As we face the devastating impact of COVID-19 in Australia and its compounding effects on the most vulnerable within our communities, Catholic social services are called more than ever to be bearers of hope, to serve with courage and compassion, and to draw strength from our collective and collaborative approach to advocating for a more just and equitable society. More than ever we are called to being living signs of the Gospel, wherever we are, in the services and care we provide. A new book, Serving Communities with Courage and Compassion will be an invaluable tool to assist us in this mission.

We are in the midst of national Anti-Poverty Week, held in Australia from October 11-17. On October 17 we mark the United Nations Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Why do we mark this week and day? Anti-Poverty Week supports the Australian community to have an increased understanding of poverty and to take action collectively to end it. Poverty exists. Poverty hurts us all. But we can all do something about it — so this is a message of hope, not despair!

More than 300 organisations, including Catholic Social Services Victoria and a number of our member organisations, have signed an open letter calling for a social housing construction boom, similar to that of the post-war era. The initiative has been led by the Everybody’s Home campaign, which is pushing for the Federal government to build 30,000 new homes in Australia in the next four years, not only to deliver families much needed secure housing but to also in a bid to create some 18,000 jobs.

​On 20th September 2020 the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne celebrated Social Services Sunday where we recognised in a particular way the work of parish communities and the staff of Catholic social services agencies, who work so hard to care for those in need of practical expressions of God’s love and healing. "We are very limited as individuals in what rewards we can deliver for those who are suffering deeply. But as a community in the Church - the Body of Christ - we can do infinitely more," stated Fr Joe Caddy, Episcopal Vicar of Social Services, in his homily for this special Sunday.