It’s not too late to get involved with the international community’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. Commencing on 25 November and finishing on 10 December ( Human Rights Day), the campaign looks at the different forms of violence that women and girls face. The theme this year is, ‘From peace in the home to peace in the world: make education safe for all!’ Member organisation, ACRATH, has an array of resources to assist.

Following recent votes in the Senate and House of Representatives, Australia has a Modern Slavery Act, which will take effect on 1 January. This is great news for the many members of Parliament, government departments, NGOs and business that have collaborated and advocated for a number of years. Even more important is the hope that enacting this Bill will assist in eliminating slavery in supply chains and restore dignity to many who are currently enslaved. Congratulations to ACRATH and all who have had a part in bringing the bill to this stage.

Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Victoria invites you to join staff and friends for its Christmas Celebration Mass in the chapel, 434 St Georges Rd, Thornbury, on Sunday 9 December, at 11am. This will be followed by a shared meal. Also, if you're looking for gift ideas, don't forget ACMV's 2018-2019 Gift Catalogue, which contains a number of beautiful items that feature Aboriginal symbols, which are a powerful sign of reconciliation, forgiveness, love, hope and peace.

December 5 is International Volunteer Day, celebrating the important role volunteers play in supporting our communities. The theme for this year is 'Volunteers Build Resilient Communities". There is an array of ways to volunteer within our Catholic social services organisations. Read on for a couple of inspiring volunteer stories from our member organisations, Villa Maria Catholic Homes and CatholicCare Melbourne.

A number of our Catholic social services organisations are honouring International Day for People with Disability (IDPD) held on 3 December each year. The theme for IDPD 2018 is  ‘empowering persons with disabilities and insuring inclusiveness and equality’. MacKillop Family Services is celebrating the teamwork that ensures people with a disability get the support they need to be fully included in every aspect of social, educational, economic, political and cultural life.

On 3 December each year we celebrate International Day for People with Disability (IDPWD), a day created by the United Nations back in 1992. It is a great opportunity to share the stories of the people supported by our Catholic social services agencies and the great things they are doing in their lives. This year’s IDPWD themes are empowerment, equality and inclusion. One of our members, Villa Maria Catholic Homes proudly strives to work side-by-side with the people they support to help them achieve all these things.

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Since 1982 Sacred Heart Mission has been proactively supporting people in our community to find shelter, food and care. We recognise everybody is unique and provide tailored services every day of the year to people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage.

Member organisation, Villa Maria Catholic Homes (VMCH) has spent more than 12 months introducing the Montessori practice to improve the lives of people living at our 12 aged care communities across Victoria. Staff at its aged care residences are reporting great outcomes and were able to share these experiences with visitors from Singapore, recently.

It is with great pleasure that we invite you to attend the 2018 Rerum Novarum Oration, Widening the Door of Hope: A Response to the Victorian Assisted Dying Legislation on Tuesday 20 November 2018 at 7pm. The orators are Associate Professor Natasha Michael and Dr Stephen Parnis. Download flyer with full details, here.