The COVID-19 vaccine has commenced its rollout across VMCH’s aged care residences. Star of the Sea Aged Care Residence, Torquay was the first of the organisation’s 12 homes to receive the vaccine.
Addressing the impact of mental ill health and its onflow effects cuts across the heart of much of the work of Catholic Social Services Victoria and our member organisations. CSSV welcomes the final report of the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System, which was tabled in Parliament by the Victorian Government on 2nd March 2021.
World Social Justice Day offers an opportunity for broader reflection. As with other events, we normally think locally about social justice. The issues on which we focus and the terms in which we discuss them are those that concern Australia: inequality, the treatment of people who seek protection, the adequacy of support for those who are unemployed, people who are elderly, suffer from mental illness, and discrimination against Indigenous Australians, for example.
Each month, the Holy Father asks for our prayers for a specific intention. For February, Pope Francis is drawing our attention and prayers to the devastating impact of family and domestic violence. We join with him in praying.
The pandemic and its effects are not over for those Australians who have become part of the new vulnerable cohort. Economic wellbeing and job security remains elusive, among other things.
Congratulations to a number of our members who have been shortlisted for the Pro Bono Australia's Impact 25 Awards, which recognise those in the social sector who go above and beyond to advocate and take action on important issues in our community.
Want to donate to a great cause, while keeping your feet warm and in fashion? Edmund Rice Camps Victoria has brought back their socks (the 2018 pairs sold out quickly!) as a way to fundraise for its important work with young people.
Congratulations to Wellsprings for Women, which has been recognised with not one, but two awards at the annual learn local awards ceremony, held virtually by Neighbourhood House Victoria at the end of last year.
Sr Brigid Arthur csb, Coordinator of Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project (BASP) has been in touch with an important update. The beginning of 2021 has been particularly challenging; 68 men were released (without warning) from detention in Melbourne with 3-6 weeks support and then no income, no housing and usually no employment.
Catholic Social Services Australia CEO Dr Ursula Stephens says the failure to retain the higher Jobseeker rate provided during the pandemic will create financial pressure on families that could last for generations.