Dear Friends,

So much has happened since our last update. The conflict in Iran has brought grief and pain far beyond what many of us could have imagined, affecting not only the region but communities around the world.

In these troubling times, Pope Leo has emerged as the global statesman the world so desperately needs. His courage and boldness in speaking out provide a powerful example for all of us – reminding us that we must speak into the public square with courage, conviction, and consistency. I reflect more on his leadership and vision below.

These last few weeks, our hearts have been heavy with the news of three tragic deaths in different parts of the country that have deeply saddened and touched our social service community.

The death of Bikram Lama, a homeless Nepalese man whose passing went unnoticed for a week in the heart of Sydney; the heartbreaking loss of a newborn baby delivered to a homeless mother in Wagga Wagga, NSW; and the tragic abduction and murder of Kumanjayi Little Baby in Alice Springs.

These losses confront us with the harsh realities faced by many and remind us that we cannot turn away from this sadness – nor can we lose hope. Pope Leo’s words ring true: the dignity of every human person must be respected today, not tomorrow.

We rededicate ourselves to this urgent work and hold close our friends and colleagues in the Northern Territory, Sydney, and Wagga Wagga during this difficult time.

Amid these challenges, it has been a source of strength and encouragement for me to travel around the country and witness firsthand the incredible work you are doing. Thank you for welcoming me into your communities and sharing the impact you are making locally – it is truly inspiring.

Our advocacy continues at all levels of government across the country, promoting your vital work while highlighting the significant challenges you face. We are especially excited about the national State of the Sector Survey we are launching. This survey aims to gather comprehensive insights into the realities, challenges, and contributions of Catholic social services across Australia. We hope to hear from every organisation delivering social services under the Catholic banner, no matter their size. This will be a powerful tool to strengthen our advocacy going forward, and I encourage you to share and promote it widely. More details are provided below.

As I mentioned last month, budget season is in full swing across the country, with Victoria and the Northern Territory budgets delivered this week and the Federal Budget due next Tuesday. CSSA is closely monitoring all developments and will keep you informed through our various channels.

Despite the sadness and difficulties we face, I remain deeply hopeful. The compassion, dedication, and resilience evident throughout our community are a powerful reminder that real change is possible. This work builds a future grounded in dignity, justice, and love – a future where every person is valued and supported.

My prayer is that we continue to walk this path with courage and faith, confident that these collective efforts will bring light and hope to those who need it most.

Image credits - CNS photo/Vatican Media

In recent weeks, many people were surprised by Pope Leo’s courageous and principled stand against the war in Iran. His unequivocal statement that threats against an entire people are “truly unacceptable,” and his call for world leaders to “reject war” and return to dialogue, distinguished him as a singular moral voice amid escalating conflict. The Holy Father emerged as the global statesmen the world so desperately needs right now.

Yet, we should not have been surprised. Pope Leo’s posture flows directly from the prophetic vision of love he articulates in Dilexi Te.

As we noted previously, the Holy Father calls for a Church defined by “whom we love, not what we oppose” – a Church that “sets no limits to love, that knows no enemies to fight but only men and women to love.” This is not a mere sentiment – it is at once a radical, and yet timeless, reimagining of how the church engages with a world torn by division and violence.

But Dilexi Te goes further still. In paragraph 92, Pope Leo speaks to the boldness this love requires, warning against “a new tyranny” and insisting that “the dignity of every human person must be respected today, not tomorrow, and the extreme poverty of all those to whom this dignity is denied should constantly weigh upon our consciences.”

This is not a call to gradualism or incrementalism, but to urgent, prophetic action against systems and structures that deny human dignity.

When Pope Leo spoke of the Iranian people – remembering “especially the innocent: children, the elderly, the sick” – he was living out this very principle. He refused to wait for a more convenient time or a more politically palatable position. He spoke with the same urgency he demands of us all: dignity must be respected and tyranny – whether economic, political, or military – must be named and resisted.

For those of us in Catholic social services, this connection is instructive. Our work is not separate from the Church's prophetic witness for peace. When we serve the poor with dignity and love, when we advocate for just structures, when we refuse to see any person as an enemy – we participate in the same prophetic love that compels the Holy Father to speak truth to power.

Dilexi Te challenges us to recognise that love without limits is not passive nor is it something we can delay. It is bold, courageous, immediate, and willing to stand against the tide. It is a love that, as Pope Leo demonstrated, refuses to remain silent when human dignity is threatened – whether in our own communities or on the world stage. It is the hope that never disappoints.

With CSSA Director of Policy and Advocacy, Carmel Sefian and the Hon. Amanda Camm, Queensland Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services and Minister for Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence

On 23 April, CSSA’s Director of Policy and Advocacy, Carmel Sefian and I met with Minister Amanda Camm, only hours before the Federal Health Minister, Mark Butler announced changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Discussions with Minister Camm ranged from Queensland’s concerns with the NDIS reforms and concerns about fully committing to the Commonwealth’s Thriving Kids initiative, the benefits of community hub models, including in Catholic settings and the potential and challenges in identifying and repurposing surplus or under-utilised government land to support more social and affordable housing, building on successful initiatives such as the Catholic Church’s “Yes, In Faith’s Backyard” project.  Read more 

With Amy Lamoin, Executive Director of the Office of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Commissioner (OATSICC) Queensland Family and Child Commission

During our Brisbane visit this month, CSSA met with Amy Lamoin, Executive Director of OATSICC at the Queensland Family and Child Commission.

Amy brings an incredibly strong voice to national conversations around children’s rights, wellbeing, and opportunity.

Our discussion centred on the rights and dignity of children in Queensland - particularly First Nations children and families and the systemic challenges that continue to shape their experiences. It was encouraging to find common ground in our focus on both the causes of poverty and the pathways to overcome it, because lasting change depends on addressing both.

With the Hon. Robyn Cahill, Minister for Children and Families, Minister for Child Protection, and Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence

Discussions with the Hon Robyn Cahill OAM, Minister for Children and Families, Minister for Child Protection, and Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence, and Mr Alex Bruce, Chief of Staff to Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro underscored a strong, collaborative relationship focused on advancing social services that support the Territory’s most vulnerable, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. I valued the opportunity to advocate for the Territory’s most disadvantaged in not bearing the brunt of budget restraint, and to reaffirm CSSA’s Commitment to advancing Closing the Gap Outcomes and Targets. Read more

With Jane Lloyd Executive Director of CatholicCare NT and Bishop Charles Gauci of the Diocese of Darwin.

In early April, I travelled to the Northern Territory to meet with Jane Lloyd and staff and CatholicCare NT and key Northern Territory Government leaders. CatholicCare NT is a critical partner in addressing some of the Territory’s most complex social challenges. Their work is about creating real, lasting change for individuals and families who have too often been the ‘shock absorbers’ of systemic disadvantage. The visit included ‘linking up’ with Catholic Care NT staff in support of the No More campaign, a Northern Territory Aboriginal initiative addressing the prevention of domestic and family violence focused on addressing men’s behaviour and attitudes about women and violence. Another key focus of discussions was the innovative and ambitious expansion strategy for the residential care facility at Crerar Road. This long-term plan aims to repurpose the site to directly tackle systemic homelessness among Aboriginal Territorians, providing culturally safe, sustainable housing solutions.

Image 1 - With Michele Wachla, CEO of Centacare Catholic Country SA and her executive team

Image 2 - With Sinead, Regional Manager at Centacare Catholic Country SA and her team at Port Augusta

Image 3 - With Craig Arthur, National Administrator of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC)

Image 4 - With Nathan Cox, Regional Manager at Centacare Catholic Country SA, Port Pirie

Image 5 - Bishop Karol Kulczycki (Image credit - Giovanni Portelli)

I recently spent a week in South Australia engaging with our CSSA members across the region. Thank you to Michele Wachla of Centacare Country SA and her teams across Port Pirie, Whyalla and Port Augusta who graciously gave of their time to show their local centres. Thank you also to Leanne Haddad and her team at Centacare Catholic Community Services in Adelaide who hosted me for an engaging strategic discussion. Visiting each of these locations and meeting with frontline staff provided insights into regional operations and the unique challenges and opportunities faced by our members, particularly across large geographic areas.

While in Port Pirie, I was particularly honoured to enjoy a warm and insightful discussion with Bishop Karol Kulczycki over a homecooked meal. It was a delightful evening of hospitality with shared visions for advocacy and evangelisation.

While in Adelaide, I had the privilege of visiting the Yitpi Yartapuultiku visitors centre with Craig Arthur from the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC). Our partnership with NATSICC is vital, and I am excited about the journey ahead as we work together in this critical mission to support and empower First Nations communities and people across the entire country.

Unfortunately, our meeting with Louise Miller-Frost MP, Member for Boothby, had to be rescheduled, but I am looking forward to discussing ongoing support and advocacy for social services across the state with the Minister in Canberra later.

This trip was invaluable in deepening connections and witnessing the impact and commitment of South Australia’s Catholic social service network.

The April Community of Practice on Staff Recruitment and Retention was well attended and provided another engaging opportunity for CSSA members to share insights and ask each other questions. Participants- largely HR professionals in our organisation- discussed challenges recruiting staff and what they are doing to recruit for roles including conflict resolution practitioners and mediators. 

Insights and unique innovations were shared, and some members have now connected offline to continue discussions and share information.

Staff at member organisations are warmly invited to come along to our next community of Practice - Leadership Formation at 1pm on May 13, 2026.

Further information will be distributed shortly, if you have any questions, please email us at [email protected]

1) DSS Community Sector Advisory Group (CSAG)

Priority work within CSAG includes: 

• Updates on the rollout of the Not-for-Profit Sector Development Blueprint. 

• Update on the Families and Children Activity (FaC) Reform including confirmation of implementation timelines by 29 May 2026. 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. 

• 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. 

• Release of Relational Contacting draft documentation for member feedback via CSSA by 22 May 2026. 

• DSS continue to call 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. The pilot is running until end of June 2026. 

• DSS advice for funded service providers experiencing fuel supply disruptions can be found here. 

• Read the latest CSAG Communique from 17 March 2026. 

• 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

• In the lead-up to the Federal Budget on 12 May 2026, CSSA continues to focus our advocacy efforts on key recommendations in our 2026-2027 Pre-Budget Submission. 

• CSSA invites member contributions to its submission on the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion. Submissions are accepted until the end of May 2026. The Commissioner is required to produce an interim report by 30 April 2026 and a final report by 14 December 2026. 

• Inquiry into Intergenerational Housing Inequity – submissions have been extended until 15 May 2026. 

3) Tracking Key Topics and Opportunities

CSSA is tracking the following priority areas: 

• Inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – submissions due 1 May 2026 

• CSSA provided an additional submission on the 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 – Thank you to members who provided contributions to CSSA’s submission which received nine mentions in the Committee’s Final Report released on 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. 

Forming Catholic Leaders for the Future: Into the Deep (2026-27)

CSSA is thrilled to share a wonderful opportunity available for nominated leaders through the Catholic Leadership Foundation.

Into the Deep is a transformative program designed to form and equip lay leaders for mission-driven leadership in today's complex social and organisational landscape.

Grounded in Catholic tradition and social teaching, the program supports participants to deepen their faith, strengthen their leadership capabilities and lead with purpose and integrity.

Applications are now open for the 2026-27 intake.

We encourage members to consider this valuable opportunity, with CSSA hosting Virginia Ryan from the Catholic Leadership Foundation at our Community of Practice in May.

CSSA will be taking part in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout to stand in solidarity with those experiencing homelessness and raise critical funds for services that provide emergency accommodation, meals, and long-term support to help people experiencing homelessness rebuild their lives.

Make your contribution today and be part of the change. Even the smallest amount can make a real difference by providing warmth, a meal, and a pathway to safety for someone who needs it the most.

Congratulations to CSSA members Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains (WSBM) who have recently expanded and extended their partnership with the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) to deliver the Families Together Program.  

This important initiative keeps children safe at home by strengthening family relationships and building long-term stability within local communities.  

“Our Families Together program reflects a shared commitment between Catholic Care WSBM and DCJ to place children’s wellbeing at the centre, while recognising the dignity and potential of every family,” said Helen Emmerson, Managing Director of Catholic Care WSBM. 

“Keeping families together safely has been our focus for the last few years, and I am pleased to expand our services to the many people who require our help. Last year alone, we supported over 510 clients across our whole Family Services – most from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds and First Nations families. 

“There is a real need in the community, which is why Families Together will provide tailored, strengths-based support, helping families address immediate concerns while also building the skills and confidence needed for long-term stability,” she said. 

Read the media release here. 

NDIS cuts a cause for concern: Catholic Social Services

Catholic Social Services Australia has expressed concern following the reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme announced by Health and NDIS Minister Mark Butler yesterday.

More than 160,000 people would be kicked off the NDIS under a government overhaul of eligibility requirements aimed at stemming the growth of the $50 billion program, ABC News reports.

Mr Butler unveiled a list of cost-saving measures designed to return the scheme to sustainable levels in a major speech to the National Press Club yesterday, three weeks before the federal budget is due to be handed down.

While acknowledging the importance of ensuring the long-term sustainability of the scheme, CSSA said the dignity, agency, and wellbeing of people with disability must remain central to all reform decisions.

Read the entire media release here.

In the coming weeks, CSSA will launch a national survey focused on the Catholic social services sector, aimed at capturing the realities, challenges, and impact of our work across Australia.

The insights gathered will help strengthen the sector’s evidence base, support advocacy efforts, and inform future funding and policy decisions - ensuring the voice of Catholic social services is clearly represented at a national level.

Whether you are a CSSA member or part of the wider Catholic network, your participation matters. Your input will help ensure this vital work is recognised, understood, and supported through strong evidence.

We look forward to your contribution.

SAVE THE DATE

1) CSSA Community of Practice – Leadership Formation

Date: 13 May 2026 (1 - 2pm)

2) Brisbane CSSA Member Evening Networking Event (alongside FRSA conference)

Join us for a relaxed evening of connection and conversation with our network after a busy day at the FRSA conference. If you will be in Brisbane and would like to join us for drinks and nibbles, please email [email protected] for further information.

Date: Tuesday 19 May 2026 6pm

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

Date: 12 - 13 August 2026

1) Chief Learning and Teaching Officer

Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Ltd (VIC)

Application close date: 18 May 2026

Apply now

2) Operations Manager

Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart (NSW)

Application close date: 14 May 2026

Apply now

3) Group Director Identity & Mission

Cabrini Australia

Application close date: 21 May 2026

Apply now

4) Project Manager

Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea

Application close date: 21 May 2026

Apply now

5) Manager Finance & Compliance

Centacare Bathurst (NSW)

Application close date: 13 May 2026

Apply now

1) 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.

2) General Practice in Aged Care Incentive

The General Practice in Aged Care Incentive (GPACI) is designed to improve access to high-quality, proactive healthcare for older people living in residential aged care homes. It supports this by incentivising general practices to provide regular visits, structured care planning, and coordinated healthcare services.

Under the initiative, primary care providers and practices registered with MyMedicare receive incentive payments to deliver ongoing, planned care to their registered patients residing permanently in aged care facilities. 

For more information or to apply, click here.

3) Inclusion Support Program Guidelines

The Inclusion Support Program (ISP) aims to strengthen the capacity and capability of eligible Child Care Subsidy (CCS) approved early childhood education and care (ECEC) services to support the inclusion of children with additional needs. It focuses on addressing barriers to participation, ensuring all children can access, engage, and achieve positive learning outcomes alongside their peers in line with Approved Learning Frameworks.

The program also supports services to meet their obligations under the National Quality Framework (NQF), including alignment with the National Quality Standard (NQS), by promoting inclusive, equitable, and high-quality practices within early learning environments. 

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!