Congratulations to Peter Gill, Board member at Villa Maria Catholic Homes, on his award of Member of the Order of Australia.

Congratulations to our Life Member Vicki Clark, Muthi Muthi Elder, on receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

The Feast of St Josephine Bakhita on 8 February 2018 has been designated by Pope Francis as a day of prayer, reflection and action to end the injustice of human trafficking in the world.

Australian catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans (ACRATH) supports this call and invites us all to mark this day, particularly at weekend Masses on February 3 and 4 and on February 8 2018.

The national conference organised by MacKillop Family Services is aimed at those who are passionate about improving practice responses and child safety in organisations, and who are interested in learning from the findings of the Royal Commission.There is also an optional master class on best practice approaches to the supported release of records to care leavers.

In their submission to the 2018/19 Victorian State Budget, Jesuit Social Services outlines a continuum of justice that helps identify where we must focus our efforts to improve how we as a society respond to our most vulnerable.

After 40 years of working with men and boys who are in trouble and causing trouble, Jesuit Social Services officially launch The Men’s Project today. Launched out of recognition that many of the boys and men JSS works with perpetrate violence, and that many are struggling with complex issues including substance abuse and mental illness, the project aims to help boys and men to live respectful and fulfilling lives, and to have healthy relationships, free of violence.

Sean likes having a laugh, high adrenaline sports, keeping fit, playing wheelchair basketball and spending time with his adorable puppy, Ruby. The 28-year-old has cerebral palsy and has never let his disability or people’s attitudes get in the way of achieving his goals and having fun. One thing that was holding him back though was a lack of supports outside of his family. That changed when he got his first NDIS plan this year and he turned to not-for-profit disability service provider Villa Maria Catholic Homes (VMCH), which recently opened an office in Ballarat. VMCH’s new Central Highlands office helps people make the most of their NDIS plan.

Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Victoria unveiled paintings of the 14 Stations of the Cross in its chapel on Sunday 19 November, inviting deeper reflection on the Passion and death of Jesus Christ. Aboriginal artist John Dunn wove his own life story into those transcendent themes, and on Sunday he shared that weaving with the many people who were privileged to be present for the unveiling. The Stations of the Cross deepen the Ministry's commitment to providing a place of contemplation and reflection for those who visit its chapel and office.