Dear Friends,

The spirit of collaboration and community has been particularly vibrant across our network these past weeks. I have been struck by how, despite increasing pressures, our Catholic social services continue to innovate and adapt to meet the evolving needs of those we serve.

I am thrilled to highlight the inspiring work featured in our second “Celebrating Our Members” showcase. CatholicCare Wollongong, in partnership with Catholic Education and parishes has developed a remarkable initiative creating spaces for cross-generational encounter – bringing together the wisdom of our elders with the energy of our youth in meaningful ways that enrich both. Their approach exemplifies how intentional community-building can address isolation and foster connection in our increasingly fragmented society.

A significant milestone I am eager to share is the inaugural meeting of the Triannual Dialogue between CSSA, Catholic Health Australia, and the National Catholic Education Commission. This historic collaboration, initiated by CSSA, brings together the three peak bodies of our Church in Australia, opening new pathways for harmonising our work, providing mutual support, and facilitating crucial information sharing. I am tremendously optimistic about the potential of this partnership to amplify our collective impact and strengthen our Catholic voice in the public square.

In another exciting development, CSSA has received an invitation to participate in the drafting of the first of next year’s Bishops Social Justice Statement, which will focus on the Cost of Living and the common good. This opportunity resonates deeply with the frontline work our members undertake daily, and we are honoured to assist the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council with this important document. As you know, this year’s statement on Homelessness and Mental Health continues to inform our upcoming advocacy event and broader strategic priorities.

This confluence of collaborative opportunities has prompted me to reflect on what truly distinguishes our contribution to the social services landscape. Our faith provides not merely motivation, but the manner, the sustenance, and the enduring drive to persevere in our work amidst overwhelming need.

Catholic Social Teaching gives us something remarkable – the courage to be consistent.

We recognise the divine in every person we encounter, which compels us to treat each individual with dignity regardless of their circumstances. When organisations like Jesuit Social Services reach out to prisoners, they embody this principle beautifully. Where others might see the undeserving, we see equal worth and value, deserving of our compassion and support.

This perspective is our gift to the sector and to every person we serve. We each receive undeserved and infinite love and are called – despite our imperfections – to share that love with everyone we meet. In these challenging times, this understanding remains our anchor and our guide.

I am delighted to share that next week I will be attending the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) 2025 conference. This gathering presents a valuable opportunity to deepen CSSA's commitment to reconciliation and to learn from the rich wisdom and experiences of First Nations peoples across our country. I look forward to bringing back insights that will strengthen our culturally responsive approach to service delivery and community engagement.

The team and I are looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible at our Advocacy Summit in Canberra in October. As you will see below, the event is really shaping up to be quite something.

Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) invites you to save the date for our 2025 Parliamentary Advocacy Summit, themed “Advancing the Common Good.”

The Summit provides a timely platform to amplify the 2025–2026 Social Justice Statement, Signs of Hope on the Edge: Serving People Living in Homelessness and Mental Ill-Health. With homelessness and mental ill-health at crisis levels in Australia, this event will engage parliamentarians and sector leaders in critical conversations about building fairer, more compassionate communities.

A highlight will be the Journeys of Belonging exhibition, developed by Centacare Geraldton, which captures lived experiences of homelessness, displacement, and resilience—challenging perceptions and fostering deeper understanding.

The Summit will bring together agency heads and senior leaders from over 30 CSSA member organisations, representing more than 600 service sites nationwide. Collectively, this network delivers vital services including homelessness support, mental health care, emergency relief, aged care, disability services, and family support.

The event will also spotlight the CSSA commissioned research paper launched at the CSSA National Conference in March 2025, “Real Costs, Real Impacts: A Path to Social Services Sustainability”. Through the lens of seven CSSA participating organisations, the report reveals the widening gap between the cost of delivering desperately needed social services to disadvantaged Australians and the funding constraints preventing our organisations from doing so. Co-author of the report, Mr Ben Perks (Senior Policy and Communications Officer, UWA Public Policy Institute) will be available to discuss the report finding and recommendations, including practical calls to action for government to work with service providers to address the growing challenge of providing more support with fewer resources.

We are currently shortlisting our panels for the 'Real Costs, Real Impacts' and Social Justice Statement: 'Signs of Hope on the Edge' discussion. If you would like to be a part of it, please email Katie Walsh-Smith at [email protected]

👉 Hold the dates in your diary—registrations for the Summit will open very soon, and we look forward to meeting you there.

As the Church continues to embrace the call to synodality—walking together in listening, discernment, and action—initiatives like Cross+Gen in the Diocese of Wollongong provide a living example of what is possible when Catholic agencies unite in mission.

A collaborative effort between CatholicCare, Catholic Education, and local parishes, Cross+Gen brings together older parishioners and high school students in a mutually enriching exchange. Born as a small pilot in 2021 to address the injustice of digital and social exclusion, the program was shaped from the outset by a commitment to Catholic Social Teaching and a collaborative spirit across diocesan agencies. It has since grown from one school and three parishes to four schools and 15 parishes across the Illawarra, South-West Sydney, and Shoalhaven regions.

The program is designed to be simple and approachable. Seniors bring their own devices and real-life questions, while students, trained and supported, serve as mentors and companions. In this space, students develop empathy and leadership skills, while older adults regain confidence, independence, and social connection. Cross+Gen is a model of mutual enrichment, where every generation has something to give and something to gain.

Intergenerational initiatives like Cross+Gen are increasingly recognised for their mutual benefits and transformative social impact. In February 2025, the program received national recognition, winning the Award for Outstanding Intergenerational Innovation from the Australian Institute for Intergenerational Practice (AIIP).

Cross+Gen demonstrates that when Catholic agencies walk together in missionary creativity—across generations and sectors—they build bridges of belonging, dignity, and shared hope. CSSA celebrates programs like this as a powerful example of what can be achieved when Church agencies unite in mission to empower, and create meaningful impact across communities.

Special Message from CSSA’s Director of Strategic Relations: Katie Walsh-Smith

Dear Members, As the new Director of Strategic Relations at Catholic Social Services Australia, I am incredibly excited to directly support our members and deepen my understanding of the issues affecting you.

We would love to celebrate your projects, initiatives or events in this Member Spotlight segment for future newsletters. Please send through any content (preferably with photos) to [email protected].

We would also love to come out and visit our members in person to get to know you and learn more about your unique communities. If you would like us to visit, please reach out. If you have any particular events or conferences that we can promote or attend, we would appreciate a heads up!

1)Invitation to Members: Review of the National Risk Assessment Framework to improve FDV victim-survivor safety and perpetrator accountability information Paper

As a member of the Department of Social Services’ (DSS) Community Services Advisory Group (CSAG), CSSA and members have been invited to provide feedback on the development of the Department-led best practice model family and domestic violence (FDV) Risk Assessment Framework Information Paper.

The Framework, which delivers on a commitment made by National Cabinet in September 2024, is anticipated to be completed by April 2026. While the Framework will not replace states and territories’ existing approaches, once complete, all jurisdictions will work towards aligning their approaches to assessing and managing FDV risk across their services and systems with the national best-practice approaches.

Members funded by the Department for FDV support services may be engaged in this work already. If not, members are invited to share feedback on the Information Paper through CSSA by COB, Friday, 26 September 2025. Please email Carmel Sefian at [email protected] for a copy of the Information Paper or if you require further information. DSS has also offered to meet with services directly to further discuss this work which we can facilitate. Please note: DSS has requested the Information Paper not be circulated to others outside of the CSSA membership.

2) Reminder to Members: Contributions to CSSA’s submission on Senate Inquiry on the Quality and safety of Australia’s early childhood education and care system

A last reminder to members that CSSA will be leading a submission to the Senate Inquiry into the quality and safety of Australia's early childhood education and care (ECEC) system.  The Inquiry covers a range of issues including the health and safety of children in childcare services, the effectiveness of Australia’s childcare regulatory system, the role of private for-profit incentives, the suitability and flexibility of the funding of early education and care and the choice of care options available to families. CSSA’s submission will likely highlight the following:

• The unique, mission-driven contribution of Catholic early learning providers in the ECEC system.
• The importance of ensuring access to high-quality ECEC for ‘at risk’ children and families.
• Workforce challenges within the ECEC sector that impact quality and safety including wage structure, training, recruitment and retention of staff.
• Greater public transparency on regulation of risk with ECEC settings.

Thank you to those members who have provided their feedback and insights to date. The submission deadline is 3 October 2025, so please contact at CSSA’s Director of Policy and Advocacy at [email protected] or via 0408 680 635 by COB Monday, 29 September 2025 should you wish to contribute to the submission.

3) CSSA Calls for Compassionate Alternatives to Deportation

Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) has written to the Minister for Home Affairs Ministers to express our deep concerns about recent legislation facilitating the deportation at least 280 detainees to Nauru. This concern stems from our commitment to Catholic Social Teaching which emphasises the inherent dignity of every human person, regardless of their status or circumstances. In our correspondence, we expressed our concerns about inadequate healthcare facilities in Nauru, the harm to family unity, and the long-term impacts on vulnerable people who have often already endured significant trauma. The letter emphasised that while a nation has the right to regulate its borders, policies must always prioritise the dignity and wellbeing of every human person.

The letter invited discussions with government and other stakeholders to develop more compassionate and sustainable alternatives that better reflect Australia’s humanitarian traditions including:

• Community-based supervision programs with appropriate reporting requirements
• Tailored case management addressing both security and welfare needs
• Family preservation services that keep Australian families intact
• Partnerships with trusted service organisations with proven records in complex case support
• Transparent accountability mechanisms protecting both security and individual rights

As Sister Brigid Arthur recently reflected, Australia’s response to people seeking protection is not just a legal matter—it is a test of our moral and humanitarian values. Our member organisations see daily the human cost of current policies and the extraordinary contributions refugees and migrants make to our communities, many of whom have lived here for years and are raising Australian children. CSSA stands ready to work with government, faith-based, and community partners to develop constructive alternatives that uphold both security and compassion.

SAVE THE DATE

1) CSSA’s 2025 Parliamentary Advocacy Summit

CSSA's Annual Agency Heads Meeting is coming up in October. 

Date: 28-29 October 2025

Where: Canberra

2) CSSA 2025 Annual General Meeting

Date: 21 November 2025 - 11am to 12pm

Dr Jerry Nockles on Compassion, Homelessness, and Human Dignity – Interview with Catholic Voice

In a world where the cost-of-living crisis is forcing more and more people to ask for help, I was recently asked how I decide whether to give or walk on when I encounter someone in need. My answer is simple: homelessness is not an abstract issue—it is a deeply human experience, rooted in our shared need for belonging, security, and dignity.

I often think about the irreplaceable support of family and loved ones during life’s hardest times. Not everyone has that. That’s why I believe in something simple yet transformative: look, greet, and respond to each person with dignity. These small acts can nourish both the giver and the receiver, creating moments of connection and care in an often-indifferent world.

Pope Francis once said: “I ask your forgiveness for all the times we Christians stand before the poor person and look the other way.” His words are a challenge to all of us. Even when we don’t have all the answers, we can still choose the path of compassion. We can see one another as precious, made in God’s image, and worthy of love and respect.

In every encounter, we have the opportunity to extend not just help—but humanity and heart.

1) Community Coordinator

Presentation Sisters Wagga Wagga

Application close date: 12 October 2025

Apply now

2) Director of Counselling Services

Seminary of the Good Shepherd (NSW)

Application close date: 30 September 2025

Apply now

3) Mission Officer

Mercy Community (Nudgee, QLD)

Application close date: 2 October 2025

Apply now

4) Executive Director

National Catholic Education Commission (NSW)

Application close date: 3 October 2025

Apply now

5) Religious Education Coordinator

Mater Dei Primary School (NSW)

Application close date: 6 October 2025

Apply now

6) National Director

Marist Schools Australia (NSW)

Application close date: 6 October 2025

Apply now

1) The Specialist Dementia Care Program

The Specialist Dementia Care Program (SDCP) is an Australian Government initiative providing transitional care for individuals exhibiting very severe behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. The program offers specialised residential care to stabilise symptoms and facilitate a transition to less intensive settings. For more information or to apply, click here.

2) Mental Health Support for Emergency Services Workers

The National Emergency Management Agency is offering a grant of up to $3 million under the Supporting Local Emergency Management Capability program to deliver best practice mental health services for current and former paid and volunteer emergency services workers involved in disaster response, as well as their families. The program will run for 12 months from 1 January 2026 and aims to prevent, treat, and reduce the severity of recognised mental health conditions such as PTSD, improve suicide prevention outcomes, and strengthen long-term resilience. Eligible applicants include Australian incorporated entities, not-for-profits, charities, and publicly funded research organisations with experience in delivering national mental health services to emergency services workers. For more information or to apply, click here.

3) Supporting Living Organ Donors Program

The Living Organ Donor Support Program provides financial assistance to individuals who choose to become living organ donors. Recognising that donation involves major surgery, extended recovery time, and extensive medical testing—which may require time off work and travel—the program reimburses donors for lost income, travel, and accommodation expenses. Its purpose is not to incentivise donation, but to ensure financial stress is not a barrier for those wishing to donate, while also encouraging employers to support employees undertaking this generous act. For more information or to apply, click here.

4) ECEC Workforce Professional Development and Paid Practicum

The Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Workforce Grant supports educator retention and upskilling by providing funding for ECEC services to cover costs associated with training and study. Grants can be used to: (1) pay educators to undertake mandatory or highly recommended training—or backfill staff so they can attend during work hours—and (2) pay wages for student-educators while they complete the practical component of their ECEC degree. For more information or to apply, click here.

Membership Renewals: Thank You and Gentle Reminder

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all members who have already renewed their CSSA membership for the 2025-2026 financial year. Your response demonstrates your commitment to our shared vision of "a fairer, more inclusive Australian society that reflects and supports the dignity, equality and participation of all people."

For those who have not yet had the opportunity to renew, we warmly welcome your continued membership. The renewal process remains open and is straightforward:

1. Access the self-calculation proforma through the member portal on our website
2. Complete the form based on your organisation's details
3. Submit payment according to the instructions provided

Should you require any assistance with the renewal process, please do not hesitate to contact Tania Ladyzhynsky at our National Office on (02) 6285 1366 or via email at [email protected].

Your membership strengthens our collective voice and amplifies our impact for vulnerable communities across Australia. When we stand together, we can advocate more effectively with government and stakeholders, creating meaningful change that none of us could achieve alone.

Thank you for your continued solidarity with CSSA and with each other.

Feel free to share this newsletter with your network, and if you haven’t subscribed yet, sign up now to receive regular updates, news, and insights from CSSA. Follow us on our social channels to stay connected, share your voice, and amplify our collective impact. We would love your support in expanding our online community!