Federal MP Peter Khalil visits Ecological Justice Hub - Jesuit Social Services

Jesuit Social Services was thrilled to welcome Peter Khalil, the federal member for the Melbourne electorate of Wills, to our Ecological Justice Hub in Brunswick this week.

Mr Khalil visited to congratulate the Hub for being nominated as a finalist in the Premier’s Sustainability Award, as an industry leader in the category of social and economic justice, and to learn more about the Hub’s programs and plans.

The Premier’s Sustainability Award recognises organisations and initiatives that are leading the way in Victoria’s transformation to a circular economy and transition to net zero emissions. This year’s winners will be announced in 23 November.

Our Ecological Justice Hub addresses social disadvantage through ecological means, including by growing and delivering nutritious, local produce to community members in need. Sustainability Victoria, which supports the Sustainability Award, praised its quick response to the sudden need for local food relief.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the Hub pivoted to rapidly scale up its existing meal drop program. Through the Working for Victoria program, the Hub employed 15 full-time workers who had lost their jobs due to the pandemic, to expand our meal drop program that provides healthy meals and grocery packs for local families in need. This work provided nutritious and essential food for the community, and addresses issues of isolation and disconnect within the local area.

Mr Khalil said food relief programs like the Hub’s are more important now than ever, as volunteers continue to ensure the most disadvantaged and isolated members of our communities are nourished, supported, and connected. The Ecological Justice Hub’s food relief program will continue into 2022.

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.