Aimee McVeigh is CEO of the Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS), the peak body for the social services sector. QCOSS drives advocacy and policy development, bringing organisations and communities together across the state. With a professional background as a lawyer focused on human rights and discrimination, and as an advisor to numerous non-profit organisations, Aimee’s drive for a better future is unwavering.
“The community services sector is full of individuals who get up every day and use their life force to make our communities better for other people. What motivates me is being part of a sector full of people who truly care and want better outcomes.”
“I’m not focused only on the things that are wrong, but on what we can achieve when we work together.”
With QCOSS, Aimee’s primary focus is to address widespread poverty and inequity impacting countless communities across Queensland.
“Across QCOSS’ 65 years, the community services sector has had great impacts in our communities, both through service provision and through policy and advocacy work.”
“But our work is yet to be completed. There are still so many people experiencing poverty and disadvantage, especially through this dual cost of living and housing crisis. Now more than ever, the community services sector – our shared advocacy, our shared vision for a fairer Queensland – is important.”
For Aimee, YFS is at the forefront of these efforts, delivering outcomes for the Logan community and beyond.
“QCOSS only achieves what it achieves through and with our members. YFS has been a long-standing, highly valued and highly engaged member of QCOSS. It doesn’t just deliver for its community, in its community, but it shows a commitment to being part of a connected system that cares about all Queenslanders having lives characterised by equality, opportunity and well-being.”
“YFS always stands up and plays an important role in the systemic advocacy that QCOSS shepherds.”
“YFS has stood shoulder to shoulder with us on numerous occasions. From the Town of Nowhere social housing campaign to the Raise the Age youth justice campaign, YFS does incredible work.”
Although YFS helps QCOSS deliver change across Queensland, Aimee recognises its focus and drive come from its commitment to the Logan community.
“YFS has been an important part of the Logan community since 1984; it’s an institution in Logan.”
“YFS is a well-loved and important organisation. It has such a broad range of services to offer the community.”
Aimee also appreciates that YFS isn’t just responsive to current pressures but is proactive in identifying and addressing potential areas of need.
“YFS has a clear commitment to innovation to make sure that it is best using its resources to get better outcomes for the community.”
“YFS stands up wherever there’s an opportunity to make a change. It is a willing and collaborative partner, and we see YFS innovating and achieving outcomes in its community and across the state because of its collaborative approach.”
At the heart of the partnership between YFS and QCOSS are shared values which recognise the importance and dignity of every Queenslander, and drive both organisations’ commitment to making change.
“The partnership that QCOSS has with YFS is a deep relationship where we know that our organisations are aligned in our values and vision for the state. When things need to be achieved, QCOSS knows that YFS is part of a system that is willing to step up and make a difference.”
