We are a diverse coalition who work to build a fairer, more sustainable Sydney.
The Sydney Alliance is a diverse coalition of community organisations, religious organisations, unions and schools that uses the tools of community organising for the common good - to make Sydney a more just, fair and sustainable city.
The Alliance has three goals. We work with our partner organisations to:
Increase and strengthen the leadership capacity of their members, their leaders, and staff.
Deepen the relationships across civil society by strengthening the relationships between our partner organisations.
Act for the ‘Common Good’.
Head here for more information about how your organisation can become a partner of Sydney Alliance.
To find out more about our work and to get involved, check out our campaigns here. You will find out about our work with international students and with people seeking asylum, as well as our work for better housing and for clean and affordable energy
Our Story
The Alliance is the largest and most diverse network of communities in Sydney. We believe that a strong and connected community enables Sydneysiders to shape their own future, to grow and develop as leaders, to be full democratic actors and to speak and act with others on their own behalf.
We build grassroots power that respects the contributions and dignity of all people. Here’s a peek at how organisations across Sydney came together to find ways to improve life for our communities.
The idea of building a Sydney Alliance was first raised in May 2007, and by November that same year was financially supported by 13 organisations. The Alliance launched with 45 partner organisations on 15 September 2011.
Our Partners
Our 37 partner organisations all contribute to our common purpose to support collective work for the common good. Here is the full list of our 37 partner organisations is current as of January 2024.
Our Friends
Friends of the Sydney Alliance are essential in supporting the sustainability of the Alliance. This is one of the most powerful actions you can take as an individual to build a fairer and more sustainable Sydney. Find out more about our Friends and how to become one right here.
Our Staff
The Sydney Alliance is made up of our partner organisations, and we rely on the extensive leadership that exists in those organisations. Meet the small staff team we employ to help train and support the practice of community organising.
Our Action Teams
Within the Alliance there are many teams that coordinate our work, support our governance and take action across Sydney. Find out more about these teams and how you can get involved here.
Our Governance
Transparency about our governance is very important to us. Head here to meet our Board, read our Code of Conduct and Values and access our Annual Reports.
Our Founding Organiser
Amanda Tattersall initiated the Sydney Alliance in 2007 and was Coalition Director until stepping down in 2015. She has been a well-renowned campaigner for social change for over 15 years.
Azra’s Story
The Sydney Alliance brings people together, so that they are powerful enough to create the change that they want to see. View Azra’s story below.
Our Sister Organisations
Hunter Community Alliance
Hunter Community Alliance is a broad-based collaboration and is inclusive of community, environmental, ethnic and cultural groups, unions, and religious organisations. Its purpose is to strengthen organisations, and the connectivity between them, through story, training and advocacy – to advance the common good of the Hunter Region.
Queensland Community Alliance
Queensland Community Alliance brings together 35 member organisations representing 1.7 million Queenslanders. The QCA organise members and communities to act for the common good.
Te Ohu Whakawhanaunga
Te Ohu is the first broad-based community alliance currently emerging in Auckland, with a vision to build an alliance that facilitates the organisation of communities in Aotearoa New Zealand toward a future where children and families flourish.
Citizens UK
Citizens UK is a people-powered alliance dedicated to challenging injustice and building stronger communities. It is the home of community organising with 18 local chapters across the UK.
The Sydney Alliance is affiliated with a network of broad-based community organising organisations globally through the Industrial Areas Foundation Northwest.
The IAF Northwest is a regional network of broad-based community alliances in Washington, Oregon, Montana, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. Each alliance builds individual civic leadership, strengthens its member organizations, and serves as a vehicle for these members to act in the public arena with sufficient power for the common good. IAFNW affiliated with Industrial Area Foundation.