Advocacy continues for people seeking asylum - Jesuit Social Services

The Catholic Alliance for People Seeking Asylum (CAPSA) continues to advocate for policy changes to better uphold the dignity and rights of each person seeking asylum by building on the groundswell of support from Australian Catholics; linking people together, and creating a collective Catholic voice for change.

Aquinas College students show their support for asylum seeker rights

In late August, CAPSA held the 2018 National Week of Prayer and Action with 40 Catholic organisations, schools and parishes registering their involvement nationally. Actions included forums, circles of silence, prayers and contact with key members of parliament regarding the situation of people seeking asylum both on and off shore.

We can sometimes feel powerless in the face of the harsh treatment of people seeking asylum, however such community involvement is a wonderful way to engage with the issue and show your support.

Recently, CAPSA has been supporting a number of broader sector initiatives including the #KidsOffNauru and #RoofOverMyHead campaigns. CAPSA has also been active around the Status Resolution Support Service eligibility reassessment by the Department of Home Affairs which has left 800 people without an income and stifled their access to torture and trauma counselling and case management – this is an ongoing issue.

CAPSA convened a meeting between Catholic agencies to discuss service and advocacy gaps for people in this situation in Victoria and to consider ways of supporting those affected by the reassessment.

For more information visit www.capsa.org.au

Alliance key to climate justice in the Northern Territory

The Northern Territory is on the frontline of intensifying heat, extreme weather events, and rising sea levels. Remote communities and homelands across the Territory are particularly at risk of these impacts with many Aboriginal communities already facing food insecurity, a lack of safe drinking water and access to reliable, affordable electricity. The Climate Justice Alliance, established in the Territory in 2021, strives towards a just transition - one that focuses on adapting to the impacts of climate change, and on the alternative economic futures needed to ensure justice for people and planet.

Neighbourhood houses building climate resilience and community connections

In the city of Darebin, nestled in the inner north of Melbourne, there are many community members who experience multiple forms of disadvantage and are vulnerable to the impacts of heat. As extreme weather events become more frequent, the Centre for Just Places is working closely with communities like Darebin, to build climate resilience. The Centre empowers them to cope with the impacts of climate change and to continue thriving as connected, vibrant communities.

School canteens feed curiosity

The Currawong Kitchen school canteen was established in 2020 to provide healthy school snacks, catering, and food hampers to families in the historically disadvantaged and under-serviced area of Mount Druitt. Two school canteens now sit alongside Jesuit Social Services’ affordable grocery stores, Ignite Food Store and Open Pantry, where the parents of school children can shop in a supportive, educational, low-cost setting. As Chandelle, who oversees Jesuit Social Services' food security programs in Western Sydney, explains "We’re different from a typical school canteen. We’re passionate about inspiring children to be curious about what they eat and encourage them to try a variety of healthy foods. We want them to develop their palates and trust their taste."

Sharing our vision with Jesuit leaders

In January, Jesuit Social Services was honoured to host special visitors from the global Jesuit community. Fr Arturo Sosa SJ is the Father-General of the Society of Jesus, the global leader of the Jesuit Order. When he visited Australia for the first time, we were delighted that he made time to visit our Richmond office. This is the first time a Father-General has visited Jesuit Social Services.

Annual Dinner 2024

More than 200 people gathered at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 1st for Jesuit Social Services’ Annual Dinner. The event has traditionally sought to deliver a thought-providing keynote on important social justice issues, give attendees a chance to network and mingle, while raising funds for the organisation’s work. But this year, fundraising took a back seat in favour of more time to connect and build relationships.

Nine Yarra neighbourhood houses join forces to strengthen local climate resilience

Nine Yarra neighbourhood houses gathered this week to launch a plan to reduce their environmental footprint and support the local community to adapt to climate change.

Open Pantry helping provide food security and connection

Hear how Open Pantry delivers healthy meals and community for the Western Sydney residents.