The Anti-Poverty Network of South Australia (APNSA) is a nonprofit organisation advocating for people affected by poverty and unemployment in South Australia. Established as an alliance of welfare recipients, low-income workers, sole parents, pensioners, students, and community workers, APNSA aims to be a collective voice for dignity, justice, and well-being for those living in economic hardship.

History and Background

APNSA is based in Adelaide, South Australia, and operates as a community and activist network. It is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and holds the Australian Business Number (ABN) 92588090527RR0001.

Mission and Activities

APNSA’s mission centers on combating poverty and promoting social justice through activism and community support. The organisation:

• Runs forums, rallies, conferences, and campaigns addressing issues such as housing affordability, poverty, social security, and workers’ rights.
• Provides training and mentorship to empower people on low incomes and their allies to become active in community advocacy.
• Engages with the media, politicians, and the public to raise awareness and pressure for policy changes that benefit disadvantaged groups.

Community and Support Services

APNSA fosters a supportive community by offering emotional and practical help to those affected by poverty or bureaucratic stress associated with government services. Its community-oriented initiatives include:

• Providing information and resources related to welfare and housing rights.
• Hosting free lunches and dinners to build solidarity among members and supporters.
• Assisting individuals in negotiations with service providers and government agencies such as Centrelink, sometimes accompanying them to appointments.

Representation and Advocacy

The organisation leverages the lived experience of its members to inform and influence public discourse and policy on poverty-related issues in South Australia. By uniting diverse groups affected by economic hardship, APNSA strengthens their collective voice and visibility in the fight against poverty.

Public Presence

APNSA maintains active engagement with the public through events and media outreach. It also produces reports, such as the 2023 Renters Survey Report titled "I’m Scared of My Next Rent Increase", highlighting key issues faced by low-income renters in the region.

The Anti-Poverty Network of South Australia represents a critical community and advocacy resource dedicated to empowering people living in poverty and shaping a fairer society through collective action and support.

[1] https://apn-sa.org [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/6216a8b3-3aaf-e811-a960-000d3ad24282 [3] https://apn-sa.org/about-us/ [4] https://www.instagram.com/antipovertynetworksa/ [5] https://sacommunity.org/org/230877-Anti-Poverty_Network_SA