Michael Austin (CatholicCare Diocese of Wollongong) and Jerry Nockles (Catholic Social Services Australia) (Supplied)
Catholic social service providers from across southeast New South Wales, Canberra, and Victoria met in Melbourne last week, strengthening connections across the sector. Source: CSSA.
The two-day meeting developed from ongoing conversations among members of the Catholic Social Services Australia network, reflecting a shared commitment to collaboration and mutual learning.
CSSA CEO Jerry Nockles reflected on the significance of this peer-level leadership exchange.
“Across Australia, Catholic social service providers represent centres of excellence, delivering high-quality, compassionate care to vulnerable communities,” Dr Nockles said.
“This gathering provided a valuable opportunity to meet shared challenges together, learn from each other’s experiences, and strengthen our collective impact.
“Disadvantage and need don’t recognise state borders, and this spirit of mutual learning enriches our capacity to serve with justice and compassion.”
CatholicCare Victoria chief executive Agnes Sheehan hosted the gathering.
“By sharing practical insights on integrated service models, workforce sustainability, funding reform and advocacy, we deepened our collective understanding of the challenges facing our communities and the opportunities before us,” Ms Sheehan said.
“Most importantly, we reaffirmed our shared mission to walk alongside people experiencing vulnerability, and to advocate with courage, compassion and unity for a fairer and more inclusive Australia.”
The gathering included in-depth discussions on integrated service models, workforce development, funding reform and strategic national advocacy.
These conversations strengthen the national network of Catholic social service providers and prepare them to collectively respond to emerging challenges.
Dr Nockles also noted the timing of the event as particularly important.
“As we prepare for critical state elections in Victoria and New South Wales, this gathering was invaluable. As a strictly non-partisan peak body, CSSA and its members will be an important voice in these elections, where the dynamic of the Australian body politic is in a significant state of flux and disruption,” Dr Nockles said.
“Our commitment remains to advocate for policies that uphold human dignity and the common good, regardless of political shifts.”
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