Dear Friends,

With Ash Wednesday having fallen last week, we find ourselves already in the opening days of Lent – that season of reflection, renewal, and conversion that I have always found both challenging and deeply nourishing.

In his 2026 Lenten message, Listening and Fasting: Lent as a Time of Conversion, Pope Leo XIV offers us a particularly practical and, I think, penetrating invitation: to fast not only from food, but from harmful speech – to renounce hurtful words, rash judgements, and the speaking ill of those who are absent. It is a fast that asks something of us in every conversation, every meeting, every email. I will be attempting to follow this counsel throughout Lent and beyond – in my own particularly imperfect way.

CSSA was pleased to kick-off our 2026 Communities of Practice program earlier this month with a member discussion on Safeguarding and Child Safe Accreditation. We have also published several submissions including our 2026-27 pre-budget submission to Treasury. Further information on all our activities, events and advocacy is available below and on the CSSA website.

CSSA is delighted to be leading work alongside NATSICC and Caritas on reestablishing the One Journey Together movement which was established during the Voice Referendum. The initiative will provide a cohesive Catholic voice on First Australian issues, rooted in Catholic Social Teaching. Walking alongside our First Nations community is core to the mission of CSSA and is reflected in our advocacy and policy priorities. Watch this space for exciting upcoming events!

In this edition, our history section turns to Bishop Pat Power, who delivered the 2007 McCosker Oration – a reflection I hope you will find as thought-provoking as I did in revisiting it.

And, in the spirit of Lent – a season that does invite a little mea culpa – I also wish to make a small but genuine acknowledgement. In last month’s history piece, I drew on the McCosker Orations of Professor John Warhurst without properly acknowledging him. John’s scholarship and long engagement with Catholic social services in Australia is both distinguished and deeply valued. I should also acknowledge that John’s own work has no doubt been informed by the extensive body of knowledge of Dr Damian Gleeson, whose scholarly contribution to this field is equally deserving of recognition. My thanks and apologies to both – and a quiet promise to do better.

I wish each of you a prayerful, thoughtful, and grace-filled Lent. May this holy season be for all of us a time of genuine listening – to God, to one another, and to those we serve. And as we journey together towards the joy of Easter, may we be renewed in hope, in charity, and in our shared commitment to justice.

            Pope Leo XIV

Photograph: By CNS photo/Vatican Media

I have been reflecting on Pope Leo’s first apostolic exhortation, Dilexi Te – I have loved you, as a profound invitation to live out Christ’s love through care for the poor, and in this section, I would love to share my thoughts with you all.

There are many important ideas captured beautifully in Dilexi Te, but the one that has particularly captured my heart is found in Paragraph 120. Here, the Holy Father reminds us that the Church's persona should be defined by whom we love, not what we are opposed to. It reminds us that love makes the impossible possible, and that we are called – and, through grace, have the capacity – to love the unloved and those whom society may regard as unlovable:

"Christian love breaks down every barrier, brings close those who were distant, unites strangers, and reconciles enemies. It spans chasms that are humanly impossible to bridge, and it penetrates to the most hidden crevices of society. By its very nature, Christian love is prophetic: it works miracles and knows no limits. It makes what was apparently impossible happen. Love is above all a way of looking at life and a way of living it. A Church that sets no limits to love, that knows no enemies to fight but only men and women to love, is the Church that the world needs today."

For decades, CSSA and our member organisations have walked this path. From addressing immediate needs like food, shelter, and support services, to advocating for systemic change that brings hope, dignity, and love to those who need it most – but often receive it least – our work embodies living the words of Dilexi Te, and I feel incredibly proud of our members for the compassion, dedication, and leadership they bring to this mission every day.

            Bishop Pat Power

Auxiliary Bishop Pat Power of the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, a familiar and respected figure in the Catholic social services community, delivered the 2007 McCosker Oration with his signature clarity and conviction. His lifelong dedication to social justice and the Church’s mission resonated deeply with the values of Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA), making him an obvious choice.

In September 2025, Bishop Pat went home to God, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. Archbishop Christopher Prowse of Canberra-Goulburn paid tribute to him as a “pilgrim of hope and joy,” a fitting description of a man whose faith and compassion touched many, and whose book, Joy and Hope: Pilgrim Priest and Bishop invites us to see ourselves as part of a pilgrim church – always journeying together, sometimes through paths lesser taken and unknown but always with courage and belief that Jesus shows us the way, the truth and the life. Veronika Cox’s moving tribute in The Catholic Voice, captures this spirit and enduring influence.

In his oration, Bishop Pat considered the question of what the focus of CSSA should be. His answer was to embrace its prophetic role by ‘reading the signs of the times,’ a call rooted in the vision of Pope John XXIII and the spirit of Vatican II. He reminded us that “the joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the people of this age, especially those who are in any way poor or afflicted, these too must be the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of all the followers of Christ.”

He challenged the Church to engage courageously with contemporary issues, stating, “We must be aware of and understand the aspirations, the yearnings and the often-dramatic features of the world in which we live.”

Bishop Pat also highlighted the importance of remaining close to those at the grassroots, asking, “Do those of us in positions of leadership and authority remain close to people at the ‘grassroots’, ready to listen to their stories of pain, abuse and neglect?” His words continue to call us to action with faith, hope, and courage.

We invite you to read Bishop Pat Power’s full McCosker Oration on the CSSA website to explore his inspiring reflections in detail.

With Bishop Ken Howell

This month, I have had the great fortune of meeting with Bishop Ken Howell, Diocese of Toowoomba and Archbishop of Brisbane, Shane Mackinlay, and I came away from both conversations enriched. I was particularly fortunate to attend Ash Wednesday Mass at St Patrick’s in Toowoomba, where I had the joy of hearing Bishop Ken’s homily. As I find at every Mass, there was something new to take away and carry with me.

Bishop Ken reminded us that during Lent we are called to break our hearts, not tear our clothes — to break our hearts open, because hardened hearts are cold and uncompromising. It is an image that has stayed with me, and one I commend to you as we journey through these forty days.

There is so much to learn from our bishops, and I am grateful for their generosity of time and spirit.

Picture 1 - From left to right, Dr Jerry Nockles, Jesuit Provincial Father Quyen Vu SJ, CEO Julie Edwards, and Francis Sullivan AO.

Picture 2 - From left to right, Dr Jerry Nockles and Father Joseph V. Agostino, CM

Picture 3 - From left to right, Michael Austin of CatholicCare Wollongong, Richard Timbs of CatholicCare Sydney, Annemaree Binger of Centacare Southwest NSW, Anne Kirwan of Marymead CatholicCare Canberra & Goulburn, Dr Jerry Nockles

It has been a truly rewarding start to the year, marked by meaningful engagements across our network. It has been a real joy to meet a number of our outstanding CEOs, including Michael Austin of CatholicCare Wollongong, Anne Kirwan of Marymead CatholicCare Canberra & Goulburn, Annemaree Binger of Centacare South West NSW, Richard Timbs of CatholicCare Sydney, Di Swann of CatholicCare Social Services Toowoomba, Stuart Rodney of Centacare Brisbane, and Julie Edwards of Jesuit Social Services.

These visits are incredibly enriching – the wisdom, dedication, and passion I encounter in each of these leaders and their organisations is both humbling and inspiring. I look forward to visiting as many of you as possible throughout the year.

It was a genuine pleasure and privilege to recently launch the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference’s Social Justice Statement, The Cost of Our Living: Economic and Social Justice for the Common Good, alongside Bishop Tim Harris from Townsville. The Statement is a valuable and timely resource, and I warmly encourage each of you to read it, share it, and promote it widely. In truth, of course, you do not need to be reminded of its themes – you live them every single day in your work and witness. For that, we are profoundly grateful.

On Wednesday, 18 February CSSA hosted our first refreshed Community of Practice (COP) on Child Safe Accreditation. This new COP forum was designed to be responsive to the needs of our members and foster collaborative relationships across our network. This first session was a great start, and we are delighted to see the engagement and offline connections being made by members.

Participants outlined challenges with safeguarding standards experienced in their own organisations and highlighted broader systems issues including inconsistency of safeguarding systems across states and territories. There were insights shared on audit experiences, uplifting practice, ensuring child safe culture across organisations and shared tools such as risk management systems to support compliance and improvement.

The next CSSA Community of Practice will be held at lunchtime on 11 March on the topic of Staff Training and Capability Building, as suggested by COP participants. Further information will be distributed shortly, but if you have any questions or ideas for issues you’d like to explore with our network, please email [email protected]

The first 2026 Social Justice Statement, The Cost of Our Living: Economic and Social Justice for the Common Good was released on 9 February. The statement highlights the growing pressures of the cost of living and the challenges faced by Australian families, calling on all of us to take action. CSSA proudly recognises our members who provide vital support to families every day.

A standout example is the School Savvy Program, now running across Queensland through Centacare FNQ, CatholicCare Central Queensland, and Centacare Brisbane. This community-led initiative ensures every child can access education, regardless of financial circumstances. Families are able to receive low-cost uniforms, stationery, shoes, and essential school supplies through welcoming pop-up shops, with no eligibility requirements. Many sites also offer free student haircuts, made possible by generous volunteers, all with a focus on dignity, choice, and practical care.

Through initiatives like School Savvy, CSSA members continue to make a real difference in families’ lives — easing financial burdens and ensuring children have the resources and confidence to thrive at school.

Photograph: Sydney’s Victoria Barracks is one of the high-profile Defence sites earmarked for sale (Wikimedia/J Bar)

1) Catholic sector calls for Defence land sales to address affordable housing shortage

Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) has welcomed the Albanese Government’s decision to sell approximately $3 billion worth of Defence-owned properties, describing it as a timely opportunity to boost social and affordable housing.

CSSA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Jerry Nockles said the move aligns with CSSA’s pre-Budget recommendation urging the Government to leverage public assets to address Australia’s housing crisis. With more than 1.2 million low-income households spending over 30 per cent of their disposable income on housing, Dr Nockles stressed the urgent need for sustainable solutions.

Read CSSA’s Pre-Budget Submission.

Read the entire media release here.

Photograph: NATSICC

2) Catholic sector welcome plan to end family violence

Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) have welcomed the Albanese Government’s launch of Our Ways – Strong Ways – Our Voices: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Plan to End Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence 2026–2036.

Catholic Social Services Australia Chief Executive Officer, Dr Jerry Nockles said the launch of the plan affirms the elimination of domestic, family and sexual violence as a truly national priority, alongside the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 and key Closing the Gap targets. NATSICC Chair Shirley Ouaresimin welcomed the investment in Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, highlighting its consistency with the Catholic Social Teaching principle of subsidiarity.

Read the entire media release here.

Photograph: Baderkhan Ahmad/AP

3) Politicians urged to support repatriation of relatives of ISIS fighters

Catholic Social Services Australia has expressed concern following Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s announcement that the Government will not support the repatriation of 34 Australian women and children currently detained in the Al-Roj camp in north-eastern Syria.

CSSA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Jerry Nockles acknowledged community safety considerations while encouraging a compassionate response, noting that the women and children “remain deserving of our compassion and mercy – especially the children who have been caught up in the conflict”.

Read the entire media release here.

1) Update from the DSS Community Sector Advisory Group (CSAG)

The next CSAG meeting is scheduled for 17 March 2026, a day after the first 2026 Community Sector Ministerial Roundtable. Key discussion items are expected to include: 1. Government funding processes, including indexation; 2. Longer-term grant agreements and relational contracting; 3. Streamlining reporting requirements; 4. Pay and conditions of the sector workforce and the DSS Family and Children Activity reforms.
A reminder that DSS are currently calling for Expressions of Interest to join their Connecting Communities: Share your story | Department of Social Services pilot to help share the good stories in the sector. Organisations are invited to provide these, with the Department utilising these to amplify social media, use these for event stories, and to support pro-active media. The pilot is running until end June 2026.
For further information, please email [email protected].

2) Recent Submissions

• Thank you to members who provided contributions to CSSA’s 2026-2027 Pre-Budget Submission to Federal Treasury (30 January 2026) focusing on cost-of-living pressures and priority impact areas informed by your work. The submission can be accessed here.
• CSSA provided an additional submission on the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS) Industry Award 2010 (SCHADS Award) Alternative Structure (6 February 2026) following an extended consultation period. This submission is part of the Fair Work Commission’s (FWC) Gender-based Undervaluation – Priority Awards Review. The submission can be accessed here
• Informed by CSSA’s membership of the Catholic Alliance for People Seeking Asylum (CAPSA) convened by Jesuit Social Services (JSS), CSSA provided a submission to the Senate Inquiry on Australia’s Offshore Processing and Resettlement Arrangements (13 February 2026). The submission can be accessed here. The CAPSA submission can be accessed here.

3) Tracking Key Topics and Opportunities

CSSA is tracking the following priority items:

• Department of Social Services, ‘New approach to programs for families and children’ consultation process
• Fair Work Commission Gender-Based Undervaluation Priority Review:
  • SCHADS Award – Final Determination pending.
  • Children's Services Award – updated Award comes into effect on 1 March 2026.
• Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability, Thriving Kids Initiative – ‘No Child Left Behind’ Report
• National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Integrity and Safeguarding) Bill 2025
• Quality and Safety of Australia’s Early childhood and care system
• Australia’s Offshore processing and resettlement arrangements
• Australia’s youth justice and incarceration system

What other consultations, inquiries or issues would you like CSSA to track? Please contact [email protected] for your suggestions.

SAVE THE DATE

1) CSSA’s Community of Practice - Staff Training and Capability Building 

Date: 11 March 2026

2) CSSA 2026 Parliamentary Advocacy Summit and 70th Anniversary event

Date: 12 - 13 August 2026

1) Project Officer (ACT) (Part-time)

CDPF Limited (ACT)

Application close date:  22 March 2026

Apply now

2) Formation, Identity and Religious Education (FIARE) Consultant: Secondary (QLD)

Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton

Application close date: 6 March 2026

Apply now

3) NFP Non-Executive Director/Voluntary (NSW)

St Anthony’s Family Care (SAFC), Croydon, NSW,

Application close date: 19 March 2026

Apply now

4) Parish Manager – Hendra, Brisbane (QLD)

Mother of Mercy Parish and St Agatha’s Parish

Application close date: 17 March 2026

Apply now

5) Principal (NSW)

St Lucy’s School

Application close date: 16 March 2026

Apply now

6) National Advisory Group Member (AUST)

Little Sisters of the Poor

Application close date: 9 March 2026

Apply now

7) Museum Educator

Mary MacKillop Place, North Sydney (NSW)

Application close date: 15 March 2026

Apply now

8) Youth Engagement Office

Mary MacKillop Place, North Sydney (NSW)

Application close date: 4 March 2026

Apply now

1) 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.

God be with you,

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