Anglicare is not only a large service delivery organisation. It was the first, and is still the only, non-government organisation in Tasmania to commit significant resources to social research and activism. Even at a national level, agencies that have been prepared to internally fund research and policy work not tied to service development remain noteworthy, but in a state where the peak bodies are too small to do much social research, and that on almost every indice remains the most disadvantaged state in the nation, Anglicare’s Social Action and Research Centre is not only unique but indispensable.
The combination of services and research provides a powerful base to Anglicare’s engagement with Government, church and community on behalf of disadvantaged Tasmanians. Some people understandably remain concerned at the pace and implications of growth, but the overall view of the organisation in the broader community has probably never been more positive. Anglicare’s commitment to collaboration, professionalism, innovation and most especially, social justice is now rarely questioned. Its actions, and words, have seen to that.
This history of the organisation is dedicated to the clients, staff, Board, members, and friends of Anglicare, past and present. Keep on dreaming!