As Marist communities across Australia celebrate Champagnat Day today, Marist180 is highlighting the importance of partnerships between families, communities and government in preserving the sacred bond of family.
Champagnat Day celebrates St Marcellin Champagnat, founder of the Marist Brothers, on the anniversary of his death 185 years ago.
The celebration comes at a pivotal moment, following the New South Wales Government’s landmark $900 million investment in keeping families together.
Marist180 welcomes this commitment as a vital step toward building a system that supports families early, respectfully, and in culturally safe ways.
“This investment signals a shared belief that families do best when we walk alongside them – not just in crisis, but in everyday life,” Peter Monaghan, CEO of Marist180, said.
“Family preservation is not about fixing people. It’s about recognising their strengths and working together to build stability and hope.”
Marist180 is one of several organisations funded by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice to deliver family preservation services. Through its Intensive Family Preservation program, Marist180 provides tailored, wraparound support to help families stay safely together and strengthen their relationships.
“Each year, we support hundreds of families across NSW through this program,” Mr Monaghan said. “We see firsthand the impact of early, respectful support, families staying together, children thriving, and communities growing stronger.”
Program manager Charlie Olerick said: “Many families tell us they’re so overwhelmed by the rising cost of living that future planning feels out of reach, they’re focused on simply getting through each day.
“Our program supports parents and carers to break things down into manageable steps. Even small changes can be powerful and when taken together, they become greater than the sum of their parts.”
Every day, families across Australia face challenges like housing insecurity, mental health pressures, and intergenerational trauma.
The services offered by Marist180 are grounded in the Marist tradition of accompaniment and compassion.
“Champagnat’s legacy reminds us that presence matters,” Mr Monaghan added. “When we show up with humility and respect, we create space for healing. Preserving the bond between parent and child is not just good policy, it’s a shared responsibility. And it’s one we’re proud to carry forward.”
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Hope in Action: Strengthening families through compassion and connection (Marist180)
