are welcome to arrive early to grab a coffee, and network.

Optus Stadium, 333 Victoria Park Dr, Burswood WA 6100

All sessions over the three-day event, including the Community Services Excellence Awards,  will primarily take place in the River View Rooms.

Yes, Optus Stadium is easily accessible by public transport.
Nearby routes include:

Bus Train

We strive to make the Conference as accessible and inclusive as possible. If you have any accessibility requirements that you haven’t yet mentioned during registration, please contact the Conference Coordinator via Conference2025@wacoss.org.au

Unfortunately, there will be no lockers or cloakrooms available to securely store personal items.

The recommended dress code for the Conference is smart casual. The Awards night, which will be held on the first evening, also follows a smart casual dress code—gala attire is not required.

This event includes full catering, with morning, afternoon tea, and lunch. Attendees of the Awards Night will also enjoy a catered dinner. On Day Three, which is a half-day, only morning tea will be served.

You can select your dietary requirements when you register. For any issues in advising of your dietary requirements, please contact Conference2025@wacoss.org.au soon as possible.

Yes, there are several subsidy options available, including:
  • Regional Support Subsidy
  • Perth Metro Community Sector Organisation Staff and Volunteers Subsidy
  • Lived Experience Subsidy
  • Disability Support Subsidy
  • Low Income Subsidy
  • Community Sector Volunteers Subsidy

To learn more and check eligibility, to learn more about these please contact the Conference Coordinator via Conference2025@wacoss.org.au

This event is in-person only event.

Yes, there are still limited sponsorship opportunities available. To learn more about these, please contact the WACOSS Conference Coordinator, Rose Newbury-Freeman via Sponsorship2025@wacoss.org.au

We researched and found these nearby options to be the most affordable

  1. East Perth Suites Hotel
  2. Fraser Suits
  3. Aloft Perth
  4. Quest Apartment Hotels

Please contact the WACOSS Conference Coordinator, Rose Newbury-Freeman via Conference2025@wacoss.org.au

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Ngala kaaditj Noongar Wadjuk moort keyen kaadak nidja boodja – in the spirit of deepening relationship, we acknowledge Wadjuk Noongar people as the original custodians of the land our office is located. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Western Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to Elders both past and present.

designed by DropIN Solutions

Acknowledgement to country

Ngala kaaditj Noongar Wadjuk moort keyen kaadak nidja boodja

In the spirit of deepening relationship, we acknowledge Wadjuk Noongar people as the original custodians of the land our office is located. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Western Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to Elders both past and present.

Birak

Hot and dry – December to January

Bunuru

Hot with easterly winds – February to March

Djeran

Cool and enjoyable – April to May

Makuru

Wet and cold – June to July

Djilba

Cold with less rain – August to September

Kambarang

Warming as the rains finish – October to November

Millie Penny and Chloe Calyon

Six Seasons

2024 – Acrylic on canvas

Aligning with the theme of the 2025 WACOSS Conference, Innovating Together: Leaving No One Behind, Millie Penny depicts the heart of the Six Noongar Seasons into this vibrant canvas. Each hue reflects the unique life of its corresponding season and celebrates the deep connection between the Aboriginal People and the Land.

This painting honours the foundation of Noongar culture: the Six Seasons serve as a timeless anchor amid the ebb and flow of life – politics, policies, and values may shift, but seasons remain steadfast. Intricately woven through are the vital journeys Noongar people have undertaken for more than 65,000 years, and the important gatherings, listening and nurturing of relationships to ensure strong culture, land and heart.

They have drawn sustenance and wisdom from the cyclical rhythm. The Six Seasons are a life-giving force. A reminder of resilience and continuity that will endure long after we are gone.

As Millie’s first exploration into the Six Noongar Seasons, this work is a profound gift to WACOSS and to the conference, inviting us to reflect on our shared journey and commitment to growth.

Millie sought support from her grand-niece, Chloe Calyon, a talented artist in her own right, who contributed to the painting, design and symbols in this piece.

Birak

Hot and dry – December to January

Bunuru

Hot with easterly winds – February to March

Djeran

Cool and enjoyable – April to May

Makuru

Wet and cold – June to July

Djilba

Cold with less rain – August to September

Kambarang

Warming as the rains finish – October to November