The 2024 Palms Solidarity Awards saw Catholic and inter-cultural community groups celebrate the individuals and organisations working towards reducing global poverty. Source: Palms Australia.
The annual event was hosted by Palms Australia, an international development organisation inspired by Catholic Social Teaching that has been sending participants on global mission since 1961, offering Australians an opportunity to mentor in overseas communities to provide valuable skill exchange.
Palms’ relationship with the Pacific was celebrated with an address by Emelda Davis, Australian South Sea Islanders – Port Jackson chairwoman, who spoke about the history and experiences of the Australian South Sea Islander community.
There was also a performance from the Solidarity Choir who had just returned from a tour in Timor-Leste during Pope Francis’ visit and sang songs from Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea.
Luke Tobin, mission formation educator at Catholic Mission, took home the Cyril Hally Award for his Catholic Social Teaching sessions at the Palms’ Orientation Course.
David Tutty, executive officer for Toowoomba Diocese’s Social Justice Commission won the Community Engagement Award for engaging community groups in support of just and sustainable development.
Sr Annette Parker OLSH was joined by Sr Merrilyn Lee, who collected the Sustainable Relationships Award on behalf of Holy Family Care Centre in Limpopo, South Africa.
The centre provides support for disadvantaged and sick children in the Limpopo province. It also includes residential facilities and treatment for up to 75 orphaned babies and children, including those undergoing treatment for HIV/AIDS and TB.
Earlier this year, Palms Australia said goodbye to its long-standing executive director, Roger O’Halloran, who was awarded the Roy Boylan Award for his commitment to Palms.
The role of executive director has now been handed to Soraya Kassim.
“Since joining Palms as its new Executive Director, I have been struck by the unique strength that Palms has, to offer the opportunity for genuine encounter demanded by faith,” Ms Kassim said.
“The Solidarity Awards luncheon was a fantastic opportunity to meet more of the Palms family, as they all have inspirational stories to tell.”
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Celebrating the Catholic legacy in mission (Palms Australia)
