Vision and Mission

Catholic Social Services Australia Board Meeting

Our Purpose

Social services are essential to the Mission of the Catholic Church and are central to the life and teachings of Jesus, as articulated in the Gospels.
Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) advocates publicly for the Church’s social service ministry. It is the peak body for Catholic social service providers.

Our Vision

Catholic Social Services Australia envisages a just, inclusive, and compassionate Australia where every person’s life is valued and dignity is respected.

Our Mission

CSSA is the peak body for Catholic social service providers. Our mission is to empower and support Catholic social service providers in delivering compassionate, just, and effective services that uphold the dignity and wellbeing of vulnerable Australians through advocacy, collaboration, and capacity building grounded in Catholic Social Teaching.

Our Gospel Theme

“Whatever you did for one of the least of these”

– Matthew 25:40

Our Values

As an organisation, we work to 3 fundamental values:
Speaker Highlight Ged Kearney MP (10)
Connection
We build strong partnerships within the Church, with governments and with the broader community to amplify our impact.
Speaker Highlight Ged Kearney MP (7)
Innovation
We embrace new ideas and approaches to meet emerging challenges and opportunities, and are thought leaders on key issues where we can speak with authority through the experience and wisdom of Catholic Social Teaching.
Speaker Highlight Ged Kearney MP (6)
Celebration
We celebrate our members and the Good News lived through our work and impact, including in the face of adversity. We acknowledge, elevate, and share the work of our members.

Our Impact Priorities 2026-31

Commitment to Closing the Gap Outcome and Targets

CSSA is committed to supporting and advocating for improved outcomes and self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, reflecting the vital work of our members in First Nations communities.

Our impact will be measured through increased engagement in policy, advocacy and service delivery activities that support First Nations voices and aspirations toward self-determination.

Housing and Homelessness:

CSSA advocates for accessible, affordable and safe housing, alongside compassionate and effective responses to homelessness for the most vulnerable and at-risk people in our communities, including those living with mental ill-health.

Our impact will be measured through increased engagement with governments to advocate for adequate, accessible, affordable and safe housing options and reduced rates of homelessness among vulnerable populations.

Family Support including for Family and Domestic Violence

CSSA advocates for stronger family wellbeing through frameworks, plans, funding and services that support vulnerable families, prevent family breakdown and address family and domestic violence.

Our focus is on strengthening advocacy for family support and specialist family and domestic violence services as a national priority, particularly where there is greatest need.

Disability and Dignity

CSSA advocates for the rights, inclusion and dignity of people with disability, including mental ill-health, supporting their full participation in community life and access to quality support services.

Our focus is on embedding disability rights, inclusiveness and justice as an intersectional priority across all areas of CSSA’s social policy, advocacy and support services.

Our Strategic Placemat

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