35 years of generous and ongoing support - Jesuit Social Services

Peninsula Support Group members visiting our Brosnan site in Brunswick

We are very grateful for the commitment and loyalty of the Peninsula Support Group over the past 35 years. In that time, the group have raised a generous $90,000 in support of our work, particularly Brosnan Services.

Such commitment is integral to the work we do and vital for the young people we work with.

On 1 November Daniel Clements, General Manager, Justice and Crime Prevention, and his team hosted a wonderful luncheon for the group, which was supplied by volunteer Maureen Peebles.

Members of the Peninsula Support Group showed such enthusiasm and compassion for our work and, in addition to presenting a $3,600 cheque to the organisation, also provided two boxes of Christmas presents to be distributed to program participants.

Shane Healy, Board member and Chair of Jesuit Social Services’ Fundraising Committee, and Cath Neville, Executive Director, Advocacy and Strategic Communications, spoke to the group about the important role they play in supporting many of our young people and thanked them for their generous contribution over the years.

Guests were also entertained by a performance from Aaron, a participant of our Artful Dodgers Studios.

We pass on our gratitude and thank everybody at the Peninsula Support Group for their ongoing commitment to our work.

“When I do art, I am free.” Thuc’s story

Thuc Tran, a participant in Jesuit Social Services’ Western Metro Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect program (MHWC), which supports the family members and carers of people with mental illness and substance use issues, is a true testament to the power of community support. Born in Vietnam, Thuc immigrated to Australia as a refugee with her family 1995. Thuc entered our MHWC program after feeling overwhelmed by her caring responsibilities for her 14-year-old son.

Homework Club’s annual Iftar event continues to bring the community closer

At Kensington Town Hall in inner-city Melbourne, children as young as three gathered round a large table spilling over the edges in glitter pens, Ramadan themed colouring pages and games. Amidst the buzz of artistic chaos, Tatil, a participant of Jesuit Social Services’ Homework Club program since grade one, now in grade nine, mentioned, “the worst part about Homework Club is the homework! I love everything else. I get to hang out and play with my friends…I also think the people who help us are really kind.”

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.