Catholic parishes play an important role in supporting and serving the most vulnerable within their local communities. Whether it be in the assistance of material, financial or relational support to newly arrived asylum seekers, or being aware and knowing what to do in the situations of family and domestic violence, or reaching out to an elderly or isolated neighbour, we all have a role to play in bringing to life the Gospel message.

Recently asylum seekers have been demonised as “fake refugees” taking advantage of Australia’s generosity. 7,500 people seeking asylum have until October to apply for temporary protection or face deportation. Sector experts Sr Brigid Arthur and Paris Aristotle AO will indicate ways for parishes to assist people in need and contribute to more humane policies. In November 2016, Paris was named as the 2017 Victorian Australian of the Year at a ceremony at Government House.

 

Freedom Stories provides a welcome respite from the hysteria surrounding asylum seekers, taking a considered and poignant approach to the lives and achievements of former ‘boat people’ who now call Australia home. Award-winning documentary maker Steve Thomas (Hope) explores the stories of people who arrived from the Middle East around 2001, some just children at the time. 

In addition to the 17,000+ volunteers that contribute to the work of our member organisations, Catholic Social Services Victoria, as a peak body, relies on volunteers for some of our advocacy and organisational work. We would be much less productive, and less effective, without volunteer input on our committees and working groups, in organising our forums for parishes and agencies, in drafting our various advocacy papers, etc.  We are in their debt.
We currently have a vacancy for a volunteer to assist with our parish support work.

Our request to Mr Peter Dutton, Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, is that detention centres safeguard the dignity, wellbeing and personal security of their residents. Click here for our letter; and here for an uninspiring response from Australia Border Force.  A subsequent referral to the Ombudsman has resulted in their deciding to investigate our concerns about human rights.

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