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About

The following items will help you to find out more about ACSO.

Purpose and Vision

acsobrochurepicturefix.jpgThe Australian Community Support Organisation’s purpose is to make a difference in the lives of disenfranchised people.

Our vision is to contribute to individual and community wellbeing by increasing opportunities for disenfranchised people to positively engage with their communities and by reducing the impact of social disadvantage.

Our Logo

ACSO-LOGO.jpgWhy a new logo?

One of the key objectives of the recent Strategic Plan was to raise ACSO’s profile.

This was done in order for ACSO to become more recognizable to other groups in the sector who may benefit from our services. It was also important to do so for our clients for whom it is important that our premises be recognisable.

Our History

epistlefix.jpgIn 1983, ACSO commenced as a small support agency staffed by volunteers (then called The Epistle Centre; later The Victorian Offender Support Agency) for ex-prisoners who were highly disadvantaged.

It established support programs and a halfway house (McCormack House) remains in operation for this group.

ACSO Video

Watch this short video to find out more about ACSO...

Our People

allstafffix.JPGACSO staff are a diverse group of people who bring together a very wide range of skills and experience. They are the key mechanism by which ACSO provides quality services. Therefore, ACSO employs staff from a variety of professional backgrounds.

ACSO's Annual Reports

annual report2010 coverPortrait.jpgACSO Annual Reports are prepared each year to provide a transparent account of the organisation's programs and services, financial position and progress on organisational development.

Strategic Objectives

chessfix.jpgThe 2006-2009 ACSO Strategic Plan was developed through consultation with ACSO Council, staff and stakeholders.

It outlines ACSO’s vision for the next three years, and support our purpose of making a difference in the lives of disenfranchised people.  

Quality Improvement

qicsa logofix.JPGACSO is an accredited community services organisation with QICSA (Quality Improvement & Community Services Accreditation), a body of the Quality Improvement Council (QIC), offers support, resources, review and accreditation to the health and community services sector in Victoria.

Policy and Risk Management

one way.JPGPolicies and Procedures

ACSO develops written policy for all major management, administration and service delivery functions. Written policy aims to ensure that ACSO’s philosophy is translated into action by ensuring that all practice is accountable to a common policy framework.

ACSO Council

anicholson.JPGACSO Council Membership
The origins of ACSO’s Council are unique and reflect the organisations long term work with ex-prisoners and those people involved in the Victorian criminal justice system. ACSO has maintained a strong affiliation with members of the Judiciary, often described as the ‘heart and soul’ of the Council. 
 Our patron, Alastair Nicholson