ACRATH (Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans) has launched its national fund-raising appeal in a bid to raise $400,000 to continue its work fighting human trafficking and modern slavery, especially forced labour and forced marriage in Australia and globally.  ACRATH now relies entirely on your donations after last year losing its $125,000 a year grant from the Federal Government.  

Having a place to call home means different things to different people.  When choosing a home, personal preference plays a big part in the design and development of housing and accommodation. Designing modern residential living for people of varying ability’s requires consensus on meeting the needs of very diverse individuals and the expectation, not only will their needs be met but they will have opportunity to participate in the community around them. 

All are invited to the 2019 Ozanam Conversation on the topic, 'Standing Up; Reclaiming Lay Leadership in the Catholic Sector' on Wednesday 24 July 2019, 6.30pm-8pm at the Catholic Leadership Centre, 576 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne. Renowned journalist and broadcaster Geraldine Doogue AO will join with Francis Sullivan, CEO of the Truth Justice and Healing Council in leading the conversation.

Wellsprings for Women aims to connect isolated women residing in the City of Casey and City of Greater Dandenong areas. With this in mind, women are invited to take part in its 2019 Women’s Rider program to have fun and to rediscover the joy of bike riding. It's free and takes place every Saturday, from 10am-12pm. BYO bike and helmet (though limited numbers are available to borrow).

Everyone deserves a safe place to call home. That’s why Vinnies is raising money to provide people experiencing homelessness with vital access to food and accommodation. On 20 June, leaders in business, community and government will sleep without shelter on one of the longest nights of the year to help change the lives of Australians experiencing homelessness as part of Vinnies CEO Sleepout. In 2018, a record $6.9 million was raised as part of the sleepout to help break the cycle of homelessness and poverty in Australia. Register here.

The Catholic Alliance for People Seeking Asylum has released a federal election statement that calls for all sides of politics to commit to “language and policies that reflect a compassionate and humane Australian society”.

A report released on 10 May by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) shows that the number of young people in detention in Victoria has increased by 36 per cent over the past five years, from an average of 148 people per day in 2013/14 to an average of 202 people per day in 2017/18. This is despite the number of young people committing offences in Victoria having dropped for the fifth consecutive year.