This week, our CEO Julie Edwards sent all staff her latest CEO Communication. The CEO communication to all staff follows the Board meetings, which are held every six weeks. In this edition, Julie reflects on 'change' and how we sometimes welcome it and other times resist it. This communication also includes new board member introductions and updates on our strategic directions. Access the full document here.

Our 5th National Justice Symposium: 'Youth at the Centre'

Jesuit Social Services and the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) are pleased to announce the 5th National Justice Symposium. The biennial event will be held this year in Mparntwe/Alice Springs on 17 May 2021.

Thirty years on from the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody and approaching four years since the Royal Commission into the protection and detention of children in the Northern Territory, First Nations children and young people remain overrepresented at all points in the Australian justice system.

Centring the voices and stories of young people and their communities, this year’s Symposium will explore the ingredients for change from the grassroots to the system level.

While Symposium participants will get the most out of the event by attending in person, sessions will be live-streamed or recorded for those unable to travel.

Invitations for the event will be sent soon. Click the button below to register your interest and receive event details as they develop!

New social and affordable housing project

Jesuit Social Services is pleased to be partnering with Unison housing on a new social and affordable housing project, funded by the Victorian Government, in Werribee. This project will make a tangible difference to the lives of vulnerable people, in turn supporting the cohesive communities we all want to be part of. 

Tackling 'our waste' together

Jesuit Social Services, in partnership with Moreland City Council, is producing a second series of events that explore the topic of waste and the Moreland community grassroots solutions that are tackling it.

Join us on Wednesday 5 May for a conversation facilitated by Susie Moloney, Executive Director of Jesuit Social Services’ new Centre for Just Places between local Moreland community leaders in climate action. Panellists include Taryn D’Costa of Neighbours United for Climate Action, Sophie Dahm of Awareaway (formerly Colourful Collective) and Gregory Lorenzutti, urban farmer and performer. 

Spread the word within your networks too!

When: Wednesday, 5 May 2021

Time: 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm AET

Location: Zoom link sent on the morning of the event.

Cost: Free!

Black music matters

With the slow rollback of COVID restrictions live crowds are out and about once again enjoying Victoria’s legendary live music scene.

Amongst the performers who have turned out recently for their first live shows in over a year were three young indigenous performers mentored by the Artful Dodgers Studios.

Aaron B, Elijah Augustine and Olivia Meg all took part in the 2021 Yaluk-ut Weelam Ngargee Festival, which was recently held across the City of Port Phillip.

With thanks to a recent Westpac grant, Jesuit Social Services’ The Men’s Project will develop and trial a Stop it Now! service in Australia. Stop it Now! is an anonymous phone line for people worried about their sexual thoughts in relation to children – and ultimately works to prevent child abuse. CEO Julie Edwards spoke to SBS about how the service will work and why it is needed. Read more. 

Jesuit Social Services has joined other Catholic leaders across the country to call on all states and territory Governments to raise the age of criminal responsibility from the current 10 years to 14.  Read more at Catholic Weekly here. 

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