This study aimed to determine the capacity of metropolitan Community Health Services (CHSs) in Victoria to respond to climate change. This included outlining the current understanding of climate change among the staff of CHSs; documenting the extent to which CHSs implement climate change policy and practices; and identifying the barriers affecting the capacity of CHSs to respond to this issue. Representatives from over half of the CHSs were interviewed in June and July 2007. Results showed that the understanding of climate change by the sector was of a level which was probably similar to that of the general population. Climate change had not yet registered as a strategic issue, however, most CHSs were implementing an array of environmental policies and practices. All participating CHSs believed that climate change is an important issue for Community Health and all wanted to be doing more. Barriers to the capacity of the sector included a lack of policy direction, support, funding and leadership from government. Leadership within CHSs was also identified as an area for strengthening. The provision of clear information about climate change and related evidence based practice would increase the sector’s ability to undertake effective action. Results of this study are of potential relevance to other community organisations.