An update on our work in NSW - Jesuit Social Services

Monique Perusco is Manager of Social and Community Services in our Western Sydney program.

The Willmot Community Hub is part of Jesuit Social Services’ Western Sydney program and works with local people, organisations, businesses and government to partner with and strengthen communities in the heart of Wilmott. The Hub does this by facilitating a number of groups and events with the community, including a weekly breakfast, after-school program and seniors’ group.

Due to physical distancing restrictions last year, The Hub was unable to hold most of its in-person programming. Older members of the community felt the effects of this in particular as, for many, being part of the seniors’ group was the only regular social interaction they had. This group enjoyed activities such as fitness classes, bus trips and social gatherings.

Despite much anticipation after a year of being apart, their planned Christmas lunch was unable to go ahead last December due to the re-introduction of physical distancing measures in Sydney.

With the easing of restrictions this year, however, The Hub made Christmas happen in February. With the help of parents from Willmot Public School, The Hub brought its senior community back together again for a celebratory, festive lunch – Christmas crackers and all! The community members volunteered to prepare the roast lunch, decorate the table and serve the meal.

The mood was joyful as this group of friends shared stories over good food in a much loved, shared space. Monique Perusco, Manager of Social and Community Services in Western Sydney says, “The seniors in Willmot have a great spirit and they are always keen to come together to celebrate, share news and acknowledge those who are no longer with us. We ate, laughed and planned our next get together.”

The Hub is looking forward to continuing to welcome all community members back for more important bonding moments like this. You can find out more about the Willmot Community Hub and other work we do as part of the Western Sydney Program by visiting www.jss.org.au/westernsydney.

Making something out of nothing: from bottle tops to tools and wisdom

Most people see discarded bottle caps from milk and soft drink bottles as rubbish. Stuart Muir Wilson, Program Coordinator at our Ecological Justice Hub, sees them as a way to reimagine climate education and climate action in schools.

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."

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.

View from The Bush Hut

Jesuit Social Services staff explore how nature-based therapy can enhance their practice

On a rainy morning in a patch of Kew bushland, Jesuit Social Services staff gathered to learn about nature-based therapeutic practice and the ways it can enhance their work with participants, and improve their own wellbeing.