Dear Friends,

As we journey through this first month of Spring – a season traditionally associated with renewal and change – I want to reflect on the current state of disruption in Australia, marked by what I have described as a tangible restlessness across the country.  

In times of such uncertainty, the Church and Catholic social services have a vital role to play as a steady and compassionate voice, reminding all Australians of the inherent dignity of every human person, regardless of their background or circumstance. 

This call to uphold human dignity is especially important as migration dominates the national conversation alongside cost-of-living. For many months, I have watched this debate unfold with growing concern, mindful of the potential for harm if it becomes divisive or misinformed. 

Recently, CSSA attended the National Press Club address by Minister Tony Burke, where the Government’s long-awaited migration policy was finally unveiled on 17 September. You may recall the earlier briefings suggesting a severe cut to the humanitarian intake – from 20,000 down to 13,000 people. The Prime Minister later indicated that no such changes were planned. However, the absence of any mention or questioning of the humanitarian intake during the Press Club address left me uneasy. Despite seeking clarification from the Minister’s office, we have yet to receive a response, which only adds to my concern. 

The following week, Carmel Sefian, our Director of Policy and Advocacy, and I had the privilege of attending the launch of Philip Ruddock’s new book, Nation Building: How Immigration Made Australia. The event was a powerful reminder of the vital role immigration has played in shaping our nation, a message that resonates deeply with CSSA’s commitment to a just, inclusive, and generous immigration policy.   

Continuing this theme, we also visited House of Welcome in Western Sydney.   
As an independent service within St Francis Social Services, we are enormously proud of their outstanding work in our community and acknowledge and celebrate their dedicated work supporting refugees and people seeking asylum. 
 
Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s words from the McCosker Oration resonate strongly with this mission.  

“The race, religion, or nationality of an immigrant tells us nothing. Character and contribution are what matter.” 

These words reaffirm that Australia needs a substantial, non-discriminatory migration policy with a generous humanitarian intake – one that reflects our values and recognises the immense contributions migrants make to our society.  

This season of change also brings the departure of two valued leaders within our broader Catholic social services community. Josh Lourensz, Executive Director of Catholic Social Services Victoria, will be stepping back to focus on completing a PhD centred on important sector research. Meanwhile, Debra Sayce from Catholic Social Services Western Australia is moving to Tasmania to take up the role of Executive Director of Catholic Education. Both Josh and Debra have been wonderful colleagues, and we sincerely thank them for their dedication and significant contributions to Catholic social services. We wish them every success in their future endeavours.

Farewell to Robert George and Di Swan 

Robert George

In keeping with this season of change and renewal, I want to acknowledge the upcoming departure of a valued member of our community. Robert George, who has dedicated 26 years to Centacare Central West and Orana – 17 of those years as its Director – will be stepping down at the end of the year. 

Robert will be well known and regarded by many in our network, and we extend our heartfelt thanks for his service, compassion, and dedication over the years. I have always enjoyed calling on Robert – not just because Bathurst is my hometown, but because he is a thoroughly decent human being and a wonderful and knowledgeable member of our community.  

To mark this moment – and perhaps as a cautionary tale – we share two photos of Robert: one from his early days with the organisation, and a recent one. It is a classic ‘before and after’ – though I will leave it to you to decide which is which! 

We wish Robert every best wish for the future and thank him sincerely for his invaluable contribution to our shared mission. 

Di Swan

We also farewell Di Swan, who finished her time as Executive Director of CatholicCare Social Services Toowoomba on 25 September. Di commenced her role as Executive Director jn January 2025, bringing a wealth of experience in the social services sector including previous leadership roles within Centacare Brisbane for more than 10 years.  

Di has led CatholicCare in its mission to provide to provide effective and compassionate support to the delivery of much-needed services across the region’s diverse local communities. We wish Di well as she supports CatholicCare in a consulting capacity through its transition period. 

God bless you both, Robert and Di. 

Our 2026 State of the Sector Survey – Mapping the National Footprint is beginning to build an important picture of the strength, reach and evolving operating environment of Catholic social services across Australia.

The preliminary findings show a sector that remains resilient while responding to growing demand and increasingly complex needs. While most respondents describe their current financial position as stable or strong, organisations continue to navigate rising costs and increasing pressure on services. 89% of respondents report that demand for their services has increased over the past five years, with the same proportion reporting greater complexity in client needs.

The workforce picture is similarly mixed. Encouragingly, 75% of respondents rate staff morale as good or excellent. At the same time, organisations continue to face challenges recruiting qualified staff, managing increasing workforce demands and responding to burnout and stress.

These findings are preliminary, and we need more organisations to contribute to ensure the final picture reflects the breadth and diversity of our sector.

If your organisation has not yet completed the survey, I strongly encourage you to participate. Every response strengthens the national evidence base we can take into our advocacy and conversations with government and other decision-makers — helping CSSA more effectively represent the realities, priorities and contribution of Catholic social service organisations across Australia.

Latest DSS Community Sector Advisory Group (CSAG) update

Please also refer to the latest CSSA CSAG Member Update Release 5.0 – 28 September 2026 for detailed updates. Access here

Quarterly CSAG Meeting - 22 September 2026

• There is a large volume of work progressing within CSAG of direct relevance to our DSS-funded member organisations including updates on the Children and Family Support (CaFS) Program, ACCO Transitions and Outcomes Contracting.  

• The next CSSA CSAG debriefing session is scheduled for 12 noon on Friday, 2 October 2026. You can join the meeting via this Teams link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/415197970175051?p=3Jpb72SG9QKtQNZ9ih 

NEW - Register your interest for CSSA Member Outcomes and Impact Measurement Working Group! ‘Making a Difference – and Knowing It! 

• Outcomes measurement and impact more important than ever in the social services sector. CSSA members have extensive knowledge and ideas to share on how outcomes measurement can help us understand, demonstrate and strengthen the difference our services make in people’s lives. Let’s bring our voices together to share and promote our commitment to outcomes and impact  and mission! More information is available here.  

• Please register your interest by Friday, 6 October 2026 for a proposed first Working Group catch-up on 23 October 2026. 

NEW - CSSA/UWA Program of Work - Achieving Real Value for Money in Community Services: An Engagement Program for Mutual Benefit 

• CSSA and the UWA Centre for Public Value are seeking to progress a Program of Work through CSAG building on our 2025 ‘Real Costs, Real Impacts’.

• The Program of Work aims to build on wider reform momentum to promote real value for money with government and the broader sector in understanding sustainable costing and pricing for the delivery of social services. 

• CSSA will progress this work through the CSAG Working Group from late 2026. Read the PoW proposal here. 

Recent Submissions, Inquires and Consultations

• Read CSSA’s submission on the Second Action Plan (the Plan) under Australia’s National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032 (the National Plan) here. 

• Read CSSA’ media release on the final report of the Senate’s Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee Final Report on Australia’s Youth Justice and Incarceration System, released on 18 September 2026. CSSA joins calls for raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 14 years and ensuring human dignity is at the heart of youth justice. 

• Read CSSA’s submission on the Safe and Supported Second Action Plans targeted consultation under Safe and Supported: The National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2021-2031 here. 

Special November 2026 Community of Practice on Child Poverty Measurement with Prof. Sharon Bessell 

Save the date in your calendar on Wednesday, 18 November 2026 from 1-2pm (AEST) for a special Community of Practice with Prof. Sharon Bessell, Director of the Children’s Policy Centre at the Australian National University (ANU). Sharon is recognised internationally as a leader in rights-based, child-centred research methodologies. Sharon will present on her work developing The Community Jigsaw, a child-centred framework for strong, supportive, child-inclusive communities that supports understanding of how children experience poverty differently to adults. 

Tracking Key Issues and Opportunities

CSSA is tracking the following priority areas:

• Senate Economics References Committee Inquiry on Social Housing. Submissions closed on 24 September 2026.  

• Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion – The Royal Commission has requested until 18 December 2026 to release its final report. 

• Inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – the Committee is due to report on 15 September 2026. 

• Australia’s Offshore processing and resettlement arrangements – Review of the final Report released on 2 July 2026. 

• Recommendations arising from the final report released in March 2026 on the Senate Inquiry on the Quality and safety of Australia's early childhood education and care system. 

• State of Australia's early childhood education and care system in rural, regional and remote communities – Submissions close on 29 September 2026. 
• Productivity Commission Housing Supply Housing Regulation. Review of Interim Report, released on 27 July 2026.

What are other consultations, inquiries or issues that are important to your work that CSSA should be tracking? Please contact [email protected] for your suggestions. 

Image 1 - Former NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian with CSSA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Jerry Nockles 

Image 2 - Attorney and former Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs of Australia, Phillip Ruddock with CSSA Director of Policy and Advocacy, Carmel Sefian and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Jerry Nockles 

CSSA at the Launch of Nation Building: How Immigration Made Australia

Carmel Sefian and I were pleased to attend the recent launch of Philip Ruddock and Anthony Brewster’s new book, Nation Building: How Immigration Made Australia, in Parramatta.

Hosted by Tom Switzer and launched by former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, the event brought together a range of perspectives on Australia’s migration journey and the contribution of multiculturalism to our national story.

For CSSA, these conversations connect closely with our commitment to human dignity, inclusion and the common good. We recognise the important role of a substantial, non-discriminatory immigration program, including a strong humanitarian intake, alongside the support that enables people to participate fully in Australian community life.

As former Prime Minister John Howard observes in the book, “Few areas of public policy have done more to shape modern Australia than immigration.”

Image - CSSA Director of Policy and Advocacy, Carmel Sefian with House of Welcome Client Services Manager Ruth Lesmana

CSSA Visits House of Welcome in Western Sydney

During our time in Western Sydney, Carmel Sefian and I had the opportunity to visit CSSA member House of Welcome in Granville and see firsthand the important work they undertake alongside refugees and people seeking asylum.

We thank Client Services Manager Ruth Lesmana for generously showing us around and sharing insights into House of Welcome’s 25 years of service. Through transitional housing, trauma-informed casework, employment pathways, advocacy and emergency assistance, House of Welcome works to strengthen rights, access and opportunities for people seeking safety and a new beginning.

As an independent service within St Francis Social Services, House of Welcome is making a meaningful difference in the lives of people and families. We are proud to have them as part of the CSSA member network and deeply value the work they continue to do in their community.

Minister for Home Affairs, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Minister for Cyber Security, Minister for the Arts, Leader of the House of Representatives and the Federal Member for Watson, Hon Tony Burke MP

National Press Club Address on "The Work of managing the migration program: Who arrives, who stays, who leaves"

CSSA recently attended the National Press Club address where Minister Tony Burke presented the Government’s long-awaited migration policy. Despite earlier indications that the humanitarian intake would remain at 20,000, the Minister was silent on the matter during his address. We sought clarification from the Minister’s office but, regrettably, have not yet received a response. CSSA continues to support a substantial, non-discriminatory migration program with a generous humanitarian intake.

More broadly, the migration debate must be conducted with transparency, integrity, and leadership that reflects our Australian character – one defined by justice, respect, and inclusion.

We call on all political leaders to engage in this debate in good faith, with policies that are evidence-based, transparent, and uphold the common good. Fear and political expediency have no place in shaping migration policy that not only affects the lives of so many, but provides a visible, measurable demonstration of our value and worth as a people.

The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Social Services and the Federal Member for Sydney

National Child Protection Week 2026: Keeping Children’s Voices at the Centre

This National Child Protection Week, CSSA was proud to stand alongside NAPCAN in supporting conversations that place the safety, wellbeing and voices of children and young people at the heart of our collective efforts.

A particular focus was on how we can work together to create safer online futures for children and young people, while recognising the importance of listening to their experiences and perspectives. CSSA supports approaches that give children and young people a meaningful voice and ensure their experiences help shape the decisions and systems designed to protect and support them.

With Tony Pietropiccolo from Centacare WA and Suzanne Greenwood, CEO of Families Australia

End Child Poverty campaign

CSSA proudly supports the End Child Poverty campaign, working alongside our friends Tony Pietropiccolo from Centacare WA, Sarah Quinton from the Valuing Children Initiative (VCI), and Professor Sharon Bessell from the Australian National University.

Sharon’s important research on child poverty is soon to be published in her upcoming book, which we encourage you to explore here. 

We were happy to join with the campaign recently bringing the voices of young people and youth workers from South Hedland to Canberra, so that our politicians can hear first-hand about the realities of poverty affecting children in their communities.

Port Hedland is often seen as one of Australia’s wealthiest regional centres, buoyed by mining and strong economic output. Yet beneath the surface, significant pockets of disadvantage persist - housing stress, high living costs, food insecurity, and geographic isolation all impact local children and families, especially those on low or fixed incomes. Through the Youth Involvement Council, children shared with us their experiences of hunger, homelessness, and exclusion from school - challenges that are deeply rooted in poverty. This campaign amplifies their voices to advocate for meaningful change and greater support for vulnerable children across Australia.

Helen Emmerson, Executive Director of CSSA member Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, has been recognised as a finalist in the Western Sydney Woman in Leadership category at the 2026 Western Sydney Women Awards.

This recognition reflects Helen’s purposeful and compassionate leadership and her ongoing commitment to strengthening the lives of individuals, families and communities across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.

On behalf of CSSA, I congratulate Helen on this well-deserved recognition and wish her every success at the Western Sydney Women Awards & Summit in November.

Congratulations to CSSA member CatholicCare Diocese of Wollongong on receiving the 2026 Outstanding Community Organisation Award at the Illawarra Business Awards.

This recognition celebrates the dedication and commitment of the CatholicCare team and the important work they undertake every day to support individuals, families and communities.

On behalf of CSSA, I congratulate the entire CatholicCare Diocese of Wollongong team on this wonderful achievement. It is always encouraging to see the work of our members recognised and celebrated in the communities they serve.

Inflation, not interest rates, is hitting Australia’s most vulnerable the hardest, Church body says

EVEN as the Reserve Bank of Australia raised interest rates to a 15-year high yesterday, inflation remained the “crushing weight” on Australia’s most vulnerable, the Church’s peak social services body said.

Catholic Social Services Australia chief executive officer Dr Jerry Nockles said inflation was not just a number on a page, it was eroding people’s purchasing power and forcing them to choose between essentials like food, electricity and rent.

“While rising interest rates make mortgage repayments harder, it is inflation that is the daily, grinding burden for so many families,” Dr Nockles said.

Image credit – RapidEye from Getty Images Signature

Read the entire media release here.

Driving down inflation is key to easing household pressure: CSSA

Catholic Social Services Australia acknowledged the Reserve Bank’s decision yesterday to lift the cash rate, recognising the financial strain this places on many Australians, particularly mortgage holders. 

The Reserve Bank yesterday lifted interest rates to their highest level in 15 years. It has increased rates by 0.25 percentage points, which lifts the cash rate target to 4.6 per cent, up from 4.35 per cent.

However, CSSA chief executive Jerry Nockles stressed that inflation remained the “cruel and relentless crushing weight bearing down on disadvantaged households every single day”.

“While rising interest rates make mortgage repayments harder, it is inflation that is the daily, grinding burden for so many families,” Dr Nockles said.

“Inflation is not just a number on a page – it is the relentless erosion of purchasing power that hits the most vulnerable hardest, forcing choices between essentials like food, electricity, and rent. This crushing weight is felt unevenly across our community, deepening existing inequities.”

Image credit – The Reserve Bank raised interest rates to their highest level since 2011 (Wikipedia/Danausi)

Read the entire media release here.

CSSA joins call to raise minimum age of criminal responsibility to 14 years

Catholic Social Services Australia has written to Australia’s attorneys-general, urging immediate action on the recommendations of a recent inquiry’s final report into Australia’s youth justice and incarceration system.

The letter, signed by CSSA chief executive Jerry Nockles, expresses strong support for the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee inquiry’s call to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 14 years across all jurisdictions and to implement enforceable national minimum standards to protect vulnerable children and young people.

“Justice is not simply about punishment; it is about peace and restoring human dignity,” Dr Nockles said. “As Pope Leo XIV reminds us, ‘We must rise from every fall; no human being is ever truly justified by what they have done, and justice is always a process of reparation and reconciliation."

Image credit - Anurakpong from Getty Images

Read the entire media release here.

Supporting refugees, seniors, families in crisis is ‘the Church in action’

As Australians search for answers amid growing social division, political unrest and financial hardship, it is critical that the Church speaks into the public square, says Catholic Social Services Australia chief executive Jerry Nockles. Source: The Catholic Leader.

“It’s a really important moment in the country’s history,” Dr Nockles said. “People are looking for something … different in the political space. I think part of the answer of what they’re looking for is the eternal truths that we’ve always spoken to as a Church.

“Catholic social teaching gives us the courage to be consistent.”

As CSSA marks its 70th anniversary this year, Mr Nockles said the focus was on the future, to ensure its national network of Catholic social service organisations were equipped to serve and advocate for those most in need.

Image credit - Joeravi from Getty Images

Read the entire media release here.

This is the Church in action’ – Catholic values at the heart of Australia’s social services

A MOTHER living in a car with her children, a person battling health issues unable to access support and a family struggling to make ends meet.

As Australians search for answers amid growing social division, political unrest and financial hardship, it is critical that the Church speaks into the public square, Catholic Social Services Australia chief executive Jerry Nockles says.

“It’s a really important moment in the country’s history,” he said.

Restlessness in the nation was manifesting in several ways.

“People are looking for something … different in the political space. I think part of the answer of what they’re looking for is the eternal truths that we’ve always spoken to as a Church,” he said.

“Catholic social teaching gives us the courage to be consistent.”

Image credit – Faruk Tokluoglu from diversifylens

Read the entire media release here.

SAVE THE DATE

1) CSSA October Community of Practice

Date: 21st October 2026 (1 - 2 pm)

2) CSSA Agency Heads 

Date: 30th October 2026 

3) Upcoming CSSA member engagement:

• October 2026 - Queensland: Cairns, Townsville and Rockhampton Dioceses
• November 2026 - Northern Territory: Darwin Diocese
• December 2026 – Central New South Wales: Bathurst and Armidale Dioceses

1) Education Officer – Formation for Mission – Newcastle (NSW)

Catholic Schools Office Maitland-Newcastle

Application close date: 5 October 2026

Apply now

2) Assistant Principal: Religious Education (QLD)

MacKillop Catholic Primary School, Mackay

Application close date: 4 October 2026

Apply now

3) Principal: Primary School (VIC)

MacKillop College, Wyndham Vale Campus

Application close date: 12 October 2026

Apply now

4) Deputy Principal (NT)

Catholic Education NT

Application close date: 6 October 2026

Apply now

5) Assistant Principal Religious Education (APRE) / Religious Education Coordinator (REC)

Application close date: 6 October 2026

Apply now

6) Deputy Principal (Primary) (QLD)

St Catherine’s Catholic College – The Whitsundays QLD

Application close date: 16 October 2026

Apply now

7) Assistant Principal: Religious Education

Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School, Longreach (QLD)

Application close date: 12 October 2026

Apply now

8) Community Services Coordinator

Sisters of Charity of Australia (NSW)

Application close date: 9 October 2026

Apply now

9) Company Secretary (VIC)

Mercy Education Limited

Application close date: 9 October 2026

Apply now

10) Director

Centacare, Bathurst NSW

Application close date: 12 October 2026

Apply now

1) 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.

2) 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.

3) Aged Care Award Wages - Historical Leave Liabilities Increases

The Australian Government is providing $12.033 million in one-off funding for 2026–27 to help eligible aged care providers meet increased leave entitlement costs for registered and enrolled nurses, following the Fair Work Commission’s Aged Care Work Value Case (ACWVC) wage increases effective 1 August 2026.

The grant specifically covers the additional cost associated with nurses taking accumulated leave at the new, higher wage rates. Eligible providers must deliver Commonwealth-funded aged care through Residential Aged Care, Support at Home, CHSP, Transition Care, and/or NATSIFACP.

For more information or to apply, click here.

4) Indigenous Australians Health Programme (IAHP): Emergency and Service Continuity Support for IAHP Funded Organisations

This grant provides $20 million in emergency, one-off or time-limited funding to organisations currently funded under the Indigenous Australians’ Health Programme (IAHP) that are experiencing urgent, unforeseen or emergency circumstances beyond their existing financial capacity.

Funding is designed to ensure the continuity of culturally appropriate primary health care services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It may support emergency equipment purchases or repairs, temporary infrastructure, responses to urgent physical, social or emotional health needs, and recovery from natural disasters or other incidents.

The grant is by invitation only. Eligible organisations must be currently IAHP-funded and formally invited by the Department of Health and Aged Care to apply.

For more information or to apply, click here.

As we approach the end of another financial year, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all our member organisations for their continued support and partnership. Your commitment to our shared mission empowers CSSA to advocate for a more just, compassionate, and inclusive society.

Throughout the past year, we have worked together to strengthen the voice of the Catholic social services sector and support those experiencing disadvantage. The impact we have made is a testament to the dedication, generosity, and trust of members like you.

As we enter a new financial year, we warmly invite you to renew your membership and remain part of a community united by service, advocacy, and a commitment to the common good. Thank you for walking alongside us. We are deeply grateful for your partnership and look forward to continuing this journey together.

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!