Dear Friends,

As we move through Holy Week and approach the joy of Easter, I hope this season brings you moments of reflection, renewal, and deep peace. It is a time that calls us to remember the profound love and sacrifice at the heart of our faith, inspiring us anew in the work we do each day alongside those most in need. 

We are deeply aware of the ongoing fuel supply crisis and the significant impact it is already having on our capacity to deliver essential services. ACOSS and other sector advocacy peaks are spearheading efforts to convey to government the potential for severe consequences for the vulnerable people we accompany should the fuel crisis continue. I encourage you to keep our Director of Policy and Advocacy, Carmel Sefian, informed of emerging issues and further opportunities for direct lobbying with state, territory, and federal governments. 

Budget season is in full swing across the entire Commonwealth, and it has been a busy period of engagement. Our key message here has been that whilst we recognise the importance of fiscal discipline and responsible budgeting, we remain steadfast in our message that Australia’s most vulnerable must not bear the burden of budget savings as ‘shock absorbers’ in times of financial restraint.  

In recent weeks, we have met with the ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr, advisers from the office of Jacinta Allan, Premier of Victoria, and I had the opportunity to meet with Eric Abetz, Tasmania’s Treasurer, to discuss these critical issues. I was pleased to present Treasurer Abetz with a copy of Dilexi Te, a document that continues to inspire our mission and advocacy.  

This month we continue our reflection on Dilexi Te with a beautiful piece on Saint Teresa of Calcutta, helping us understand her not as a philanthropist or social activist, but as a ‘Bride of Christ’ who accompanied the poor with pure and loving presence. 

We also continue our look back on the 70-year legacy of CSSA by revisiting a 50-year-old statement responding to the Henderson Report on Poverty in Australia, reminding us of the enduring commitment to dignity and justice that shapes our work. We look forward to sharing more stories of CSSA’s legacy work in advance of our 70th Anniversary celebration on 12 August 2026 at Parliament House, Canberra, and launching our Strategic Plan 2026-31. 

Our member highlight shines on Centacare Catholic Country SA, whose frontline services are making a tangible difference in supporting communities grappling with cost-of-living pressures. 

Our communities of practice remain active and vibrant, and there is much happening in the policy space. I encourage you to take the time to explore the updates below. 

Thank you for your ongoing dedication and partnership as we journey together in service and hope this Easter season. 

Saint Teresa of Calcutta and the Dignity of Those We Serve

Photograph: Getty Images

Last month, I shared some reflections on paragraph 120 of Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic exhortation Dilexi Te, which reminded us that the Church should be defined by whom we love, not what we are opposed to. This month, I want to continue exploring this beautiful document, drawing inspiration from another section that speaks powerfully to our mission.

In paragraph 77, the Holy Father offers us Saint Teresa of Calcutta as a compelling example of what it means to love without limits. He reflects on how Mother Teresa became “a universal icon of charity lived to the fullest extent in favour of the most destitute, those discarded by society.”

He goes on to remind us of the source and nature of Mother Teresa’s service. She did not see herself as a philanthropist or social activist, but as “a bride of Christ crucified, serving with total love her suffering brothers and sisters.” Her work flowed from prayer and contemplation – an encounter that transformed how she saw every person she served.

Mother Teresa’s care for the dying and destitute was not merely about meeting material needs, essential as that was. It was about proclaiming the good news of the Gospel through her actions and her presence. In her own words:

“We are wanting to proclaim the good news to the poor that God loves them, that we love them, that they are somebody to us, that they too have been created by the same loving hand of God, to love and to be loved. Our poor people are great people, are very lovable people, they do not need our pity and sympathy, they need our understanding love. They need our respect; they need that we treat them with dignity.”

These words challenge us profoundly. Mother Teresa did not approach the poor with pity or sympathy – emotions that can inadvertently place us above those we serve rather than alongside them. Instead, she offered understanding love, respect, and dignity. She recognised that those she served were not problems to be solved, but “great people, very lovable people” created by God to love and be loved.

As we carry out our mission, this distinction matters deeply. Our work is not simply about providing services or addressing needs, though our Catholic social service community does both with excellence and compassion. It is about recognising and honouring the inherent dignity of every person who stands in front of us. It is about proclaiming – through our actions, our presence, and our loving service – that each person is loved by God and valued by us. As Pope St. John Paul II reminded us of Mother Teresa’s words at her beatification, and quoted by Pope Leo in Dilexi Te:

“The fruit of silence is prayer; the fruit of prayer is faith; the fruit of faith is love; the fruit of love is service.”

With ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr

On 12 March 2026, CSSA met with ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr and Director-General of the ACT Health and Community Services Directorate, Ms Kareena Arthy to discuss shared priorities including affordable housing, cost-of-living pressures and sustainable funding for the social services sector in the Canberra community. CSSA presented the Chief Minister with copies of the ‘Real Costs, Real Impacts’ research, highlighting the essential work of Marymead CatholicCare Canberra & Goulburn which has been serving the ACT and surrounding regions for over 60 years supporting over 20,000 people across the territory and beyond. See media release here.

At the meeting of the Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service

I recently attended the annual meeting of the Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service at Mary MacKillop Place in North Sydney, alongside colleagues from across Catholic services. The gathering brought together the commission bishops, advisory councils, and agency leaders including Caritas Australia, Catholic Health Australia, Catholic Social Services Australia, and Stella Maris Australia, and welcomed new members to the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council and the Australian Catholic Council for Employment Relations.

Our discussions centred on the commission’s strategic priorities for the next three years, which support the Church’s mission in Australia across a broad range of areas including Catholic social teaching and social justice, international aid, integral ecology, health and aged care, people experiencing marginalisation and disadvantage, social services, disability services, and specialist pastoral ministries such as prisons and seafaring.

CSSA is proud to be part of these conversations and to contribute to this shared commitment to dignity, justice, and compassion.

Left to Right:

Pic 1: With Julia Mangan and Archbishop Tony in Hobart

Pic 2: With Jo McLennan at AK House Hobart

It was wonderful to spend a couple of days in Tasmania this month. I was able to see the outstanding work of CatholicCare Tasmania and received a brief from their outstanding CEO, Julia Mangan. Julia facilitated a visit for me with AK Young Women’s Emergency Accommodation. AK provide emergency accommodation for young women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, but they do so much more – they are providing a ‘home’ for these young women. I also took the opportunity to meet with Ben Wilson of Homes Tasmania. Ben and I spoke about the innovative work that Julia and CatholicCare Tasmania are doing in the housing space and explored opportunities for future engagement to support efforts to address chronic housing and homelessness issues.

I very much appreciated the opportunity to call on Archbishop Tony Ireland in Hobart. I was struck by his reflective wisdom and was reminded of words he had previously shared that spoke to the evangelising power of social services: “People over programs, accompaniment over instruction, presence over efficiency, joy over anxiety and joy, friends, is magnetic. It is not by proselytising that the church grows, but by attraction.”

With Tasmanian Treasurer, The Hon Eric Abetz MP

On 25 March, I met with Tasmanian Treasurer the Hon. Eric Abetz MP at Parliament House in Hobart to explore opportunities for partnership in delivering social services while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The discussion centred on housing and homelessness, sustainable funding for social services, and reducing duplication and regulatory burden. The meeting provided the opportunity to highlight the critical work of CatholicCare Tasmania as critical partners in delivering innovative supports, including across its housing, SafeChoices, and the Multicultural Employment Services programs.

I was pleased to present Treasurer Abetz with a copy of Dilexi Te, Pope Francis’s recent Apostolic Exhortation, and discuss its message to maintain a shared commitment to the needs of the most vulnerable at the heart of public policy.

With CSSA Director of Policy and Advocacy, Carmel Sefian and Catholic Social Services Victoria (CSSV) Executive Director Josh Lourensz

On 26 March, CSSA met with advisers from the Victorian Premier’s Office at Parliament House in Melbourne to discuss critical support for Victoria’s most vulnerable communities amid fiscal pressures facing the state. Catholic Social Services Victoria (CSSV) Executive Director Josh Lourensz joined the meeting, which focussed on shared priorities including the need for balanced public discourse on youth justice, housing and homelessness, the Thriving Kids initiative, and sustainable funding for essential social services. We had the opportunity to highlight priority issues across member organisations in Victoria including CatholicCare Victoria, MacKillop Family Services, and Jesuit Social Services ahead of the State budget in May and the Victorian election in November this year and reiterated the role of our organisations as solutions partners to government in this effort.

The day’s visit continued with a brief lunch with Nick Collins, Group Director of Client Services at CatholicCare Victoria (CCV). We thank Nick for his time, update on CCV’s services, and for driving us through the rainy streets of Melbourne between meetings!

The Melbourne visit concluded with a visit to the Stella Maris Seafarers’ Centre to meet with National Director of Stella Maris Australia, Fr. Tony Cox and his staff. Fr Tony leads tireless work to support seafaring men and women who sail the ships to and from our shores and endure many challenges at sea including separation from their families and friends for months at a time. Stella Maris make primary contact with ships’ crews at the docks and provide practical and pastoral support to seafarers – from transport needs, a safe, warm bed, to contacting family back home and chaplaincy services.

CSSA Director of Policy and Advocacy, Carmel Sefian with CEO of St Francis Social Services, Angela Argent

Thank you and congratulations to CEO of St Francis Social Services, Angela Argent and team for your invitation to CSSA to help celebrate the success of 25 years of House of Welcome and 48 years of Centre 360 Youth & Family Service at the Gala Dinner on 27 March. Guests were honoured to hear heartfelt lived experience stories of people supported by St Francis and to honour the work and legacy of Fr Nick Lucas OFM - inaugural Director of the Come-In Centre (now Centre 360 Youth and Family Service), including hearing messages from Her Excellency Ms Sam Mostyn AC and former Australian Human Rights Commissioner, Mr Chris Sidoti.

Henderson Report

Last year marked the fiftieth anniversary of the Henderson Report – a landmark moment in Australia’s understanding of poverty. In this month’s edition, I would like to share a glimpse into our history through a 1976 preparatory statement on poverty from the National Catholic Welfare Commission (NCWC), the predecessor to Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA). This statement, drawn from our extensive archive, was a short but thoughtful response to the Henderson Report’s findings and offers insights that still resonate today.

The NCWC’s 1976 statement acknowledges the challenges of recognising poverty in a society like Australia’s – one that prides itself on equality and affluence. It highlights the reality that poverty is not the fault of individuals, but a complex social issue affecting many, particularly the elderly, the young, and people living with disability.

While the language of the 1976 statement may feel dated, its core message remains entirely relevant. It calls us to remember that those experiencing poverty are our equal brothers and sisters, deserving of dignity, respect, and genuine support. This aligns deeply with Catholic Social Teaching (CST), which has always provided a firm foundation for our understanding of poverty and social justice. CST teaches us that every person is lovingly created in the image and likeness of God, an eternal truth that underpins our commitment to justice and human dignity.

The statement’s emphasis on rejecting ‘partial, manipulative, or condescending’ assistance resonates with our contemporary approach. Today, we continue to advocate for responses to poverty that empower individuals and communities, recognising their inherent worth and agency. The Preferential Option for the Poor – a central principle of CST – reminds us to prioritise the needs of the most vulnerable. Alongside this, the principle of the Common Good, underwrites our understanding of poverty, emphasising that we all share an obligation to ensure just economic and social conditions that enable every member of society, especially the most vulnerable, to reach their full potential.

Looking back fifty years, we see that the challenges of poverty and justice are enduring, but so too is our resolve. This statement serves as a reminder that our work is grounded in a tradition of faith, respect, and a commitment to social justice.

Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) will be hosting its April Community of Practice (COP) session on 22 April 2026 between 1pm and 2pm, with a focus on Staff Recruitment and Retention.

This interactive session provides an opportunity for members to collaborate, share knowledge, and reflect on current workforce practices. Participants can discuss challenges, highlight successes, and gain insights to support their organisational capability. HR professionals are strongly encouraged to join and contribute.

Further information will be distributed shortly, if you have any questions, or would like to register for this session, please email us at [email protected]

1) DSS Community Sector Advisory Group (CSAG)

The most recent CSAG meeting was held on 17 March 2026. Discussion items included: 

• CSAG’s forward work program for 2026, including rollout of the Not-for-Profit Sector Development Blueprint. 

• Update on the release of the Our Ways – Strong Ways – Our Voices: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Safety Plan to End Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence. 

• Update on Closing the Gap 2: Building the community-controlled sector. 

• Relational Contacting update. For more information on Relational Contracting, see ARACY’s ‘Relational Contracting 101’ webinar here. 

• Improving the evidence base through common data 

• The Family and Children (FaC) Activity reform post consultation.  

FaC Activity Providers have been informed that DSS is offering a further 5-month grant extension through to 30 June 2027 for the five programs under the reform. Further queries can be directed to [email protected]. 

DSS has published a summary of key FaC Activity consultation themes on DSS Engage and is continuing to work through the consultation feedback to inform next steps. 

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. 

Read the latest CSAG Communique. 

The next CSAG meeting is scheduled for 16 June 2026. For further detail on CSAG please contact [email protected]. CSSA will hold post-CSAG briefings for members from June 2026.  

2) Recent Submissions

• Ahead of the Federal Budget in May 2026, CSSA continues to focus on advocacy for key recommendations in our 2026-2027 Pre-Budget Submission focusing on cost-of-living pressures. 

• Update on key recommendations: 

• • In its 2026 Annual Wage Review submission to the Fair Work Commission (FWC), the Australian Catholic Bishops Commission (ACBC), through the Australian Catholic Council for Employment Relations (ACCER), in partnership with Australian Catholic University has lodged a submission supporting a 5 per cent rise in the national minimum wage which has been supported by the Federal Government’s submission to the FWC this week. 

• 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) – final decision pending. 

3) Tracking Key Topics and Opportunities

CSSA invites member contributions to its submission on the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion. The Commissioner is required to produce an interim report by 30 April 2026 and a final report by 14 December 2026. Please contact [email protected] to discuss. 

CSSA is tracking the following priority areas: 

• Fair Work Commission Gender-Based Undervaluation Priority Review: Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS) Award – Final Determination pending. 

• Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability, Thriving Kids Initiative – ‘No Child Left Behind’ Report – implementation from October 2026. 

• Quality and Safety of Australia’s Early childhood and care system – Final Report due 31 March 2026. 

• Australia’s Offshore processing and resettlement arrangements – Final Report due 1 June 2026. 

• Australia’s youth justice and incarceration system – Final Report due 30 June 2026. 

What other consultations, inquiries or issues should CSSA be tracking? Please contact  [email protected]  for your suggestions 

CSSA is pleased to share information about Catholic Social Services Victoria’s (CSSV’s) Mission Inspired Leadership Program, which is a professional development and formation program held online and available to leaders nationally.

Mission Inspired Leadership is for leaders (executives, board members, managers and emerging leaders) in Catholic social services to deepen their understanding of working in a Catholic organisation and ecosystem, and to consider how Catholic social principles can be applied to deliver social impact and strengthen organisational mission. The program includes five sessions, each facilitated by a different sector leader.

The program will be held over five sessions at 4-6PM AEST: 28 May; 18 June; 9 July; 23 July; 13 August

Cost: CSSV Members: $400, Non-Members: $500 (includes take-home resources)

Location: Online (the program may run hybrid, online and from East Melbourne, depending on registrations)

Registration deadline: 30 April 2026, or until limited places are filled

Enquiries: [email protected]

Considering the Australian Catholic Bishop’s Social Justice Statement “The Cost of Our Living”, CSSA is proud to highlight the work of our members who are at the frontline supporting the community with programs and services that directly assist with cost-of-living pressures.

Centacare Catholic Country SA (CCCSA) provides a suite of financial wellbeing and capability supports aimed at helping individuals and families improve their financial resilience and sustainability.

These services include:

• Financial Counselling delivered by qualified counsellors offering guidance on budgeting, debt management, negotiations with creditors, financial literacy, and exploring options like bankruptcy.
• Financial Capability support to help clients build practical money management skills.
• Emergency Relief, providing immediate financial assistance to individuals and families experiencing crisis due to unexpected events. Assistance may include food hampers, petrol or clothing vouchers, help with medical expenses, and other essential needs.
• Additional supportive programs such as No Interest Loans (NILS), grants and Financial Literacy education.

Staff assist clients to access concessions and understand what supports they are eligible for, while working alongside them to review budgets and identify where small changes can reduce pressure. CCCSA also provide:

• Local delivery with Foodbank SA support - leveraging Foodbank to keep food relief channels stocked as demand fluctuates across Whyalla, Port Lincoln, Ceduna and Port Augusta.
• Advocacy – for individual client rights and needs, as well as supporting relevant campaigns such as the ‘raise Centrelink rates’ - which is aligned with national evidence linking inadequate payments to poverty and higher demand for charitable relief.

CCCSA have flagged that they have a high proportion of repeat clients (62.2%). Many clients are returning for multiple episodes, consistent with entrenched cost pressures (rent, energy, food) outpacing the ability of low-income households to recover between crises. There is also a continued inflow of new clients (38%). The pipeline of first time help seekers remains large, suggesting financial buffers are thin across the community.

The Sisters of Joseph, together with the Josephite Justice Network and the Justice and Peace Office of the Sydney Archdiocese, are launching a 150-day campaign to address Australia’s housing and homelessness crisis.

Inspired by Timothy Schmalz’s powerful sculpture, The Homeless Jesus, this campaign combines faith, advocacy, and action. It highlights the urgent need for safe, secure, and fair housing for all. Over the 150 days, the campaign will focus on families and women over 55, while standing in solidarity with all those affected by housing insecurity.

1) Regional, Young, and Vulnerable South Australians Need More Than Promises This Election

Catholic social services agencies are calling on all parties to commit to genuine investment in regional communities and the services that support South Australia’s most vulnerable people in the lead-up to the 21 March state election.

Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA), Centacare Catholic Country SA, and Centacare Catholic Community Services join together in highlighting critical gaps in funding, housing, and support for families and children across South Australia.

The agencies, which collectively support thousands of South Australians every day, are backing calls from the South Australian Council of Social Service (SACOSS), Child and Family Focus SA (CAFFSA) and other peak bodies for urgent action on community service funding, housing availability, and extended support for young people leaving care.

Read the entire media release here.

2) Catholic sector and ACT Government hold Canberra meeting 

Catholic Social Services Australia met with ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr last week to strengthen collaboration in supporting the territory’s most vulnerable people.

CSSA chief executive Jerry Nockles and Director of Policy and Advocacy Carmel Sefian attended the meeting on Thursday with Mr Barr and the director-general of the ACT Health and Community Services Directorate Kareena Arthy and senior government officials.

The meeting, held at the ACT Legislative Assembly, focused on shared priorities including affordable housing, cost-of-living pressures and sustainable funding for the social services sector.

Read the entire media release here.

3) Catholic Social Services Australia congratulates Premier Malinauskas on emphatic election victory

Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) has congratulated Premier Peter Malinauskas on his emphatic victory in South Australia’s state election.

Dr Jerry Nockles, CEO of Catholic Social Services Australia, welcomed the result and expressed optimism about working with the re-elected government on issues affecting vulnerable South Australians.

“Congratulations to Premier Malinauskas and his team on a decisive win that reflects the confidence South Australians have placed in their leadership,” Dr Nockles said.

"In his victory speech, the Premier spoke about Aussie patriotism meaning we can sit with a stranger over a cuppa or a frothy and argue about the footy – not our faith. I loved that sentiment, and I’d add: Premier, I’d be more than happy to sit down with you and talk about the footy AND faith."

Read the entire media release here.

4) Partnering to support Tasmania’s most vulnerable

Catholic Social Services Australia CEO, Dr Jerry Nockles met with the Tasmanian Treasurer Eric Abetz at Parliament House in Hobart to discuss opportunities for collaboration in supporting Tasmania’s most vulnerable communities while maintaining fiscal discipline.

The meeting focused on shared priorities, including housing and homelessness, sustainable funding for social services and reducing duplication and regulatory burden that increases costs to service delivery.

“We had a constructive and collaborative conversation with Treasurer Abetz about how we can work together more effectively to support vulnerable Tasmanians whilst maintaining the fiscal discipline needed to reduce inflation-causing spending,” Dr Nockles said.

Read the entire media release here.

I am delighted to let you all know that the CEO Updates from CSSA, including few past editions, can now be viewed on our website. I hope you’ll take a moment to read them, gain insight into the work happening across our network, and see how our member organisations are quietly transforming lives every day.

Read the latest and past CEO Updates here.

SAVE THE DATE

1) CSSA’s Community of Practice - Staff Recruitment and Retention

Date: 22 April 2026

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

Date: 12 - 13 August 2026

1) Director – Workforce, Safety and Wellbeing

Townsville Catholic Education (QLD)

Application close date: 1 April 2026

Apply now

2) Executive Assistant

Loreto Sisters (VIC)

Application close date: 8 April 2026

Apply now

3) Principal

Mt St Michael’s College Brisbane (QLD)

Application close date: 1 May 2026

Apply now

4) Finance and Operations Assistant

Sisters of Mercy Parramatta (NSW)

Application close date: 15 April 2026

Apply now

5) Executive Officer

Business Operations (NSW)

Application close date: 16 April 2026

Apply now

6) Leader of Development (NSW)

Campion College Australia

Application close date: 24 April 2026

Apply now

7) Communications Specialist

Archdiocesan Ministries, Brisbane (QLD)

Application close date: 8 April 2026

Apply now

8) Director Mission Integration

Group Services (WA)

Application close date: 10 April 2026

Apply now

9) Disability Projects Officer (ACT)

Australian Catholic Bishops Conference

Application close date: 23 April 2026

Apply now

1) Market Adjustment Program (MAP) Grant Opportunity

The Market Adjustment Program (MAP) Grant expands the Government’s existing support for residential aged care providers to now include Support at Home providers facing financial viability challenges. The program aims to safeguard continuity of care for care recipients by supporting providers most in need of funding assistance, including those in strategically important or thin markets.

For more information or to apply, click here.

2) Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Worker Retention Payment

This grant provides funding to support a wage increase for all eligible Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) workers. The initiative aims to strengthen the ECEC workforce by ensuring fair remuneration and improving workforce sustainability.

For more information or to apply, click here.

It is with genuine appreciation that I thank all our members who have chosen to walk this journey with us. Your commitment to a more inclusive and equitable Australian society—one grounded in dignity and respect—continues to shape our path forward.

We are truly grateful for all that you contribute. Your support, in all its forms, strengthens our collective efforts and reminds us why this work matters.

For those who are not yet members but feel aligned with our purpose, we warmly invite you to reach out to us for a private consultation. You may contact our National Office on (02) 6285 1366, or email us at [email protected].

We would be delighted to learn more about your organisation, your vision, and the mission that guides your work and explore how we may support you in moving forward.

God be with you,

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!