Download 2015 Annual Report

The joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the people of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted, these are the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the followers of Christ.

The Church in the Modern World #1

a nrenpuoarlt 2015

383 Albert Street, East Melbourne Vic 3002. PO Box 146 East Melbourne 8002 Telephone: 03 9287 5566 Email: [email protected] Website: www.css.org.au ABN: 23 709 016 343 CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES VICTORIA annual report acknowledgements

In carrying out its mission, Catholic Social Jan Hayes Anne Leyland Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen OFMConv Contents Services Victoria relies on the input of many Janet Cribbes Bernadette Steele Episcopal Vicar for Social Services people and organisations, as mentioned in Jenny Glare Bernie Cronin the various parts of this annual report. Rev Jim Curtain Patrice Scales Episcopal Vicar’s Report 3 Bernie Geary OAM Joan Donoghue Brenda Hubber Chair of Council Special mention has been made of our Joce Bignold Chair of Council’s Report 4-6 Sr Brigid Arthur csb member organisations, people from within Jose Quiroga Staff (at 31 December 2015) these bodies, the Bishops of Victoria and Julie Boffa David Schutz Executive Director’s Report 7-9 Fr Bruce Duncan CSsR Denis Fitzgerald others working with the Dioceses and other Julie Morgan Executive Director parts of the Church, and the members Julie Owens Fr Samir Haddad 2015 Activities Report` 10-15 of our Council and its Committees. Kairos Catholic Journal Professor Gabrielle McMullen Lucia Brick Financial contributions from our member Fr Kevin Mogg Gerard Jones Executive Assistant Finance Report 16 organisations, the Dioceses of Victoria and Kris Johnstone Monsignor Greg Bennet Helen Burt Catholic Social Services Australia have also Lansdowne Cafe Jenny Glare Senior Policy Advisor Council, Committees & 17-18 been highlighted. Laurie Findlay Hon Jenny Mikakos MP Lorraine Berends Peter Hudson Membership Jacqui Remond In this section, we also acknowledge with MacKillop Family Services Network & Member Support Co-ordinator Fr Joe Caddy Acknowledgements thanks the sponsorship, material support, Margaret Gearon Sophia Erikson and other special assistance, received from Margaret Nutbeam Kate Colvin Administrative Assistant the following: Marilyn Webster Libby Saunders Bishop Mark Edwards Sr Margaret Claver FCJ Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre Mark Northeast Mission of Catholic Social Services Victoria: Adrian Foley Sr Mary O’Shannassy sgs Melissa Brickell Alison Mann Matthew Etty-leal To assist the Catholic Church in Victoria to fulfil the gospel imperatives to: Micaela Cronin Anne Tuohey Michael Liddy Fr Max Vodola (a) Stand with and serve the poor, disadvantaged and marginalised; and Monsignor Anthony Ireland Michael Yore Fr Michael Casey (b) Work for a just, equitable and compassionate society. Antony McMullen Michelle Date Archbishop’s Office for Evangelisation Dr Nasir Butrous Br Michael Herry FMS Asylum Seekers Resource Centre Neil Cooper Fr Noel Connelly SSC Objectives: Australian Catholic University Dr Paul Taylor Patricia Faulkner AO Catholic Social Services Victoria is auspiced by the Archbishop and Bishops, and its member Belinda Cowie Rejoice Yigak Paul Carr organisations to act as a peak body for Catholic community service works in Victoria by: Bernadette Steele Roberto Guatemala Patrick Lawrence • Discerning and promoting within the Church and its agencies and ministries a contemporary Brenda Hubber Professor Ruth Webber Peter Charles vision and focus of the Church’s social mission Catholic Church Insurances Ltd Sally Parnell Peter Collery Catholic Communications Melbourne Sherry Balcombe Phil Glendenning • Representing its members and the Church in responding to social welfare issues so as to Catholic Development Fund, Archdiocese Sophia Erickson Phillip Steele bring about social change in accordance with Catholic Social Teaching of Melbourne St Ambrose Parish, Brunswick Ray Johnson • Resourcing the Bishops, Religious Institutes, Church agencies, ministries and other Church- Catholic Education Office, Melbourne Susan Sullivan Robyn McKay based groups with regard to their social welfare pastoral responsibilities and ministries Catholic Health Australia Tanya Corrie Catholic Social Services Australia Thomas Carr Centre Staff Fr Steve Curtain sj • Encouraging collaboration in the promotion of opportunities for service delivery and Catholic Super Tiffany Orbien Sandie Cornish mission development Che Stockley Tomasa Morales Tony Hollamby • Giving effective voice to the experiences and struggles of people who are disadvantaged and Christine Lai Vin Martin Vicki Clark marginalised through researching, publishing and speaking on issues of justice and equity. Cynthia Viti Pastoral Projects Office Bishop Vincent Long Evangelia Kladou Facilities & Reception staff The following members and friends The following sponsors have once again 383 Albert Street at Cardinal Knox Centre who gave presentations of various sorts been a generous and valuable support East Melbourne Vic 3002 Fr Greg Bourke during the year are also thanked and PO Box 146 East Melbourne 8002 Greg Pullen acknowledged: to the ministry of Catholic Social Telephone: 03 9287 5566 Jacinta Hyland Anne Kirwan Services Victoria Fax: 03 9287 5567 Email: [email protected] Website: www.css.org.au The following sponsors provided generous and valuable support to the ministry of Catholic Social Services Victoria

ABN: 23 709 016 343

Design and print production by Communications Office, Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne 2 CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2015 episcopal vicar’s report

Dear Friends, This year has been believe that no one is ever beyond hope. God We are a society proclaimed by Pope does not give up on people, even if they give Francis as the Jubilee up on themselves. After all, we are not called which has of Mercy. By doing to have all the answers, understand all life’s forgotten how so, he wants it to be mysteries, or fix everyone’s problems. But we a special time for the are called to love especially the least of our to weep, how Church to contemplate brothers and sisters, to assuage their wounds, to experience the mystery of mercy to heal their hurt and brokenness. compassion – and become a more effective sign of God’s In this Jubilee of Mercy, let us reflect on and ‘suffering with’ action in the world. live out how we can best be the Church of the poor and for the poor; how we can others: the The Church, he be an oasis for the unchurched and the globalisation of maintains, is not a museum for saints disenchanted; how we can facilitate an indifference has but a hospital which heals the wounded, encounter with Christ’s radical equality, strengthens the weak and lifts up the lowly. inclusiveness and justice for the marginalized, taken from us the Its credibility is at stake when it lacks merciful wounded and victimized. Let us also reflect on ability to weep! and compassionate love for those who are and live out how we can be a more repentant, on the periphery or when it is removed and humble, listening and learning Church, the Pope Francis disengaged with the lived reality. Church that does not prefer status quo but at Lampedusa leads people in the direction of the kingdom, As Catholics and even more so as Catholic the Church that points humanity to fuller life, Social Service providers, we are called to be inclusion and justice. instruments of mercy, which means that we have to open our hearts to those living on the Bishop Vincent Long OFMConv., outmost fringes of society. We are called to Episcopal Vicar for Justice & Social Service

CSSV Commissioning L to R: Deacon Jim Curtain, Fr Tony Kerin, Fr Maurizio Pettena, Fr Joe Caddy, Bishop Vincent Long, Bishop Mark Edwards 3 chair of council’s report

“Mission is at once It would be very simple to look back on 2015 hope resonated with me very much. “It’s and see it only as another year of challenges best to not confuse optimism with hope,” a passion for Jesus and change for members of Catholic Social Francis is quoted as saying. “Optimism is a and a passion for Services Victoria. And indeed there have psychological attitude toward life. Hope goes been very difficult times as many face funding further. It is an anchor that one hurls toward his people.” uncertainties, increased demand for services, the future, it’s what lets you pull on the line and shortfalls in financial budgets, and the constant reach what you’re aiming for and head in ‘the Pope Francis need to re-configure the meaning of ‘mission’ right direction.’ Hope is also theological: in an increasingly secularized world. God is there, too.”

Even in our not for profit sector, we still find Governance ourselves competing - for resources, for recognition of the complexity of the work, for Four priority areas guided our 2015 work acknowledgement that bigger is not always plan – the second year of CSSV’s three year better and that a local response is often better strategic plan. These priority areas - identity than a national solution. Uncertainty is never and shared commitment; the changing social easy, but at the very least change forces us to services environment; better outcomes for the disadvantaged and vulnerable, and our examine, re-examine and reflect on our shared response to the issue of sexual abuse – set mission of service for the disadvantaged. a taxing and challenging year of work for Boards, management and staff can feel proud Council, Committees and the Secretariat. that they have responded with such courage and intelligence in their mission-based work. Later in this report you will read a detailed review of the many activities and projects that In all this uncertainty, we must never forget that were completed during 2015. Of these, there we are ‘a people of hope’. As I come to the were many achievements, but I feel it worthy end of a four-year term as Chair of Council, I to mention the workshops on Catholic Social see beyond these challenges, to what I believe Teaching and the professional development is a future of great hope for our Catholic social program on Leadership for Mission that were service organisations. so well received during the year. There is a real In saying this, I look to Pope Francis who appetite to understand mission and what it has captured the hearts and minds of so means for our work. many people in the world. His quote about Council also undertook a review of our Constitution to ensure it is in line with contemporary governance practice. Much of the work was of a formatting and expression nature, but Council has recommended a number of changes to put to members at the annual general meeting. These include a change in the term of Chair from one to two years, changes to the process of nomination for Life Membership, and a reduction in Council meetings from eight to six times per year.

Acknowledgements

Needless to say, the work done by CSSV can only be done with the co-operation, assistance and support of many people

4 CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2015 report

and organisations. I express my most Catholic Social Services Victoria is most Disregard for the sincere thanks to members of our Council, grateful to the Archdiocese of Melbourne and committees, and special interest groups. The Dioceses of Ballarat, Sandhurst and Sale for duty to cultivate wisdom, capabilities, sound commonsense financial support. Archbishop Denis Hart, and maintain a and dedication of all these people gives us the Bishop Paul Bird, Bishop Les Tomlinson are hope that the Catholic Church so much needs wholeheartedly supportive of the work of proper relationship at this time in its history. CSSV and I thank them most sincerely. Denis with my neighbour, and I were pleased to also meet with the new Two new members of Council - Cathy Bishop of Sale, Bishop Pat O’Regan, ordained for whose care Humphrey, CEO of Sacred Heart Mission, as the ninth Bishop of Sale in February 2015 and custody I am and John Blewonski, CEO of VincentCare and to share discussions with him about the responsible, ruins - joined us and lifted our sights. I want to needs of the disadvantaged in the Sale area. acknowledge too the commitment of Tony my relationship Hollamby who resigned as a Council member Thank you, too, to our colleagues at Catholic with my own self, in December after nearly five years, and to Social Services Australia under the guidance of Gerard Jones who retires after two terms Executive Director, Marcelle Mogg and Chair, with others, with on Council. Professor Maria Harries for their willingness God and with to support our shared endeavours. As I As Episcopal Vicar for Social Services, write this report, planning is in full swing for the earth. Bishop Vincent Long has taken this journey our shared 2016 Conference on Mission: with us during 2015. With his many other Review, Reimagine, Renew: Mission making Pope Francis responsibilities, Bishop Vincent has been there a difference in a changing world. It is this Laudato Si #70 whenever we need his advice and guidance. spirit of shared co-operation on issues and I am indebted to him for supporting us topics that affect us that makes our working throughout the year. relationship together so productive and valued.

Continued on page 6

2015 AGM MacKillop Family Services Front Row: Helen Burt, Sr Toni Matha AM ibvm, Tony Hollamby

Continued on page 6 5 chair of council’s report

Continued from page 5

Love, overflowing At our Annual Dinner in September 2015, doggedly respond to the challenges of guiding, Vicki Clark was awarded Life Membership of managing and working at the grass roots with small gestures Catholic Social Services Victoria. Vicki was level to make a difference to people’s lives. of mutual care, formerly Coordinator of Aboriginal Catholic That has often meant making hard decisions Ministry retiring after 25 years of service Vicki about service provision, amalgamations is also civic and joins our other Life Members, Fr Kevin Mogg or mergers, funding, strategic direction or, political, and it AM, Sr Toni Matha AM and Mr Bernie Geary most difficult, having to cut services, but makes itself felt in OAM. We are indeed proud to have each of courageous thinking, decision-making and them as our Life Members. They have set high implementation has been the way by which every action that standards for those of us who follow and we member organisations have responded to seeks to build a are indebted for their continued friendship, challenges. And as Pope Francis reminds us: wisdom and guidance. “God is there too”. better world. Secretariat In conclusion, I take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me in the last Pope Francis Laudato Si #231 Denis Fitzgerald has for another year brought four years as Chair of Council. It has been to the role of Executive Director, his broad- an honour and a privilege, and my eyes have ranging skills and tireless efforts. Peter been opened more widely to the needs of our Hudson, Helen Burt and Lucia Brick are community and the work of Catholic social very much the stalwarts that keep the ‘ship service organisations. afloat’ and I am so indebted to them for their commitment to the objectives of CSSV. So, go with great hope: “hurl the anchor Each brings energy, competence, skills and towards the future, feel the pull on the line, and experience to their various roles. Assistance reach what you’re aiming for”. Remember, from Sophia Erickson and Michael Yore has too, that when we all pull on the line together, been invaluable. On behalf of us all, thank you the greater our power. Denis, Peter, Helen and Lucia, Sophia As you continue your work on behalf of the and Michael. poor, disadvantaged and marginalized in our community, I wish you all great blessings for So, what is the anchor that we hurl into the the future. future that Pope Francis speaks about? During 2015, I think the “anchor” of hope is the Patrice Scales leadership that I have witnessed at all levels of our member organisations. The people who so Chair of Council

Patrice Scales, CSSV Chair, addresses the 2015 Annual Dinner

6 CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2015 executive director’s report report

The Gospel call to love of neighbour is a call We have to to each person, but also to all parts of the Church, at all levels. realise that a true ecological approach In response to this call, Catholic Social Services Victoria works with its members always becomes and many other parts of the Church and a social approach; community to stand with and serve those who are poor, disadvantaged and marginalised; it must integrate and to work for a just, equitable and questions of justice compassionate society. in debates on the Our member organisations advance these environment, so as Gospel imperatives in their day-to-day work, Hon Jenny Mikakos, Minister for Families and and in their witness and advocacy. It is a Children with Denis Fitzgerald to hear both the cry continuing privilege to work with those who of the earth and the constitute these organisations, to extend their the Catholic Church; and many from the cry of the poor. impact through shared engagement community sector and Government are also and endeavour. key parts of our endeavours. Pope Francis We are indebted to so many people Laudato Si #49 All remain in our prayers, and deserve more and organisations. thanks than we can give. Our members are listed in this Report, as We operate in a world that needs God’s love are the members of our Council and its and mercy, and Pope Francis has reflected on Committees. All of them deserve recognition, how he sees the Church respond to this need: and, in a special category, are Patrice Scales, “I prefer a church which is bruised, hurting and who in March 2016 will have completed four dirty because it has been out on the streets, years as Chair of Council at Catholic Social Services Victoria; Bishop Vincent Long, rather than a church which is unhealthy from Episcopal Vicar for Justice and Social Service; being confined and from clinging to its staff members Peter Hudson, Lucia Brick and own security.” Helen Burt; and Adrian Foley, coordinator of Our members are out on the streets, reaching our Asylum Seeker Parish Support Program. out to every form of human need, ultilising There are many others whose support skilled and dedicated staff who work beyond has been critical. A list later in this report the formal lines of their employment; drawing identifies those who spoke at functions, on thousands of volunteers, who underpin so who contributed as donors, organisers, as many programs; and welcoming support from members of our various working groups, and many donors. as volunteers with projects and with general support. Scarcity of resources is a daily reality in many of our services; and although there is much Beyond our immediate environment, we are goodwill across the political spectrum, much indebted to the Bishops of Victoria and the policy reform is hostage to a budget system people in the many parts of the Church that that finds it easier to invest in transport and we work with - health services, education other physical infrastructure than it does in the authorities, Catholic Social Services Australia foundations of human flourishing. and their members across the country; other Church mission-focused and support services. This Annual Report notes our main activities Many agencies and individuals beyond for the year. To highlight just a few items:

Continued on page 8 7 executive director’s report

Continued from page 7

An asylum seeker Our work in policy and advocacy included Commissioning Mass and AGM, breakfast submissions to enquiries etc on a number forums, and workshops around particular is a kneeling of issues: Victorian budget; young people topics. We were honoured that Vicki Clark person; kneeling in in residential aged care; end of life issues; accepted Life Membership at our 2015 Annual family violence; responses to sexual abuse; Dinner. Our work in 2015 with Churches from front of the ship to and transition from prison. This built on our the Middle East, and with Catholic health ask for a reduced dialogue with members and with Government. providers mark further extensions of the Catholic social services network. escape price; Many of these themes are ongoing areas of kneeling in front involvement. In addition, policy areas that Our Catholic Ethos and Identity focus impact broadly on our sector – including continued to deepen during the year, as it built of the aid agency competition policy and equal opportunity on our existing program. asking to be saved. legislation – remain in focus. In the cases of family violence and sexual abuse, working Our engagement with parishes and support parties extended our engagement within for their outreach to those in need extended Najeeba the Church. to the re-introduction of a Social Services Social Justice Statement Sunday in the Archdiocese of Melbourne, and 2015 – 2016 Our work to build our network of support a further two well-attended forums for parishes and shared endeavour continued to take and agencies on support for asylum seekers. many forms, including our annual dinner, our Planning for 2016 would build further on this.

Peter Hudson, CSSV presenting introductory workshop on Catholic Social Teaching to members in Bendigo/ Shepparton region

8 CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2015 report

2015 was the first of our Leadership for hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the Where profits Mission programs, which was very well followers of Christ….To carry out such a received by participants, and which will be task, the Church has always had the duty alone count…. offered again in future years. This program, of scrutinizing the signs of the times and of Biodiversity is along with our Catholic Social Teaching series, interpreting them in the light of the Gospel. has helped inform planning for the February considered at 2016 conference Mission making a difference The Jubilee of Mercy which Pope Francis has most a deposit in a changing world. declared seeks to continue this tradition, and we pray that Catholic social services in Victoria of economic On 7 December 2015 we hosted a forum to will continue to grow in their contribution resources available mark the 50th anniversary of Second Vatican to fullness of life for those who are poor, Council’s Pastoral Constitution on the Church marginalised or disadvantaged. for exploitation, in the Modern World, where the Church as a with no serious whole committed itself to engagement with Denis Fitzgerald society, in the following terms: thought for the real Executive Director value of things, The joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the people of this age, their significance particularly those who are poor or in any for persons and way afflicted, these are the joys and the cultures, or the concerns and needs of the poor.

Pope Francis Laudato Si # 190

Sisters of St Joseph Back Row: Srs Kerrie Cusack, Mary Kavanagh, Carmel Crameri, Marianne Zeinstra, Anne Porter, Denis Fitzgerald Front Row: Srs Helen Hickey, Trish Guiney, Val Becker, Mary Davis 9 2015 activities report

God created Members of the Council and Committees of of the year a short submission was prepared Catholic Social Services Victoria have been to the government on the State Budget and the world for busy again during 2015 across a range of the principles of inclusion and equity that everyone. Hence issues and concerns which challenge the should be at play in its compilation. The Catholic Church to respond robustly and important issue of competition policy was a every ecological creatively to the Gospel imperative of service regular agenda item which created robust approach needs and work for justice within our world. Most discussion in response to the findings of the to incorporate a of the work undertaken is reflected on our Harper Review Report which was published in website, and significant documents can be March 2015. social perspective accessed there. The following paragraphs Another significant ecological and economic outline the main elements, under the three- which takes into statement was made by Pope Francis in July year strategic headings: account the 2105 with the release of Laudato Si – On Care fundamental rights • Policy and advocacy for Our Common Home. The encyclical places • Network development the care of creation, our “common home”, of the poor and the and member support at the heart of Christian theology. He calls underprivileged. • Catholic ethos and identity on our fragile world to leave behind the myth of unlimited material progress and proposes Policy and Advocacy instead a “sense of fraternity that excludes Pope Francis nothing and no one” and an understanding Laudato Si #93 Our advocacy work during 2015 was guided of the Earth as a “shared inheritance”. The by our expert and experienced Policy and encyclical generated a number of stimulating Advocacy Committee, chaired by Fr Joe events in our Catholic Social Services Caddy. The Committee gave its energy and Victoria calendar from an introductory commitment to a diverse range of issues Breakfast Briefing in July with Jacqui Remond during the course of the year. In the early part from Catholic Earthcare Australia onto an

CSSV Breakfast Briefing with Guest Speaker Jacqui Remond from Catholic Earthcare Australia

10 CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2015 report

exploratory forum in October with Australian In September the Committee oversaw the The first step in Catholic Social Justice Council on the writing of a submission to the Victorian economic implications of the encyclical. Parliamentary Inquiry into End of Life Choices. showing a special A key message of the submission is that the concern for the A continuing and challenging issue throughout inherent dignity and worth of each person is 2015 was the gradual evolution of the not diminished by any form of disability, nor by poor is to notice. National Disability Insurance Scheme and the vagaries and vulnerabilities that are part Jesus notices. He its widespread implications for our member and parcel of human existence, especially as turns to people organisations within Victoria. The scheme a result of the ageing process. We were also presents some very formidable organisational able to assist the Archdiocese in their writing who are scorned, and service provider challenges to Catholic of the Catholic Churches broader response to rejected or organisations in responding to client choices this issue. with the services they are providing in a very overlooked in the Family Violence has been a major focus of diverse and competitive marketplace. The year society of his time. Australian society during 2015 and CSSV culminated in a well attended and received continues to be active in addressing this member forum in December presented by the issue from a number of different directions. Social Justice Statement 2015 -2016 team of CatholicCare Canberra- Goulburn and In May 2015 we made a submission to their organisational strategy in recent years the Victorian Royal Commission into Family to be an informed and competitive player in Violence recommending that family violence the national capital rollout of the scheme. In requires both a crisis, safety response together January 2015 CSSV hosted a forum on young with medium and longer-term support and people in aged care and we also prepared a services, as lives are healed and re-established submission to the Senate Community Affairs for all concerned. Patricia Faulkner, a Royal Committee on Young People in Aged Care and Commissioner, conducted an interactive were invited to appear before the Committee. Breakfast Briefing in June with our members

Patricia Faulkner, Family Violence Royal Commissioner

Continued on page 12 11 2015 activities report

Continued from page 11

We sing with pride and guests in how we can all respond to Minister for Family, Youth and Children building a safer community. There has been spoke encouragingly at the AGM in inviting of the generosity, a very active Family Violence Working Party strong and creative partnerships with State welcome and unity from among our member organisations in and Church in our response to inequalities in operation throughout the year. They are now Victorian society. we offer. This ideal conducting a project to develop resources to stands in stark assist the Church in being an informed and The speaker at our annual dinner was Vicki contrast, however, compassionate part of the solution to this Clark the retiring Coordinator of the Aboriginal terrible societal scourge. Catholic Ministry for the past twenty five years. to the self-interest, In accepting her Life Membership of CSSV in Sexual abuse within the Church and other recognition of her contribution to our mission incarceration and institutions in society has continued to loom of inviting all into the journey of hope and exclusion that have large with continued national hearings of the striving for reconciliation, and for all who are characterised our Royal Commission. CSSV made a submission dispossessed and marginalized, she spoke to the Ryan Review on improvements to the inspirationally affirming the importance of nation’s response Melbourne Response in July and were then Catholic social services to the Church and to over many years invited to meet face-to-face with the reviewer. the people. Liaison with the Archbishop and other senior These events were strongly supported by our to asylum seekers figures within the Church has continued the members, and we express our thanks to the offering of our expertise and compassion. who arrive by boat. many people who contributed to the good Bernie Geary, Principal Commissioner for organisation, hospitality and success of both Social Justice Statement Children and Young People, and Micaela these occasions. The Acknowledgements 2015 -2106 Cronin, CEO of MacKillop Family Services, section at the conclusion of this report aims to presented at our October Breakfast Briefing on recognise our sponsors as well as our many the care and protection of vulnerable children. colleagues and supporters. This well-attended gathering helped renew Our Breakfast Briefing series continued on our shared commitment to work together to successfully during 2015 with a total of four ensure that Victoria’s support for vulnerable early morning events occurring. As well as children meets the aspirations of the children, the three described earlier, we also had a the families and society. gathering of our members with leaders from Network Development the Catholic Health sector to discuss potential and Member Support avenues of collaboration and support into the future. In our work this past year of establishing a community of shared identity we conducted a range of gatherings and briefings on matters of interest and concern to members. Our Network Development and Member Support Committee, chaired by Peter Richardson, oversaw this work, and monitored its reach and effectiveness.

Our major events were our Commissioning Mass and Annual General Meeting in March at MacKillop Family Services in South Melbourne and then our annual dinner at Leonda, Hawthorn. Bishop Vincent Long as Episcopal Vicar for Social Services led the celebration Forum with Catholic Health leaders: Stephen of the Mass, and the Hon Jenny Mikakos, Cornelissen, Jan Horsnell, Dr Michael Walsh

12 CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2015 report

meeting of Eastern Churches and relevant …the Church has Catholic agencies to prepare for the Syrian refugee intake. There has been a lot of interest always had the and support for this program from near and duty of scrutinizing far and we are planning to follow-up invitations to facilitate the program in the other Catholic the signs of the dioceses of Victoria in 2016 and beyond. times and of The Asylum Seeker Parish Support program Catholic Ethos and Identity interpreting them has continued its valuable role of networking in the light of the and resourcing the Catholic parishes of All of our work is undertaken as part of the Melbourne in their efforts to respond practically Church, and under the guidance of Catholic Gospel….We must to one of the most marginalised groups in our social teaching. Much of the work mentioned therefore recognize society. Adrian Foley and his volunteer project above under ‘advocacy’ and ‘member team are to be thanked for the passion, energy support’ also supports our work on Catholic and understand the and professionalism they continue to bring to identity. Br Bill Wilding chaired the Committee world in which developing this program. They facilitated two that focused on this specific aspect of our very well attended forums, an evening in June work. We have continued to define our we live... and a full day in October, for people in the reflection and articulation of how we who are parishes across the metropolitan and regional involved in social services shaped by Catholic The Church in the Modern areas of Victoria who are deeply concerned identity make a difference. Many thanks to World #4 with how as a Church we are responding to Michael Yore for his expertise and experience Christ’s imperative to love and care for our in continuing to develop our documentation neighbour. So far around 75 parishes have around this important issue which is also been contacted, ranging from contact at very much underpinning the direction of our forums to parish visits, speaking at deanery forthcoming conference on Catholic identity meetings and brokering asylum seeker support and mission in February 2016. arrangements across various groups. Catholic Social Teaching underpins the work Towards the end of 2015 CSSV facilitated a of our member organisations, and our evolving

Phil Glendenning President of the Refugee Council of Australia, addressing the Strengthening Asylum Seeker Parish Support Forum held 14 October Continued on page 14 13 2015 activities report

Continued from page 13

Although the program in this area provides formation Catholic social services sector participated in opportunities for people in our sector. There this professional development program which world of today has been an increasing number of member explores the mission and faith dimension has a very vivid organisations that have invited CSSV to come of leadership in a Catholic social services to their workplace to conduct workshops for setting. Many thanks to our three expert awareness of its their staff. 2015 saw our first metropolitan facilitators for these forums: Fr Noel Connelly unity and of how regional workshop offered to our member SSC, Ms Sandie Cornish, Fr Joe Caddy. one depends on organisations in the south eastern suburbs. Many thanks also to Professor Ruth Webber The Keysborough Learning Centre was our who participated and conducted a detailed another in needful host for the August workshop on Catholic evaluation of this initial program. While the solidarity, it is Social Teaching. Workshops were also evaluation clearly demonstrated that the conducted with CatholicCare Sandhurst in program was most successful and that the most grievously Bendigo and Shepparton and an afternoon participants commend it, some useful insights torn into opposing workshop in Oakleigh for the regional have emerged that will assist in the planning managers of Southern Cross Care. camps by for future sessions. We are excited to be We also conducted two programs throughout offering the program again in 2016 entitled: conflicting forces. the year at East Melbourne for member Mission Inspired Leadership. personnel wanting to reflect on and deepen Our Mission Network meetings continued The Church in the Modern their experience of Catholic Social Teaching. on five occasions during the year, providing World #4 In December we hosted another forum to a forum for people with a responsibility for mark the 50th anniversary of the ground- advancement of mission. These meetings breaking Vatican II pastoral document are an opportunity to enhance our mission Gaudium et Spes, The Church in the Modern leadership through the sharing of ideas, World and its continuing impact and challenge to the Gospel call to service and justice within experiences and resources in a faith-based, the Church and the world. reflective environment. At the April gathering we invited Fr Steve Curtain SJ to lead us in Our Leadership for Mission series was a stimulating reflection and discussion of the conducted across three workshop evenings place of Eucharist in our workplace prayer and in March, April and May this year. Eighteen ritual. We will continue to explore this theme at leaders and Board directors across our future gatherings.

Bernie Geary OAM and Micaela Cronin Guest Speakers at CSSV Breakfast Briefing on Protecting our Vulnerable Children 14 CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2015 report

During May and June we hosted again was a useful channel of communication I was hungry and the series of the First Spiritual Exercises, and is now being superseded by the conducted through the Campion Centre of monthly Melbourne Catholic. you gave me food, Ignatian Spirituality. These are a set of prayers • The cooperation of various agencies of I was thirsty and and reflection structured in a four week the Australian Catholic Bishops you gave me program, and built on the Spiritual Exercises Conference has enriched many of of St Ignatius. Ten people from across various our endeavours. something to Archdiocesan departments and member drink, I was a organisations committed to the program this year which was gently led by Sr Margaret stranger and you Claver FCJ. welcomed me... Working with others Matthew 25:35 A great deal of our work is in various partnerships with other church-sponsored groups and organisations who share our goals. Many of the people that we work with are from our member organisations. These are an integral part of the presence of Christ in our society; they are that part of the Church that Cooperation with other churches and focuses on the social mission that is integral to with other faith bodies also continued in its nature. As a community and as a Church 2015. Catholic Social Services Victoria we are in their debt. So too are we at Catholic continued to chair an Interchurch Criminal Social Services Victoria. Justice Taskforce and the Social Questions Another group which is integral to the life and Commission at the Victorian Council of mission of our Church is the people of the Churches, and participate in the Interchurch Gambling Taskforce, among other forums. Catholic parishes. The most significant group Contact with other faith-based service we are engaged with is the numerous people providers also increased duringthe year. involved in the Asylum Seeker Parish Support program which is mentioned in greater detail There are many others who are essential earlier in this report. to our work, including many in the not-for- profit sector. VCOSS and the Smart Justice Building linkages with other parts of the coalition are among our partners; as are the Church is a continuing priority for Catholic various sector peak bodies in Victoria for Social Services Victoria. Mention has already housing and homelessness, disability, drugs been made of our member organisations, the and alcohol, child and family welfare, etc. We Bishops and Religious leaders, and parishes. commend their work, and thank them for their In addition, cooperation with us. • we work with Catholic health and education sectors in events, ideas etc • the agencies and staff of the Archdiocese of Melbourne have continued to be central to our work. • Our strong partnership with the Australian Catholic University included their continued sponsorship of our annual dinner and other forums of interest and concern • A regular column in Kairos, the fortnightly journal of the Archdiocese of Melbourne, 15 finance report

Politics and the 2015 2014 2013 economy tend to Income Membership fees $82,901 $86,470 $79,245 blame each other Grants from regional Dioceses $66,348 $64,416 $62,906 when it comes CSSA support $26,170 $33,225 $30,000 to poverty and Other $44,202 $74,431 $140,980 Subtotal $219,621 $258,542 $313,131 environmental Support from Archdiocese of Melbourne $312,757 $304,107 $258,941 degradation. It is Total income $532,378 $562,649 $572,072 hoped that they Expenditure can acknowledge Staff and related costs $407,680 $429,388 $400,501 their own mistakes Other operating $124,698 $133,261 $171,571 and find forms Total expenditure $532,378 $562,649 $572,072 of interaction Net result 0 0 0 directed to the Memo common good. CSSV trust fund balance at 31 December $83,782 $85,835 $114,908

Pope Francis Catholic Social Services Victoria financial event ticket sales, and a reduction in funding for Laudato Si #198 results for 2015 particular projects from the Trust Fund and other sources. Highlights Staff costs were 5% lower in 2015 than in 2104, Total income and expenditure, each at and other costs were also lower. This reflects $532,000, were $30,000 less than for 2014, slightly lower operating inputs than in 2014. supporting output at a slightly reduced level than the previous year. Trust fund

The financial contributions from all parties CSSV maintains a Trust Fund that can be used towards the operations of Catholic Social for the purposes of the organisation. The Services Victoria are very much appreciated: balance in the Fund at 31 December 2015 was $84,000. A payment of $5,529 from the Trust • The Archdiocese of Melbourne continues to Fund was transferred to general income be the largest contributor to CSSV income, during 2015. at $312,000, which balances expenditure and other income and for the year. • Membership fees were $83,000, and contributions from regional dioceses totaled $66,000 in 2015. These represent 16% and 12% respectively of total income. • The contribution from Catholic Social Services Australia was $26,000 for the calendar year. The change over 2014 is due to timing issues – CSSA’s financial year is from July-June.

Other income declined significantly, by 41% to Prof Gabrielle McMullen, Fr Charles Balnaves, $44,000. This represented a slight reduction in Vicki Clark 16 CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2015 council, commitees &membership Council of Catholic Social Services Victoria

Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen Ms Robyn Roberts (until March 2015) We must regain OFMConv Director of Services Victoria Episcopal Vicar for Social Services Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand the conviction that we need Ms Patrice Scales (Chair of Council) Br Bill Wilding cfc Representative, Catholic Religious Victoria one another, Mr David Beaver that we have Chief Executive Officer Membership of Council Committees Centacare, Diocese of Ballarat a shared Governance and Finance Committee responsibility for Mr John Blewonski (from March 2015) Patrice Scales (Chair) Chief Executive Officer Tony Hollamby (Treasurer) others and the VincentCare Cathy Humphrey world, and that Denis Fitzgerald being good and Fr Joe Caddy Chief Executive Officer Member Support Committee decent are CatholicCare Melbourne Peter Richardson (Chair) worth it. Vicki Clark (until 30 June 2015) Ms Julie Edwards (until March 2015) Sherry Balcombe (from 1 July 2015) Chief Executive Officer Jan Horsnell Pope Francis Laudato Si #229 Jesuit Social Services Patrice Scales (ex-officio) Helen Burt Mr Tony Hollamby (Treasurer) Denis Fitzgerald Chief Executive Officer Peter Hudson St John of God ACCORD Policy and Advocacy Committee Ms Jan Horsnell Fr Joe Caddy (Chair) Chief Executive Officer Gavin Dufty Southern Cross Care (Vic) Gerard Jones Kathy Landvogt Ms Cathy Humphrey (from March 2015) Angela Merriam Chief Executive Officer Julie Prideaux Sacred Heart Mission Che Stockley Marilyn Webster Mr Gerard Jones Patrice Scales (ex-officio) Executive Director of Operations Professor Ruth Webber MacKillop Family Services Vin Martin Helen Burt Michelle Pereira (from December 2015) Denis Fitzgerald Youth & Education Development Peter Hudson TeamManager St Vincent de Paul Society Catholic Ethos and Identity Committee Sr Michelle Reid sgs (until March 2015) Br Bill Wilding cfc (Chair) (Deputy Chair of Council) David Beaver Manager Jenny Glare Good Samaritan Inn Julie Morgan Michael Yore Mr Peter Richardson Bishop Vincent Long Director Patricia McCourt (until May 2015) CatholicCare Sandhurst Patrice Scales (ex-officio) Continued on page 18 17 council, commitees &membership Continued from page 17

We are dealing Helen Burt Marillac Denis Fitzgerald Marist Youth Care with human Peter Hudson Mary Aikenhead Ministries beings, and Mary MacKillop Aged Care Members of Catholic Social Services McAuley Community Services for Women human beings Victoria Missionary Sisters of Service always need Nazareth House – Sisters of Nazareth something more Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Office for Justice & Peace, Assisi Centre Archdiocese of Melbourne than technically Australian Catholic Religious Against Order of Malta Hospice Home Care Victoria proper care. They Trafficking in Humans (ACRATH) Pregnancy Assistance Frankston Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project Rosies Oblate Youth Mission Sacred Heart Mission St Kilda need humanity. Catholic Chaplains’ Association Shekinah Homeless Services for Health Care They need heartfelt Society of St Vincent de Paul CatholicCare Melbourne concern…enabling Solo Catholics CatholicCare Sandhurst Southern Cross Care (Vic) them to experience CatholicCare Victoria Tasmania St John of God ACCORD Catholic Womens League Victoria the richness of St Joseph’s Flexible Learning Centre their humanity. and Wagga Wagga St Joseph’s Home for the Aged, Little Sisters Centacare, Diocese of Ballarat of the Poor Corazon St Mary’s House of Welcome Pope Benedict Corpus Christi Community The Way Community Deus Caritas Est (2005) Don Bosco Youth Centre and Hostel Vietnamese Catholic Family Mutual Edmund Rice Camps Assistance Network Edmund Rice Refugee & Community Services Villa Maria Catholic Homes Good Samaritan Inn VincentCare Victoria Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand Wellsprings for Women Griefline Jesuit Social Services Life Members of Catholic Social Services John Pierce Centre for Deaf Ministry Victoria Kewn Kreestha Sr Toni Matha AM ibvm Keysborough Learning Centre Rev Kevin Mogg AM Larmenier Child and Family Centre Mr Bernie Geary OAM MacKillop Family Services Ms Vicki Clark

CSSV Staff and friends Back Row: Bishop Hilton Deakin, Lucia Brick, Denis Fitzgerald, Sophia Erickson, Jose Quiroga, Peter Hudson Front Row: Vicki Clark, Helen Burt, Evangelia Kladou 18 CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2015 CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES VICTORIA annual report acknowledgements

ABN: 23 709 016 343

Design and print production by Communications Office, Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne 2 CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 2015 The joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the people of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted, these are the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the followers of Christ.

The Church in the Modern World #1

a nrenpuoarlt 2015

383 Albert Street, East Melbourne Vic 3002. PO Box 146 East Melbourne 8002 Telephone: 03 9287 5566 Email: [email protected] Website: www.css.org.au ABN: 23 709 016 343