WE PROMOTE A SENSE OF CONNECTION, SOCIAL INCLUSION AND HEALTH AND WELLBEING PROGRAMS TO THE EXTENDED IRISH COMMUNITY IN NSW, WHILE PROVIDING THEM WITH CONFIDENTIAL, SYMPATHETIC, CARING SUPPORT IN TIMES OF VULNERABILITY AND DISTRESS.

The Irish Support Agency NSW Inc. (previously known as Irish Australian Welfare Bureau & Resource Centre NSW Inc.) has been serving the Irish Community in Sydney and New South Wales (NSW) since 1995. 

The Agency is: 

  • not political 

  • not denominational

  • inclusive

  • a service that meets the real and pressing needs of it’s clients, and

  • committed to delivering positive outcomes quickly, when possible.

We understand that bad luck can happen to anyone, and that sufficient bad luck can be devastating.  Health, work, legal, financial or isolation issues can feel overwhelming when you are so far away from your usual support network.

Whether you need a friendly voice, a helping hand or something more tangible to get you back on track, you can get in touch here. 

We operate on a Not-for-Profit basis and have full Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR1) status from the Australian Tax Office. This means that any donations of $2, or more, are deductible in your next tax return, whether you are an individual, business or registered charity.

The Irish Support Agency NSW Inc is registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.  ABN 70 880 566 535.

Our History

Showing incredible foresight, Frank O’Donoghue recognised the need for a safety-net specifically for the Irish community in NSW and founded the organisation, incorporated on 22 May 1995.  

From it’s formation, with input from Phyllis McGrath from the Irish Australian Welfare Bureau in Victoria, and the hard work of the volunteer Committee, the Agency has grown to meet significant demand through the hard work and generosity of our volunteers, contributors and supporters over the years.

With the assistance of the Department of Foreign Affairs, with their Emigrant Support Program, we have been able to fund a full-time Coordinator since 2005, as well as our other operating costs.  We have since expanded the team to include a full-time Outreach Worker and Project Officer.

Having celebrated our 20th Anniversary in 2015, we adapted to the changing needs of our community with the rebranding of the organisation to the Irish Support Agency.

This rebrand helps us to meet the increasing needs of Irish Australians in NSW and increase awareness of the work that we do across the whole community as we step forward into our next 20 years.

The Irish Support Agency NSW Inc is registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission ABN 70 880 566 535.