Dropping off the Edge 2021 - Jesuit Social Services

We are pleased to announce that the next iteration of our Dropping off the Edge research into locational disadvantage across Australia will be published in 2021. This will be the fifth edition of this seminal research spanning more than 20 years.

Dropping off the Edge maps disadvantage in each state and territory and identifies that a small number of communities experience entrenched and persistent disadvantage that limits people’s outcomes and opportunities.

As well as indicators to demonstrate social wellbeing and disadvantage, the next report will include environmental indicators for the first time to measure green space, heat vulnerability and air quality. This will allow us to illustrate a more complete picture of disadvantage in line with our broader ecological justice work.

We have engaged the University of Canberra as our research partner for this major project and will continue to share updates with you next year ahead of the report’s launch.

Additionally, we have recently appointed Dr Susie Moloney (RMIT University) as Executive Director of our new Centre for Just Places which will be established in early 2021. This Centre will be the home of the Dropping off the Edge research, serve as a repository of models of good practice and accompany communities in their efforts to build resilience.

We are grateful to Gandel Philanthropy and the Victorian State Government for the initial funding to establish the centre.

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.