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.

Murray to Moyne training with Phil Andersen
- 28 March 2018
The Jesuit Social Services Murray to Moyne Support After Suicide Team 1491 recently were fortunate to have a training session with Australian cycling legend Phil Andersen. We were very appreciative of Phil’s tips for riding into the wind. Cycling fans out there will know that Phil was the first non-European and the first Australian to…
Serious Fun celebrates a decade of support
- 7 March 2018
Staff, volunteers and current and former participants of Serious Fun with CEO Julie Edwards at the program’s 10th birthday celebration Ten years ago, Jesuit Social Services’ Support After Suicide program established Serious Fun to support children impacted by the suicide of a loved one. “Serious Fun allows children to meet and be with other children…
Jesuit Social Services riding the Murray to Moyne
- 20 February 2018
On April 7 and 8 2018, staff and friends of Jesuit Social Services will take part in the Murray to Moyne, a cycling fundraising event for experienced cyclists that has been running for over 30 years. The ride will raise funds for our Support After Suicide program, which provides services for children, young people and…
The beat goes on
- 31 January 2018
Activities at the Artful Dodgers Studios in Collingwood have kicked off with a bang this year. Students at the beat making workshop held at Artful Dodgers Studios During the school holidays, a keen group of Xavier students attended a beat making workshop at the studio held by resident producer and musician Jesse Sullivan. An accomplished…
Airbiz gives The Bush Hut a new look
- 12 January 2018
Aviation consultancy firm Airbiz gave Jesuit Social Services’ Bush Hut an early Christmas present last month, with 35 staff members volunteering their time to clean, repair, design and construct new facilities for the site. AirBiz staff working at The Bush Hut. The Bush Hut, located in Kew, is a heritage-listed house surrounded by native bushland. It…
Artful Dodgers Studios celebrates 20 years
- 2 November 2017
Last night (November 2) we celebrated the 20th anniversary of our Artful Dodgers Studios at Melba Spiegeltent. The event was a great opportunity to acknowledge some of the past and present participants, staff members and volunteers that have contributed to the Studios over the years. Ella and Jesse Hooper of Killing Heidi perform at the…
Fundraiser has Artful Dodgers Studios rocking
- 29 October 2017
Twenty years ago Jesuit Social Services established the Artful Dodgers Studios as a way to use music, art and culture to engage with marginalised young people. One of the longest running Community Cultural Development programs in Victoria, the Artful Dodgers Studios provides a flexible and welcoming space where young people can collaborate with experienced artists…
On a pathway to an improved future
- 27 October 2017
People with an acquired brain injury make up over a third of people in the Victorian prison system. KATHRYN KERNOHAN speaks to Brigid Henley about how the Enabling Justice Project helps create opportunities for people with an acquired brain injury after their release. Navigating day to day life after leaving prison can be extremely challenging…
Just Voices Speakers Program goes international
- 23 October 2017
A group of visiting Bangladeshi public and private officials have learned more about the way Jesuit Social Services works with vulnerable young people. This week, coordinators of the Just Voices Speakers Program Danielle Sherry and Paulie Stewart teamed up with Indigenous artist Dave Arden to discuss the work of the Artful Dodgers Studios with at…
Bereavement support like a lifeline
- 20 October 2017
When Ian Maurer’s son, Tim, took his own life in 2006, Jesuit Social Services’ Support After Suicide program became “like a lifeline” for Ian. Support After Suicide participant Ian Maurer He participated in an eight-week early bereavement program but once it finished he felt there was “nothing to connect to”. Some time later, Ian was…