Regional charity recognised with Statewide award

NEFSS General Manager Anne Rix and Brent Wallace (Beyond Bank) at the presentation

10th Nov 2026

An Armidale-based charity supporting families across the New England North West has received statewide recognition for its work, winning an award for excellence and impact at the NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS) awards.
New England Family Support Service (NEFSS), formerly known as Armidale Family Support, won the small to medium-sized organisation category at the awards ceremony in Sydney on Tuesday, October 27.
The organisation has been supporting local families for more than 35 years and currently delivers 10 funded programs across the region, assisting children, young people and families experiencing hardship and disadvantage.
The service also has a presence in Guyra, where it runs playgroups and provides family support programs to local families.
NEFSS General Manager Anne Rix said families and individuals across the region were facing increasing challenges, including rising living and fuel costs, drug and alcohol addiction, domestic and family violence, and a shortage of emergency and affordable housing.
Ms Rix said the award recognised the important role community organisations play in supporting people through difficult circumstances and building trust within local communities.
She said many people accessed the service through self-referrals after hearing how the organisation could help, reflecting the confidence families had in its programs and staff.
“We can’t help people unless they walk with us,” Ms Rix said.
With the end of the year approaching and demand for support continuing, Ms Rix acknowledged that staff across the organisation were feeling the pressures of their work.
She said the award was welcome recognition of the efforts of regional not-for-profit organisations and their dedicated workers.
“It’s great recognition for a regional charity. It gives us all heart to keep going and do the very best for our place and our people,” she said.

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Regional charity recognised with Statewide award

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