Just News
Step into this fortnight's edition of Just News, the internal newsletter for the vibrant community of Jesuit Social Services, highlighting current happenings and inspiring stories.
Welcome back to the new-look Just News.
In today's edition: how we supported three of Victoria Police's freshly graduated constables into their new roles with the force, our child abuse prevention service Stop It Now! marks its first anniversary, wrapping up World Suicide Prevention Day events from 10 September, and a few important messages from Julie Edwards.
Here on Wurundjeri country, where Just News is scribed, we're into poorneet (tadpole) season – enjoying warmer, drier days, flowers blooming and the currawong calls. Don't forget your SPF, and enjoy the edition.
Reading
Julie Edwards is profiled in this thoughtful Melbourne Catholic piece, which spans her teenaged gap year in India, through intentional communal living in the 70s, to her work ensuring Jesuit Social Services is a place for the 'genuine expression of our deep values and beliefs'.
Acknowledging World Suicide Prevention Day
Our Support After Suicide and Standby programs were active in community events to acknowledge World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September. See the photos and read how we remembered loved ones and honoured their families.
Supporting a more diverse Victoria Police
Three constables in Victoria Police's most diverse graduating squad yet were supported to the Academy by our Victoria Police Diversity Program – which was there to celebrate their recent Academy graduation. See how it happened.
Important messages from the CEO
A few important emails from Julie Edwards have arrived this week: CEO Communication, a message about our Voice to Parliament position, and an update about our executive restructuring. See all messages collected below.
Business Support Services
Important updates from our operations teams.
Sharepoint help session
How are you going with the transition to Sharepoint and Teams? On 21 September we'll have an online lunchtime session for those of us seeking tips and help. Find the Teams link in Trent McDonald's email from 14 September.
And a reminder that we have a dedicated chat channel on Teams for questions and help with these platforms, which you can find here.
Draft Collective Agreement update
Business Support Services has run a couple of information sessions about our new Collective Agreement, covering changes between our old agreement and the new draft and the process for bargaining to reach agreement.
If you missed this week's, find a powerpoint summarising changes and a recording of the session in the email that came from JSSEBA@jss.org.au on 12 September. That's the email to contact if you have any questions, or you can also contact Human Resources.
Employee assistance program name change
You'll know we have an employee assistance program available for when we our our immediate family members need short-term assistance with our wellbeing.
Our provider, Benestar, has let us know it's re-branding, and will be known as TELUS Health from November this year. The service is still available to be used as normal and with the same contact details:
- Phone: 1300 360 364
- Website: www.benestar.com
Human Resources will let us know if there are any changes we need to be aware of, and they're your port of call with any questions.
Photo | Melbourne Walk for Yes rally, 17 September 2023
Media, news, and events
Jesuit Social Services in the news and events to add to your diary.
News
Stop it Now! is working to keep children safe
One year into delivering Stop it Now! Australia, preliminary evaluation analysis by the University of Melbourne demonstrates the service is having its intended effect, we shared in our recent media release.
Kicking own goals in Queensland: Andy Hamilton SJ
Andy Hamilton SJ takes aim at the 'wisteria root' of prejudice and haste that caused Queensland to suspend its human rights act to detain children, unpacking the complex factors contributing to the state's problems.
Reading
Our General Manager of Policy, David Murray, was interviewed for an Age article about how youth crime reporting doesn't show the full story of what is happening in the lives of the young people we accompany.
Events
Walk for Yes
This weekend, the Yes campaign for the Voice to Parliament held Walk for Yes events in most capital cities and many towns and regional areas. Jesuit Social Services staff joined thousands to "walk together for a better future".
Commons, Commonality, Common Good conference
Julie Edwards will speak at the 2024 Catholic Social Services national conference, which has two-for-one tickets for people under 30, and is keen to hear from people who want to present work.
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