30 Years of Community, Care & Connection

We are marking 30 years of the Irish Support Agency. What began as one man's vision in 1995 has grown into a pillar of support, compassion, and connection for the Irish community in Australia.

From grassroots beginnings to outreach programs, mental health support, and crisis response, the ISA has always remained true to its mission: people helping people. Over three decades, hundreds have found a listening ear, practical help, and a sense of belonging through our work.

As we celebrate this anniversary, we also look ahead. With growing demand, our team is expanding, and our commitment to serving the Irish community remains as strong as ever

how we make a difference

The Irish Support Agency’s Mission is to provide front-line support to anyone in the Irish-Australian community who finds themselves in circumstances of vulnerability or distress. We endeavour to promote mental health & wellbeing and a sense of connection in our community. 

We do this through:

  • practical guidance and help

  • assistance with navigating Australian health

    and legal systems

  • community education, support programs

    and social events

  • regular mental health workshops

  • referrals to qualified specialists for advice

  • running fortnightly senior drop in groups and a social befriending program

  • outreach services for our most vulnerable clients

If you need assistance contact us on: 1800 186 966

Our team is currently working remotely however we are available from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. The on call service for emergencies is operational between 8am and 8pm daily.

Please also encourage any members of our community who may need our help and support to contact us.

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Testimonials

  • So helpful and accommodating, got back to me within a few hours with more information than needed. Brilliant help, and also great to speak to someone from home. 100% recommend for anyone needing advice. ”

    Colleen

  • The Irish Support Agency assisted with me a personal matter. They brought a very high standard of professionalism but at the same time were very personable. In some ways, one of their biggest contributions was their moral support and sensitivity in the absence of friends and family from Ireland being present with me.

    Anon

  • The team at the Irish Support Agency is brilliant. They have done so much and always go above and beyond for me! I really appreciate all that they have done for me over the past 10 months. I am so glad I have come out the other side a better person and will be forever grateful to them all, especially Katerina who always checked in on me to make sure I was okay.

    Gerard

  • Could not speak more highly of the service! Absolutely fantastic to have access to such an approachable, informed team. Extremely greatful for all the assistance they provided to me.

    Anon

  • The Irish Support Agency provided me with support and accommodation when my brother passed away in Sydney. They made a very difficult experience more bearable and allowed us to focus on being there for each other. I will always be grateful for their support during that time.

    Matthew

  • Very thankful for the work you do and the space you hold for our community to reach out and hear a friendly caring voice ready to help when times are tough.

    Lorraine

OUR FUNDING

We acknowledge the financial support provided to us by the Emigrant Support Program of the Department of Foreign Affairs (Ireland) for our administration costs, which enables us to make a significant difference to the Irish Community in Sydney and New South Wales every year.

However, this funding only contributes 56% to our annual operational costs. Therefore, community donations, sponsorship and fundraising are essential to ensure that we can continue to fulfil our mission of providing front-line support to anyone in the Irish-Australian community who finds themselves in circumstances of vulnerability or distress.

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our Sponsors

Christmas in July & Community Appreciation Awards Sponsors 2024

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

In the spirit of reconciliation the Irish Support Agency acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation as the traditional custodians of the land on which we are based and we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.'