CatholicCare Victoria

Thank you to everyone who supported our cause this month by purchasing Seresilk’s Australian silk skincare range!

We’ve loved working with Seresilk to help build confidence and self-esteem in our community.

Your donations will go towards providing affordable counselling for families and individuals across Victoria 💚

According to the Victorian Department of Health (2023), indicators for LGBTIQA+ Victorians show that a significantly higher proportion of LGBTIQA+ adults:

➡ were diagnosed with anxiety or depression
➡ had an experience of family violence
➡ had an experience of discrimination
compared with the heterosexual, non-LGBTIQA+ adult population.

Wear It Purple Day is about fostering supportive, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for rainbow young people.

At CatholicCare Victoria, our vision is to create thriving, inclusive communities where everyone belongs.

So today, we’re wearing purple to stand in solidarity with LGBTQI+ young people.

We respect the unique dignity of every person and believe that every individual should feel welcome and accepted.

See below for Stephanie’s story:

“I Was Born With Male and Female Parts” | Listen Up | ABC Science In the womb, Stephanie was meant to develop male. But an issue with her adrenal glands reversed the process. Subscribe to ABC Science YouTube: https://ab.co/...

Update alert! 📌
As of Monday 2nd September, we'll have:

➡ a new phone number for Emergency Relief in Victoria:
T: 1800 223 650

➡ a new phone number and open hours for Emergency Relief in Tasmania:
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
12:30pm - 2:30pm
T: 1800 647 995

Learn more on our website here: https://www.catholiccarevic.org.au/article/emergency-relief-updates/

Due to an unforseen technical issue, our Emergency Relief phonelines are closed for today.

We apologise for the inconvenience this causes to those seeking financial support.

Please call our Emergency Relief phoneline next week when we will be back online.
Or visit the Australian Government service directory to find other local Emergency Relief providers: https://serviceproviders.dss.gov.au/?postcode&ppp=100&programme=Families%20and%20Communities®ion&service=Financial%20Crisis%20and%20Material%20Aid%20-%20Emergency%20Relief&state

It's not too late! Purchase your tickets for the Big Sing for a Big Cause concert this weekend: https://events.humanitix.com/host/acu

➡ Ballarat | Saturday 24th Aug
➡ Livestream | Sunday 25th Aug
➡ Melbourne | Sunday 25th Aug

Ticket sales from the Ballarat concert and Livestream events will support our Peplow House Crisis Accommodation for men experiencing homelessness.

In Catholic Social Services Victoria's recent media release, Executive Director Joshua Lourensz says "The ACT and Tasmania are making positive changes, understanding that incarceration of children under the age of 14 does not yield the desired result of safe and thriving families and communities. Victoria can and must do better than this.”

We stand with CSSV and call on the Allan Government to realign the Youth Justice Bill with the evidence and choose to support kids, and communities, to thrive.

Youth justice backflip will see ‘more kids reoffending more often’ - CathNews The Victorian Government’s reversal of its commitment to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 14 by 2027 is a deeply troubling culmination of harmful rhetoric and disregard for evidence, says Catholic Social Services Victoria.

This weekend, Australian Catholic University (ACU)’s Big Sing for a Big Cause is supporting people at risk of homelessness!

Funds raised will go towards our Peplow House Crisis Accommodation in Ballarat, supporting men at risk of, or experiencing homelessness.

24 August at St Patrick's College, Ballarat. Tickets available here: https://events.humanitix.com/host/acu

'Big Sing for a Big Cause' is a music spectacular coming to the St Pat's Performing Arts Centre later this month.

Funds raised go to Peplow House.

Tickets are available via the QR code.

The high price of land is hurting everyone | Catholic Social Services Australia The high price of land is hurting everyone

Australian Catholic University (ACU)’s Big Sing for a Big Cause is supporting people at risk of homelessness! Funds raised will go towards our Peplow House Crisis Accommodation in Ballarat, supporting men at risk of, or experiencing homelessness.

Performances will be held on 24 August at St Patrick's College, Ballarat and 25 August at at St. Patrick's Cathedral ✨✨
Tickets available here: https://events.humanitix.com/host/acu

Singing for social justice - Ballarat Times Celebrate the Street Requiem anniversary concert by Dr. Kathleen McGuire, supporting social justice and raising funds for those in need.

Go in the draw to win The Seresilk Essentials pack valued at $375!

This month, 10% of all Seresilk purchases will be donated to provide mental health services to Victorian families & individuals through CCV.

Help us spread the word and follow the steps below for your chance to win:

1. Follow channels and on Instagram or Facebook.
2. Tag a friend in the comments and include “Your purchase supports CCV”

Entries close 11:59pm Sunday 25th August and winner will be announced Tuesday 27th August.

Check out the Seresilk Essentials pack here: https://seresilk.com.au/collections/ccv?utm_campaign=CCVxSeresilk&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=ccvpost4

Congratulations and thank you to Bishop-Elect Joe Caddy on his appointment by Pope Francis as the Eighth Bishop of Cairns in Far North Queensland.

Bishop-Elect Joe Caddy was previously CEO of CatholicCare (Greater Melbourne, Geelong and Gippsland) from 2004 to 2017. He demonstrated compassion and support for the most vulnerable in our community and facilitated staff to live the values of the organisation.

It is with great joy that the Archdiocese of Melbourne shares the news of Pope Francis’ appointment of the Very Rev Joseph (Joe) John Caddy AM, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Melbourne, as the new Bishop of Cairns in Far North Queensland.

In accepting his appointment, Fr Joe expressed his gratitude to the Holy Father:

‘I am deeply humbled by this appointment and wish to express my deepest thanks to all the Clergy and faithful of Melbourne, with whom I have shared all of my priestly ministry. It has been an absolute privilege for me to minister with you.

‘I also offer my personal thanks for the support and encouragement of Archbishop Peter Comensoli over these past five years as his Vicar General and Episcopal Vicar for Social Services.’

Born and raised in Melbourne, Fr Joe was ordained to the priesthood for the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne in 1990.

He completed a Bachelor of Theology from Melbourne College of Divinity and holds degrees in Social Sciences from the Gregorian University Rome, where he focused his studies on Catholic social teaching and social ethics and economics.

From 2004-2017, he served as Chief Executive Officer of CatholicCare (Greater Melbourne, Geelong and Gippsland), and oversaw the successful integration of diocesan pastoral services including healthcare chaplaincy, prison ministry and youth justice into the operations of CatholicCare.

In June 2018, Fr Joe was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list and awarded an Order of Australia Medal (AM) in the General Division for ‘significant service to the community through a range of social welfare initiatives and policy reforms, and to the Catholic Church in Australia’.

He has served in several Melbourne parishes including as Parish Priest to Fitzroy and St Kilda East; and is currently at St Carthage’s Parkville.

In acknowledging what a great change this will be, Fr Joe expressed his excitement in heading ‘north’.

‘I know that I will have a lot to learn as I visit the parishes and communities of the Cairns Diocese.

‘I am very much looking forward to meeting with, listening closely, and learning as together we will seek to uncover the presence of the liberating Christ in the lives of the people and communities of Far North Queensland.’

Archbishop Comensoli noted with joy the episcopal responsibility Bishop-elect Joe Caddy has been called to. ‘This is a wonderful recognition of the dedicated pastoral ministry Fr Joe has brought to so many.’

‘Although there is a sense of sadness in his leaving Melbourne, I wish to assure his new flock that they are receiving a great gift, and a man of deep prayer and service. My prayers are with Fr Joe and God’s good people of Cairns.’

Details about the Bishop-elect’s Ordination and installation in the Diocese of Cairns will be announced in coming days.

Our collab is live! We’re working with Seresilk to ensure more Victorians can access mental health support when they need it most.

Building confidence and self-esteem is important for each and every one of us to thrive.

By purchasing a Seresilk skincare product this month, 10% of your purchase will go towards providing counselling and mental health support through CCV.

Proceeds to the value of The Seresilk Essentials four-step routine will fund a full counselling session to help a family or individual in need.

Head over to Seresilk to make a purchase and support families & individuals in need: https://seresilk.com.au/collections/ccv?utm_campaign=CCVxSeresilk&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=ccvpost2

If there’s one thing that CCV and Seresilk agree on, it’s that self-care is important for everyone.

This month we’ll be working with Seresilk to support Victorians to build confidence and wellness for their mental health.

Seresilk is the world’s first Australian silk skincare that is uniquely cruelty-free.

Keep a look out for details more coming soon!

We’ve recently become aware of a Facebook scam offering loans on behalf of an organisation that is pretending to be a Catholic Welfare agency.

Please know that at CatholicCare Victoria, we will never ask you to share your passwords, bank, superannuation, Centrelink, or other financial details via Facebook, social media or our website.

To protect yourself from scams, please ensure you verify who you’re speaking to by searching for official websites, advertised phone numbers, and/or physical locations.

Learn more about scams and how to protect yourself using the Australian Government websites below:

➡ How to spot and avoid scams:
https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/stay-protected/how-to-spot-and-avoid-scams

➡ Protect yourself from scams
https://www.cyber.gov.au/scams

We're so proud of our Settle Well students! 👏

We're making some big updates to our phone systems from 4pm Wednesday 17th July.

These updates will be complete on Thursday morning 18th July.

In the case of emergency where life is in danger, please call 000.
For mental health crisis support, contact:
📌Lifeline | T: 13 11 14
📌Suicide Call Back Service | T: 1300 659 467
📌Beyond Blue | T: 1300 22 4636

Last week, our team said goodbye to our Footscray site after an astounding 65 years supporting the local Footscray and wider community.

But starting from yesterday, our Footscray team have moved to a new site in Wyndham Vale!

Our decision to move has been motivated by our commitment to provide services to families, individuals and communities who have a growing need for support.

We are excited about this new chapter and we look forward to continuing our journey in our new Wyndham location.

If you're looking for support, contact us using our new Wyndham details:
T: (03) 8764 3898
E: [email protected]

We stand alongside children like Mason, offering solace and support as they navigate the aftermath of domestic violence, at such a young age ❤

Labelled as 'non-verbal' and absent from school, Mason was missing the key elements for a nurtured, safe and cheerful childhood - laughter, play and routine.

With your support, we can empower children like Mason to transcend their trauma and rewrite their narratives.

Make a tax-deductible donation before Sunday 30th June to support children in your community. All gifts of $2 or more are tax deductible.
Click the link below:
https://www.catholiccarevic.org.au/campaign/donate/16/winter-appeal?utm_campaign=SundayAppeal2024&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=feed3

Over two million children across Australia endure abuse within their homes before age 15.

For children, the effects of domestic violence ripple into challenges in relationships, learning, and self-esteem, persisting well into adulthood.

Labelled as ‘non-verbal’, Mason was left feeling isolated and struggled to articulate his pain.

Help us empower children like Mason by ensuring they have access to counselling and compassionate support.

Make a tax-deductible donation today: https://www.catholiccarevic.org.au/campaign/donate/16/winter-appeal?utm_campaign=SundayAppeal2024&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=feed2

This week we're celebrating the strength, courage, passion, and determination of all people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds.

It is a privilege to support and work alongside those who have moved to Victoria for a better future, for them and their families!

Earlier this week we visited the Year 5 & 6 students at St Patrick's Primary School Tongala!

"The students were engaged with the presentation, and surprised to learn all the important work that CatholicCare Victoria does, including prison chaplaincy and counselling. They said they learnt the importance of treating everyone with dignity no matter who they are," says Kalma, Engagement Coordinator at CCV.

We thank Kate and the students from St Patrick's Primary School for welcoming us ❤
St Patrick's Primary School Tongala 3621

The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will - and must - continue.

We know that the 6.2 million Australians who voted YES are committed to better outcomes for First Nations people, and are with us.

Together, Reconciliation supporters must stand up to defend and uphold the rights of First Nations peoples. To call out racism wherever we encounter it, and to actively reinforce the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

In celebration of volunteer week, we want to thank all of our amazing volunteers who make a difference in their communities.

Do you too want to make a positive impact in the lives of those in your local community? If so, we would love to hear from you.

We currently have two volunteer opportunities available. Head to our website for more information about these roles and how to apply.

https://www.catholiccarevic.org.au/page/47/volunteer

This year’s theme for National Volunteer Week is ‘Something for Everyone’, which recognises the diverse passions and talents every individual brings to volunteering.

At CCV we're celebrating this week to acknowledge the generous and diverse contribution our volunteers make to our mission and our local communities!

To all of our volunteers, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your compassionate service and ongoing contribution to improving the lives of others, each and every day.

Pictured below are volunteers from our latest Refugee Dads and Kids Weekend, which provides a free weekend away for dads and their children to strengthen their relationship - and have fun!

Earlier this week, our Engagement Coordinator visited St Mary's Primary School in Clarkes Hill to talk about Family Week and our mission at CatholicCare Victoria.

We thank St Mary's Clarkes Hill for inviting us to speak with their students!

In celebration of Family Week, our Engagement Coordinator, Kalma, recently visited St. John XXIII Primary School in Thomastown East!

"I was warmly welcomed by Teresa Bonola, Religious Education Leader of St. John XXIII Primary School. I spoke to the students about the importance of families, and how our founding figures were very focused on families - and our focus has not changed since! I also shared Jen’s story who is a ten year old girl dealing with mental health struggles that we are supporting her and her family through at the moment," says Kalma.

"I received excellent questions from the students, including, how can they help us support people, is Jen still dealing with her anxiety, and how do we pay for the cost of supporting families."

"The students made me feel like a celebrity with their applause and they are feeling invigorated for a big celebration this week, as they join us in celebrating the importance of their families and reflect on this year’s Family Week theme: ‘Building compassionate families and communities’."

Thank you St John XXIII Primary School, Thomastown East ❤

We're celebrating Family Week, a perfect time to come together to celebrate the strength of family relationships in all their diversities, and the importance they play in our communities.

For 38 years, schools across Victoria have been celebrating Family Week and teaching young people the significance of strengthening their family relationships and how it can help them to thrive.

Celebrate Family Week with us, free resources available here: https://www.catholiccarevic.org.au/page/103/familyweek

Julia and Lisa, our Regional Parenting Program Practitioners in Bendigo, recently developed and ran a two-session pilot program called ‘Parenting Together’. The sessions completely booked out 🥳

“I loved the way Lisa and Julia validated us and included us within the group. They made us feel heard and their knowledge was great,” one participant said.

Read more: https://www.catholiccarevic.org.au/news/313/parenting-together

🌟Need help navigating aged care services in Western Victoria?
Our free Advanced care finder service can support older individuals who are eligible for aged care but need intensive assistance with accessing services.

Our Advanced care finders can connect you with:
✨ My Aged Care
✨ Home Care Package providers
✨ Residential aged care services
✨ Plus, a range of community supports including health services, dementia and mental health supports, housing assistance, and more.

Based in Ballarat, Geelong, Horsham, and Warrnambool, we're ready to assist across Western Victoria - call 1800 123 228, email [email protected] or visit https://www.catholiccarevic.org.au/directory/services/advanced-care-finder