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.

Archie Roach and Senator Pat Dodson inspire at Jesuit Social Services' Annual Dinner
- 30 March 2017
On Saturday night (March 25) we welcomed more than 530 guests to celebrate 40 years of Jesuit Social Services at our Annual Dinner held at Melbourne’s Sofitel. The event was attended by past and present Jesuit Social Services CEOs, board members and staff members as well as donors, supporters and key stakeholders. Guests were treated…
Meet Betty, who sends salaries to our family of over 250 staff
- 23 March 2017
As Jesuit Social Services turns 40, payroll officer BETTY MUNCKTON celebrates 20 years with the organisation. SEZ WILKS discovers how she balances family with balancing numbers. “A lot of people struggle to find their niche in the world. But I never did. I always wanted to do what I’m doing: to work in an office.…
National Justice Symposium
- 22 March 2017
On 21 March 2017, Jesuit Social Services hosted a National Justice Symposium at the State Library of Victoria. The event was an opportunity for experts, academics and policymakers to gather to discuss the many and complex issues affecting youth justice around the country. Our keynote speaker was Vincent Schiraldi, Senior Research Fellow from the Harvard…
Reconnecting with parenthood after prison
- 21 March 2017
Through Jesuit Social Services’ ReConnect program, Peter found the courage to ask for help leaving prison. He spoke to SEZ WILKS about the rewards of being a dad after five years inside. As a kid, Peter* envied children who had curfews. After school he and his mates would play freely, but as dinner or sunset approached…
Singing justice: why music and youth diversion make a great mix
- 16 March 2017
Young people in our Youth Justice Group Conferencing program can record their apology to victims as a song. SEZ WILKS chats to studio producer JESSE SULLIVAN about expressing remorse and avoiding ‘tough guy’ lyrics. Jesse Sullivan from Artful Dodgers Studios If sorry is one of the hardest words to say, can singing make it simpler?…
Group Conferencing gets smart on crime
- 16 March 2017
Group Conferencing is proven to reduce reoffending by young people. KATHRYN KERNOHAN spoke to conference convenor Christy Hughes about how it benefits both offenders and victims of crime. Group Conferencing participant Taree was grateful for the opportunity of a second chance. Before she had contact with the youth justice system, Taree (not her real…
New photo exhibition captures Brimbank’s diversity
- 23 February 2017
The Diversity Through The Lens photography project promotes cross-cultural exchange in Melbourne’s west. SEZ WILKS stopped by a workshop to preview new work by Brimbank’s community photographers. Tadros and Boman, Diversity Through The Lens participants What do diversity and harmony look like? The question is front of mind for 12 Brimbank residents who are using…
Meet Jorge, community development manager at our Alice Springs office
- 23 February 2017
Since 2008, staff like JORGE BASAVE in our Northern Territory Program have worked alongside Aboriginal communities to build their capacity for self-determination. JORGE tells SEZ WILKS about the realities of working in remote Australia – and how much he loves driving in the desert. Image credit: Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific “I’m inspired by people who choose…
Vale Professor Tony Vinson (1935–2017)
- 20 February 2017
Jesuit Social Services is mourning the passing of Professor Tony Vinson. Professor Vinson was a dear friend of Jesuit Social Services and we are grateful for his generous contribution to our work over so many years. Professor Vinson was an Emeritus Professor at the University of New South Wales and an Honorary Professor in the…
Thanksgiving celebration for 40 years of Jesuit Social Services
- 9 February 2017
Jesuit Social Services kicked off its 40 year celebrations last week with an anniversary Mass at St Ignatius Church, Richmond. Around 100 people attended the Mass, including former Jesuit Provincials, Patrick O’Sullivan SJ who authorised the founding of Jesuit Social Services, Bill Uren SJ and Steve Curtin SJ, former Jesuit Social Services CEO Bernie Geary,…

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