We're excited to release our 2019 Catholic Social Services Victoria Annual Report, which demonstrates the depth and breadth of the work and mission we undertake, together with our member organisations, the Bishops of Victoria, Catholic parish communities and agencies, our sector partners and government. Writing about the Annual Report in the recent June eNews, Executive Director Joshua Lourensz, writes: "When compiling all the work that went on throughout 2019, I was deeply impressed that so many people from across the member network and beyond came together to make all these events, advocacy and work happen — it is something to be celebrated.

The national Catholic social services conference, Serving Communities with Courage and Compassion, covered a range of topics that impact those working in the sector, and those we serve. There has been a range of articles that highlight different topics and speakers who presented at the conference.  

The bushfires we have seen over the past few weeks and months have been devastating. Catholic social service agencies are responding to both the short and longer term planning needs of communities across the country with many others. As a sector we also need to consider how we address the conditions that have given rise to such ferocious fires.

Catholic Social Services Victoria supports a joint statement made by McAuley Services for Women, Uniting Care Vic.Tas. and Anglicare Vic., in expressing concern at the proposed Religious Discrimination Bill. The statement says: A second draft of the Religious Discrimination Bill was released earlier this week, introducing changes that include a broader definition of which organisations can discriminate based on religion.

The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety’s Interim Report: Neglect demonstrates serious flaws in the provision of aged care in Australia. Catholic Social Services Victoria is concerned that the Commission’s final report needs to sufficiently take into account the particular needs of some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable elderly people receiving aged care services. Our submission focuses on the needs of elderly people who have experienced homelessness, long-term disadvantage and marginalisation and as a consequence, have specific care needs as they grow older. 

The November update from Catholic Social Services Victoria is now available online. It is full of latest news and upcoming events from us and our member organisations, including VMCH, John Pierce Centre, Office for Justice and Peace and Edmund Rice Camps Victoria. Some of the highlights include an article that calls for intentional and strategic engagement with young professionals and emerging leaders working in Catholic Social services, along with a powerful piece written by Josh Lourensz of Catholic Alliance for People Seeking Asylum about his conversations with refugees in PNG. Get all of the details in the November update!
 

Congratulations to all the organisations, programs and individuals that were recognised for their outstanding contributions to ending homelessness in the 2019 Victorian Homelessness Achievement Awards, presented at the Council to Homeless Persons Victorian Shaping the Future Conference from 14-15 October. Particular congratulations to our member organisations and representatives who received awards - McAuley Community Services for Women, Sacred Heart Mission and VincentCare.
 

Catholic Social Services Victoria held its annual 2019 Anti-Poverty Week Lunchtime Conversation on Tuesday 15 October at the Cardinal Knox Centre, East Melbourne. The Conversation this year was facilitated by Dr Nick Halfpenny, Director of Policy and Research at MacKillop Family Services. Following the Lunchtime Conversation, people stayed on for the Ecumenical Prayer Service conducted by CSSV in collaboration with the Social Questions Commission of the Victorian Council of Churches.

As Mental Health 2019 drew to a close, Catholic Social Services Victoria was pleased to support the parish community of St Pius X West Heidelberg in hosting an inter-faith prayer service in their church on Friday 11 October. Thirty-five people gathered to spend a prayerful hour in song, reflection and prayer to stand in solidarity and respect for the good mental health of all, but particularly to hold gently those among us who suffer from various forms of mental illness.