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A message from Travers McLeod, Executive Director
BSL Executive Director
Travers McLeod
Welcome to the March issue of Building Better Lives Together, our first edition for this year.
2024 is off to a big start – beginning with the Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL) hosting an insightful and moving panel discussion at Parliament House in Canberra, which focused on how the federal government can make a serious effort to end poverty in Australia.
Our Social Policy and Research Centre (SPARC) team released a new report, Making ends meet: fostering security and dignity in tough times, which examines the direct impacts of the cost-of-living crisis coupled with the lingering effects of the pandemic.
If you haven’t seen it already, I recommend readers learn more about the incredible stories of success and resilience of the profiled Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with disability in the Unfinished Business exhibition. It’s on display at Melbourne Museum’s Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre until 21 April and supported by BSL.
Thank you to all our supporters who contributed to BSL’s 2023 Christmas Appeal and for your interest in Building Better Lives Together. I'm looking forward to sharing our stories of impact in working towards an Australia free of poverty over the coming year.
Warm regards,
Travers McLeod
Executive Director
Brotherhood of St. Laurence
ENDING POVERTY - WHAT WILL IT TAKE?
Panel discussion at Parliament House
Parliamentary Friends of Ending Poverty and BSL panel members and attendees, from L to R: Louise Miller-Frost MP, Alicia Payne MP, Bridget Archer MP, Nytarra Buckley, Dr Angela Jackson, Dr Dina Bowman, Travers McLeod.
It was an exciting start to the year with BSL partnering with Parliamentary Friends of Ending Poverty co-chairs Bridget Archer MP and Alicia Payne MP to host an insightful and moving panel discussion in February at Parliament House in Canberra, focusing on how the federal government can make a serious effort to end poverty in Australia.
RESEARCH ON THE REAL LIFE IMPACT OF FINANCIAL STRESS
Making ends meet report cover
In February, our SPARC team released their latest research report, Making ends meet: fostering security and dignity in tough times, which examines how the cost-of-living crisis, coupled with the lingering effects of the pandemic, has impacted lower-income households and their economic security.
Over 40 low to middle-income people across Victoria were interviewed as part of the research, with participants then completing detailed financial diaries over a ten-week period.
KEEPING LOW-INCOME VICTORIAN HOUSEHOLDS COOL DURING HEATWAVES
Geraldine and Michael who were supported through the Climate Safe Homes program.
BSL’s Climate Safe Homes pilot program provides low-income Victorian households who are living with chronic health conditions with the opportunity to receive subsidised home energy efficiency upgrades. These upgrades will enable those who are vulnerable to heat and cold to keep their homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This is particularly important as heatwaves increase in frequency and intensity due to climate change. Funded by The Lord Mayor’s Charitable Fund, Hansen Little Foundation and Schneider Electric Pacific Foundation, the program has assisted over fifteen households to date and will be expanding to support more people in 2024.
SHINING A LIGHT ON GENDERED POVERTY THIS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
BSL Talks Webinar: Counting women in
BSL Talks: Counting women in
We know women, particularly single parents and older women, are a significantly over-represented group facing poverty in Australia. In the lead-up to International Women’s Day, we held a special BSL Talks: Counting women in: breaking poverty cycles through economic security. It canvassed a wide range of reasons why women find themselves trapped in poverty and was full of practical examples of how we could change this with short- and long-term solutions. Read more >
Julie from the SEED Project at their head quarters in Seymour, VIC
The SEED Project
A very practical way BSL is investing in women and addressing gendered poverty is through our SEED Project. The SEED Project (Sustaining Economic Empowerment and Dignity for Women) is an applied research project that aims to provide an opportunity to increase the financial capability and wellbeing of women in Seymour, Victoria.
Faye and Julie are two participants from the project who have shared their experiences with us. Read more >
A MOTHER AND DAUGHTER TEAM MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE
Left to right, Berice and Margaret
BSL’s Mount Waverley op shop is one of 25 community stores in BSL’s Social Enterprises network. The store opened in April 1969 and has been supported by countless dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers for almost 55 years, including mother and daughter team Berice and Margaret.
THE IMPACT OF YOUR SUPPORT FOR OUR CHRISTMAS APPEAL
Thank you to all our supporters who contributed to our 2023 Christmas Appeal. On behalf of the Brotherhood of St. Laurence, please accept our heartfelt gratitude for your kindness.
Sadly, the increased cost of living continues to push more families into financial hardship, which means our work to help those experiencing disadvantage is needed more than ever. For many young children, Christmas is a time of great excitement followed by apprehension in January as they prepare for their first year at school. We know if kids get left behind in their learning and development at this vital time, they are likely to stay behind for the rest of their lives.
Your contribution helps to provide children and families with the tools and support they need to succeed at school and live the lives they aspire to through the provision of quality, inclusive educational services and learning environments that will help them achieve their potential.
From all of us at BSL, thank you again. Your gift is creating lasting change and helping to alleviate intergenerational poverty.
If you are passionate about children’s education and want to see the next generation thrive, please consider making a regular donation to BSL today.
Get in touch with us
Website: www.bsl.org.au
Telephone: (03) 9483 1301
Email: info@bsl.org.au
Acknowledgement of Country
The Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL) acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land and waterways on which our organisation operates. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past and present.
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information. If you no longer wish to receive communications from BSL, please call us on (03) 9483 1301 or email info@bsl.org.au.
© 2024 Brotherhood of St. Laurence (ARBN 100 042 822, ABN 24 603 467 024)