Jesuit Social Services' 2025 Annual Dinner

On Friday 28 February, Jesuit Social Services welcomed over 210 guests to our Annual Dinner at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. The event brought together representatives from Government, community services, health and education as well as members of the Jesuit community and donors to celebrate our collective efforts over the past year and to look ahead to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

The centrepiece of the evening was the delivery of the Frank Costigan QC Address by National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds. Commissioner Hollonds offered a powerful reminder of the need to place the rights and wellbeing of children at the centre of our systems and institutions. Her address resonated deeply with our longstanding commitment to working with children and families experiencing vulnerability. It also served as a timely call to action to address the structural drivers of inequality and harm, and to invest in early, sustained and compassionate responses that enable all children to thrive.

The evening also marked the official launch of the Justice Project, our new initiative that will bring together Jesuit Social Services’ work in programs, research and advocacy relating to the criminal justice system. Building on nearly 50 years of experience supporting children and adults who have contact with, or are at risk of contact with, the justice system, the Justice Project seeks to drive long-term, systemic change. It will harness the practice wisdom of our staff, the expertise of our policy and advocacy teams, and the insights of those directly affected by the justice system to inform innovative responses that promote community safety and wellbeing.

In too many cases, Australia continues to rely on punitive approaches that fail to prevent crime, disproportionately impact marginalised groups, and do little to support accountability, healing or rehabilitation. The Justice Project aims to challenge these ineffective and costly responses by advocating for evidence-based alternatives that address the root causes of offending, support people to turn their lives around, and strengthen the communities in which they live. Through this work, Jesuit Social Services will continue to influence public policy and practice, ensuring that Governments invest in what works and uphold the dignity and potential of every person.

We are grateful to all who attended this year’s Annual Dinner and to everyone who continues to stand with us in our work. Your presence and support remind us that meaningful change is only possible when we come together—with shared purpose, compassion and a commitment to justice for all.

You can learn more about the Justice Project here.