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Sharing stories to influence change
When Rashid (not his real name), a participant of Jesuit Social Services’ settlement programs, was offered the opportunity to travel to Canberra to meet with a number of federal MPs late last year he took it with both hands. Representatives from Jesuit Social Services and the Refugee Council of Australia meeting Julian Hill MP in…
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Federal Government’s MYEFO seeks to create second class citizens
The Federal Government’s Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook seeks to create second class citizens who are excluded from full participation in society, writes Jesuit Social Services Media Relations Manager KATHRYN KERNOHAN. This week, the Federal Government handed down its Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO), an update on this year’s Federal Budget. The Federal Government…
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On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25), ANDY HAMILTON SJ writes that improving the attitudes, beliefs and behaviours of men towards women will improve outcomes for all members of society. Some people have asked why there is a special day dedicated to the elimination of violence against women. Is…
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ANDY HAMILTON SJ explores how justice can hold people to account while also offering hope and a pathway forward. In recent years in Australia justice has increasingly been seen through the lens of punishment. It is retributive. You do the crime, you do the time. In public controversies about justice critics usually complain that the…
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Why the AAIP means Rosi no longer sees boundaries and borders
The single largest barrier to employment for migrants and refugees in Australia is the lack of opportunity and quality work experience. The African-Australian Inclusion Program (AAIP) breaks down this barrier by providing six months of paid work, mentoring and career coaching to qualified African-Australians. Run in partnership between Jesuit Social Services and National Australia Bank (NAB), AAIP…
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Working together to create cohesive communities
Supporting people from newly arrived communities to become positive, contributing members of society – rather than stigmatizing and further isolating them – is the best way to create the safe and cohesive communities we all want to live in, writes Jesuit Social Services Media Relations Manager KATHRYN KERNOHAN. The links between disadvantage and Victoria’s youth…
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Reflections on Caux Dialogue on Land and Security
Earlier this year Jesuit Social Services’ Ecological Justice Policy Officer BRONWYN LAY joined experts in Switzerland to deepen her understanding of the links between land degradation and human security. She reflects on her experiences and Jesuit Social Services’ journey of reconciliation with creation. In July this year I helped organise the Caux Dialogue on Land…
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Anti-Poverty Week: small things matter in our quest to eradicate poverty
Anti-Poverty Week (October 15-21) is a chance to reflect on issues of poverty and hardship, both locally and globally. ANDY HAMILTON SJ writes that small things matter in our quest to eradicate poverty. We usually think of poverty as something that afflicts third world nations. But it is also present in Australia – shamefully so,…
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Advocacy and changemaking: reflections from the Women's Policy Forum
Jesuit Social Services’ Policy and Advocacy volunteer JEMIMA HOFFMAN recaps the presentation by Jesuit Social Services CEO Julie Edwards and GetUp!’s Shen Narayanasamy at the recent Women’s Policy Forum. How can advocates work together to achieve social change? What makes an advocacy campaign successful? These were the questions that Julie Edwards, CEO of Jesuit Social…
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World Mental Health Day - reflection by Andy Hamilton SJ
On World Mental Health Day (October 10), ANDY HAMILTON SJ writes that one of the most challenging features of mental illness is the lack of understanding and empathy we receive from others. Physical and mental health are great gifts. We realise this when we fall chronically ill or suffer prolonged depression. Our ailments affect all…