In this update, we share an update from Acting CEO Sally Parnell, that provides an overview of how Jesuit Social Services has adjusted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This includes the announcement by Victorian Minister for Justice, Ben Carroll, of funding for transitional accommodation and support to people exiting prison who would otherwise be homeless and at high risk to the virus. The six month pilot will use the former Maribyrnong Detention Centre to provide accommodation.

Our Ecological Justice Hub is hosting the next in its ‘Our Waste’ series of events on Thursday 18 June from 6pm-8pm. 

COVID-19 & Food Systems: impact, response and pathways to transformation looks at how in the midst of the unfolding COVID-19 crisis, small-scale farmers, communities, local government and social enterprises have risen to the challenge by offering new ways to transform the production and distribution of food. 

This online forum will gather some of our community’s quiet heroes, thinkers and doers on the forefront in adapting and responding to the crisis, to offer insights as to how we might reimagine and build together a more equitable and sustainable food system.

Sorry Day reflection

National Sorry Day took place on Tuesday 26 May. ANDY HAMILTON SJ reflects that while the National Apology to the Stolen Generations inspired hope for a better future, the demand of Indigenous Australians for an effective say in Government policies to do with them sadly remains unmet.

Youth Justice Strategy an important step towards a system that works for all

The Victorian Government’s Youth Justice Strategic Plan 2020-2030, is an important step towards a strong, effective and humane youth justice system that gives vulnerable children and young people the best opportunity to get their lives back on track. 

Our diversity is a gift

For the World Day of Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, ANDY HAMILTON SJ writes that the national unity displayed in our collective response to the COVID–19 pandemic points to the strength of a community that rises above imagined social divisions and fosters inclusion.

Laudato Si: Listening to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor

Last week marked the fifth anniversary of Laudato Si - Pope Francis’ encyclical on care for our common home. ANDY HAMILTON SJ reflects on how the COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the need to care for each other and our common home.

Our Ignite Food Store in Western Sydney has recently helped to deliver food hampers to families in the Mount Druitt. Hampers will support families from the Holy Family Primary Emerton, as well as other local community groups. Read more at Catholic Outlook.

Reflecting on the five-year anniversary of Pope Francis’ environmental encyclical Laudato Si, Catholic Social Services Victoria’s Joshua Lourensz writes about our history with ecological justice and why the anniversary is a great time to visit, or revisit, Pope Francis’ work. Read more at Eureka Street.

A new online resource designed to help people with cognitive impairment and intellectual disabilities, launched by RMIT’s Centre for Innovative Justice, buildings on the findings and recommendations of the Enabling Justice Project, which we ran in partnership with CIJ. Read more.

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