Discover what's happening around Jesuit Social Services. No images? Click here Hello, and welcome to another edition of Just News. This edition of Just News takes us from the refurbished Willmot Community Hub in Sydney's west, through our offices celebrating the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia, around Jesuit Social Services' response to the weekend's federal election result, and inside Gemba, which is our first port of call for the most current version of all our documents, including the form to complete if you or a close contact have caught COVID-19. Stay safe, and enjoy the edition. You might have seen a few recent emails from Trent McDonald, our ICT Manager, about some issues with remote desktop server access and speed. A reminder there that if you're in the office, you don't need to use the remote desktop to access the drives or your email – they should be automatically accessible once you're connected to the wifi or plugged into the network. Any troubles, call IT Connexion on 1300 892 200. Work continues on the development of our new website: we've been consulting with teams across the organisation to find out more about the specific needs of our programs and participants, and our digital agency August is working on developing the look and feel of the website. We need photography to tell our story, and now, we need your help – this is an open call-out for staff who would be willing to participate in a casual photoshoot at the Brosnan Centre in the coming weeks, to illustrate our new website. Email communications@jss.org.au to express your interest and learn more. And a reminder that Julie Edwards sent her May CEO Communication earlier this month, updating us on key activities under our strategic priorities. If you haven't already, you can read her full message here, or check Just News 135 for the summary. ![]() UPDATE — Federal Election result shows Australians want action to reduce inequalityJesuit Social Services congratulates the incoming Albanese Government on its Federal Election victory. In our media release over the weekend, we said the result is a recognition that Australians want to see action on key issues including climate change and reducing poverty and inequality. You'll remember we published a series of six blog posts ahead of the election, drawing out the key ideas in our Federal Election platform, A blueprint for a just recovery. If you missed them, you can find the six pieces here: ![]() STORY — Volunteer Angela leads Willmot garden transformationWhen Angela was asked what she thought of the community garden at the Willmot Community Hub, she replied true to her straight-talking nature: “It’s looking pretty shabby”. Back then, the lawn was dried out, with rough and bare patches. Angela, pictured above, envisioned a lush space where community could gather and kids could play – a place Willmot could take pride in. Now, thanks to her tireless efforts, that vision has come to life. Learn more about Angela's work at he Hub in this edition's featured story, which comes from our autumn fundraising appeal newsletter – a publication of stories about our advocacy and services sent to our committed supporters. ![]() NEWS — Jesuit Social Services celebrates IDAHOBIT DayWe were proud to celebrate the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) across our offices last Tuesday, celebrating the experiences and contributions of the LGBTIQA+ community. IDAHOBIT commemorates the World Health Organization’s 1990 decision to remove homosexuality from its disease classification, and raises awareness of the ongoing work needed to combat discrimination and ensure LGBTIQA+ people live fulfilling lives. Staff at our Central Office IDAHOBIT event said the date provided an important opportunity to reflect on how we can all work together to ensure our workplaces are safe and supportive for all members of our community. ![]() ![]() NEWS — Call-out for photography at Brosnan!We're replenishing and expanding our library of photos for our website redevelopment and other communications materials, and we need your help! We're looking for volunteers to participate in a casual photo shoot at the Brosnan Centre in Brunswick in the next couple of weeks (and will visit other locations soon, so keep an eye out for future photo requests). No experience necessary, and all are welcome. Your assistance will help us better illustrate who Jesuit Social Services is and what we do. Hit the button below to express your interest in the Brosnan Centre photo shoot or any others, or to ask any questions. A big thank you in advance for your help. ![]() Find the documents you need on GembaGemba is home to the most up-to-date versions of all of our documents, including policies and forms. When you need to use a document – for example, the COVID-19 close contact form – you’ll be able to find it in Gemba. Please don’t save copies of Gemba documents on your desktop to re-use – instead, always return to Gemba to re-download the most current version of a document. Most documents are reviewed on a three-year cycle, but all can be updated at any time, so finding a form on Gemba will ensure you’re always using the most recent version. Preceda instructionsGemba is also home to helpful instructions for how to use our payroll and HR platform, Preceda. These instructions cover a variety of topics, including logging into Gemba for the first time, navigating Preceda, and how to make changes to your leave application. Find Preceda instructions in Gemba when you're logged in by clicking these links: Risk assessment templateDid you know we have a risk assessment template on Gemba? Kerry Durrand (kerry.durrand@jss.org.au) is an expert on risk and can help conduct risk assessments with you. FlexicardsIf you are a Flexicard user, please ensure you have your Flexicard purchases approved every month. This is particularly important with the end of the financial year soon approaching. ![]() ![]() Hello again to our regular Ecological Justice update, which appears in every second edition of Just News. Today, we're sharing the social and ecological justice recommendations we're making to the incoming Federal Government following Saturday's election result. Climate resilience must be a Federal Government priorityIn the years since the 2019 Federal Election, Australians have endured heatwaves and record-breaking temperatures, devastating bushfires and floods, and hazardous smoke which made masks a sought-after item even before the pandemic hit. These extreme weather events compound public health stress, infrastructure stress and service disruptions caused by COVID-19. Recovering from the impact of these shocks and preparing for future disruptions requires a discerning and long-term vision for Australia: a just recovery that builds communities of resilience. In our Federal Election Platform, we called on the incoming Federal Government to:
Learn more about these recommendations in our social and ecological justice blog. Questions?If you have questions about any our ecological justice work, please contact Ecological Justice Project Officer, Jack Piper, on 0429 268 904 or at jack.piper@jss.org.au. ![]() In the final days before the weekend's Federal Election, our Executive Director of Programs, Sally Parnell, wrote in Eureka Street we must move past the gotchas and gaffes of the campaign and instead ask our next government to implement the lessons of the pandemic to ensure no one is left behind. Our successful Victoria Police Diversity Recruitment Program pilot has been funded for a further two years! Mirage News reported the program has supported 88 participants to complete the 15-week Policing Recruitment Pathways course at Victoria University, with 51 successfully passing the difficult Victoria Police Entrance Exam. And last week our CEO Julie Edwards hosted a rich and stimulating discussion with Fred Kammer SJ, an American Jesuit priest with a passion for social justice, in one of Fred's final engagements on a three-month visit to Australia. Our staff were fortunate to hear his insights on Catholic Social Teaching and advocacy for a more just society. ![]() "Our political leaders’ responses to the pandemic showed that while issues relating to inequality and disadvantage are complex, they are not beyond resolution… These responses were an acknowledgement that Australia’s existing social infrastructure was inadequate. While the measures demonstrated that a more just and humane society is possible, many were temporary and only provided short-term relief. That’s why it’s important we do not forget the learnings of the past two years, and ensure they can inform a more just and compassionate Australia."— Sally Parnell, Why we need to talk about disadvantage this election, Eureka Street ![]() ![]() If you've got an update or story to tell, or want to share your feedback, we're happy to hear from you. Use the buttons below to share your thoughts. |