Our stories

Building a just society means elevating everyone by supporting all people to reach their full potential. Every success story is crucial because none of us can flourish, until we all do.

Remote communities: not a lifestyle choice
- 10 March 2015
Indigenous rights group SOS Blak Australia has declared today a day for action to stop the closure of remote communities. Visit the SOS Blak Australia Facebook page here Jesuit Social Services supports this call and rejects Prime Minister Tony Abbott's recent categorisation of life in remote communities as a "lifestyle choice". Such a comment ignores…
The importance of each human life
- 4 March 2015
Most Australians are shocked and saddened by the impending execution of Andrew Chan, Myuran Sukumuran and their companions in Indonesia. They are being prayed for in churches and schools, and church leaders have pleaded for mercy. We at Jesuit Social Services deplore capital punishment because it does not respect human dignity. We focus on the…
World Day of Social Justice
- 20 February 2015
February 20 is celebrated around the globe as World Day of Social Justice. We continue to passionately work for the fair and just treatment of everyone in our community. Following last week's release of the National Inquiry into Children in Immigration Detention we learnt even more about the abhorrent impact that detention has on children.…
End detention of children
- 19 February 2015
Jesuit Social Services together with over 230 organisations and community groups across Australia signed a joint statement calling for action to end the detention of children, once and for all. The statement urged the Australian Parliament to introduce legislation to prevent children from being held in closed immigration detention in the future and to take…
Interfaith Harmony Week (February 1 - 7)
- 31 January 2015
Of the United Nations Days and Weeks, Interfaith Harmony Week is one of the most recent and perhaps the most modestly celebrated. But it may also be the most needed. The week originated in a proposal of King Abdullah of Jordan, a Muslim. He recognised that the great religions were united by their call to…
Australia Day reflection
- 23 January 2015
On Australia Day we remember the arrival of the first fleet to Australia and the subsequent occupation of Australia by the settlers. It is an opportunity to celebrate the courage, energy, generosity and wisdom shown in the development of Australia. It is also an opportunity to remember the loss suffered by the first owners of…
Campaign for mercy for Bali pair
- 23 January 2015
Sign the petition Jesuit Social Services is supporting the petition for mercy in the cases of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran – the two Australians on death row and due to be executed soon in Bali.Jesuit Social Services is against the death penalty, anywhere and everywhere. We believe that the value of every human life…
Tell Me What Happened
- 14 January 2015
Support After Suicide has recently released its fourth publication, Tell Me What Happened. The book features professional tips and advice on talking with children and young people about suicide, as well as first-person stories by program participants. Below is an extract from the story of Mark, aged 16. "I didn't like the school aspect of…
Breakfast Hop
- 13 January 2015
We were proud to be the Community Partner for the inaugural Breakfast Hop event, held on Christmas Day at Federation Square. More than 1,000 people enjoyed a free breakfast, family-friendly activities and shared personal messages on the Tree of Hope. The event was organised by Hopskotch, a new Melbourne business founded to connect hospitality businesses…
Congratulations Aunty Pam Pedersen
- 1 January 1970
Jesuit Social Services congratulates staff member Aunty Pam Pedersen, alongside nine other Aboriginal leaders, on their recent induction into the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll. The Honour Roll celebrates the wide ranging achievements of Aboriginal people, past and present. Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Natalie Hutchins said the recognition was made to those deserving of respect, gratitude and…

Our stories

A safe path out of prison can change everything