Winter 2020 - The Record | St Vincent de Paul Society
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I N TH I S I S S U E 3 President’s Column Claire Victory The Society is a lay Catholic 4 National Council Strategic Plan 2020 Warwick Fulton organisation that aspires to live the Gospel message by serving Christ in 6 The Rule: National Council seeks input the poor with love, respect, justice, on proposed new provisions hope and joy, and by working to shape a more just and compassionate society. 7 Our Members are resilient: Robin Osborne Rallying around the Illawarra This logo represents the hand of Christ that blesses the cup, the hand of love 8 Vinnies: Helping refugees Tim McKenna that offers the cup, and the hand of and advocating for their rights suffering that receives the cup. The Record is published regularly each 11 Prime Minister urged to explore options year by the St Vincent de Paul Society for long term relief for unemployed in Australia’s National Council. 12 People need enough to live on and National Council a place to call home PO Box 243 Deakin West, ACT, 2600 13 HomeBuilder package misses the mark Phone: 02 6202 1200 Email: info@svdp.org.au 14 COVID-19 Youth Initiative Victoria Bao Nguyen Web: vinnies.org.au 15 Canberra Goulburn Vinnies Youth Gwendolyn Goon Editor: Toby oConnor Members on the Front Line Editorial Committee: Rose Beynon 16 The Call to Flexibility Sr Therese Judith Tokley Donna Scheerlinck Haywood DC Design: Damon Carr 17 Our Members in WA Thinking Outside Deanna Watson damon.com.au the Square: Car Boot Food Appeal The St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia acknowledges that we are 18 Vinnies adopts National Catholic Judith Tokley on Aboriginal land. We pay respects Safeguarding Standards to all traditional custodians. 19 Queensland Vinnies: Leadership in Samantha Hill This publication may contain images Challenging and Changing Times: of deceased members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. Modelling Vincentian Spirituality They are used with the greatest respect 20 National Council: Reflecting on Toby oConnor and appreciation. our members’ good works Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily 22 National Council: Emergency Relief Patrick McKenna those of the publishers. 24 Our members walking alongside bushfire Rose Beynon ISBN 978-0-6487329-1-4 affected communities 26 Falling between the cracks The St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia consists of 60,000 28 The advocacy voice of our members Rose Beynon members and volunteers who operate on the ground through 29 Vinnies joins call for bipartisan over 1,000 conferences located anti-racism strategy in individual parishes across 30 Overseas Project Jude Blacklock the country. 32 Anti-Poverty Week - 11-17 October 2020 Toni Wren 34 I get knocked down, but I get up again, Cassandra Bull and again, and again… 37 Vinnies Victoria certified carbon neutral Dee Rudebeck Available online: 38 Vinnies CEO Sleepout succeeds against record.vinnies.org.au the odds, raising $5.7m for homelessness 2 THE RECORD | WINTER 2020
C L A I R E V I C T O R Y | frontlines Isolation has built empathy BY CLAIRE VICTORY first time, felt it in myself and I understood slightly better how am an extrovert. I don’t mind painful and soul-destroying it my own company at all, but could be to be deprived of those I get energy from being with positive human interactions other people. Usually, I am very constantly, permanently. The joy busy, going from work to meetings I felt at such simple interactions to social events, constantly reminded me of how devastating surrounded by or in touch with the lack of same would surely be. other people. I have never watched SBS’ ‘Filthy The COVID-19 lockdown slowed Rich and Homeless’ and so make my life down. A lot. Instead no judgment on the value or of hardly ever being home – ethics of the program, but the Claire Victory constantly out and about, travelling comments I have seen reported frequently – I was suddenly from the participants seem to spending 23 hours a day inside indicate that by far the hardest my house (the other hour being spent walking around my local thing they had to encounter area; I’d never noticed what a nice during their time sleeping rough area it is). It was remarkable how was the feeling of being looked much, and how quickly, I missed down on, or completely ignored. human interaction. Many people in our community When I went on walks, if I passed are invisible in plain sight. Frail someone and they smiled and said elderly people, people living with ‘good morning’, it felt amazing. If disability, people isolated because the postie arrived with a parcel, I of mental health issues, people raced to the front door in order to sleeping rough. For many it’s try and secure 10 seconds of small not always clear what to say or talk before he left the package how to engage. Otherness and departed. In the latter stages can be a source of discomfort of working from home, I briefly and alienation. dropped into a new café to grab I think one of the things a takeaway coffee; the café owner and I chatted for about 5 minutes Vincentians possess is empathy and it was a highlight of my day. – an intuitive understanding of Even now, having emerged from the value of person-to-person iso and returned to the office, contact, of treating someone as I am experiencing a frisson human, of taking the time to be of excitement when someone with them and to talk and listen initiates chit chat in the lift. I guess without judgment. the beauty and value of human I hope that a lesson all contact, which I never had to think Australians learn from this about before – I always had so pandemic is the importance of much of it – had suddenly become looking out for our neighbours a rare and precious thing that I – not just by ensuring they now revelled in rather than taking have food and other basics, it for granted. but ensuring that no-one has I always knew, intellectually, to experience life without eye the extent to which so many contact, a friendly smile, a marginalised people within our cheerful ‘good morning’. ♦ community are deprived of those casual niceties in their daily lives; Claire Victory is the National President of but because of iso I have, for the the St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia. S T V I N C E N T D E PA U L S O C I E T Y A U S T R A L I A 3
governance | W A R W I C K F U L T O N National Council Strategic Plan 2020 B Y WA R W I C K F U L T O N • upholding, updating and F. International Relations T promoting the Rule, so that We will empower National he National Council has it continues to serve our Councils in developing approved its new Strategic contemporary society. countries to sustainably Plan 2020. This plan sets build their Vincentian vision • providing representation out what the National Council and we will support CGI to will do, both individually and in nationally and internationally. grow the Society’s impact conjunction with the State and • effectively creating links and worldwide. Territory Councils. Cooperation environments to collaborate, and collaboration are important coordinate and reallocate Underpinning each of these aspects of the new plan. As such objectives is a series of goals, resources across Australia. it will have an impact on State measures and timelines • mediating only where there that clearly state how these and Territory Councils’ strategic are intractable disputes objectives are intended to plans. The national plan contains between or within State/ be met. a vision for the future of the Territory Councils. Society in Australia and should be The National Council worked of interest to all Society members, Whilst these guiding principles on this strategic plan for many volunteers, employees and our are aspirational the National months. State and Territory companions. Council has set itself six long- Councils and CEOs were Clear boundaries are essential to term objectives through to 2028. invited to give input into the us all moving forward. In recent These are: plan and suggestions were years it has not been as clear as incorporated in the final form A. Supporting our people of the plan now available to it might have been where the We will create the boundaries lay between National you on the National Council’s environment of increased Council and State and Territory website. Vincentian spirituality, Councils. We hope any lack of diversity and numbers in the You will see that most of the clarity has been resolved in this Society. timelines in the Strategic Plan new National Council Strategic run out in 2022. There are Plan. B. Promoting and Protecting two reasons for this. Firstly, our identity The plan’s guiding principles are most of the state and territory We will be recognised as informed by the Rule and help us Strategic Plans run to 2022 so a safe, high performing assess where and how National and caring organisation by it will be an opportunity at that Council might operate. The plan companions, the community, time to align the national and states that National Council has a governments, and agencies. state/territory Strategic Plans. role in: Secondly, Claire Victory’s term • prioritising advocacy and C. One Society as National Council President speaking out for the sake of the We will foster productive ends in March 2023 so there collaboration across the is the chance for the incoming vulnerable and disadvantaged Society, creating positive National Council President and in our community, particularly outcomes for our people. the new National Council to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are D. National Advocacy reset the Strategic Plan. over-represented among our We will influence our Many of the goals in the companions. nation’s priorities, by being National Council Strategic Plan a voice for people who are are ambitious and National • supporting initiatives when experiencing disadvantage. there is a national benefit Council doesn’t expect to identified and it makes sense to E. Sustainability complete all of them by the We will build the Society’s end of 2022, but we want to do something together rather capacity to effectively make progress on all of them than separately. operate across the by then. Because the Strategic • promoting subsidiarity so that jurisdictions, sharing Plan is ambitious, we hope activity is carried out at the resources to most that it will guide the Society in level that is most helpful and effectively meet our Australia until at least 2028 and logical. Mission and our Vision. perhaps beyond. 4 THE RECORD | AUTUMN 2020
What’s in it for me? As you can see the foremost long-term objective is to support our members in their spiritual journey and in their work for the Society seeking to diversify and increase our membership. State and Territory Council strategic plans will gradually be aligned with the National Council Strategic Plan so that whatever we do as a Society in Australia is consistent across St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia NATIONAL COUNCIL Australia and directed primarily to serving our members, volunteers, employees and our companions. STRATEGIC PLAN The end result should be that our people feel valued and properly resourced and our companions feel supported. We commend the plan to you and hope that you will find it inspirational as you continue along your Vincentian journey. ♦ 2020-2023 The Strategic Plan is available here. Note: CGI is Council General International the peak body for the St Vincent de Paul Society. Warwick Fulton is the National Deputy President of the St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia. S T V I N C E N T D E PA U L S O C I E T Y A U S T R A L I A 5
governance The Rule: National Council seeks input on proposed new provisions T he St Vincent de Paul Society National Council seeks input from members on changes to The Rule Part III which have been proposed in an effort to clarify a number of provisions related to reputational damage. National Council President, Claire Victory said the proposed changes will clarify the respective powers and responsibilities of State and Territory Councils and National Council to address reputational or other damage to the Society caused by the actions of a person in a lower order council, conference or a special work. ‘An issue that arises within a state or territory will generally be dealt t he with by the State or Territory Council, but where this is not r ule possible, the issue will be referred to National Council for resolution,’ Ms Victory said. 7th ‘As Vincentians, we must always try to resolve any issue through edition discussion and consultation to try to reach consensus and 2012 understanding of what is best for the Society, its companions and members. australia aM ended M aY 2 0 1 4 1 ‘It is important in those cases where intervention is necessary, that we have clear mechanisms and processes and that a person affected be given a right of appeal if they feel they have been treated unfairly. ‘A right of appeal will also lie from intervention by a State or Territory Council to the National Council. A detailed discussion paper is available on the National Council’s website for your consideration – here. ♦ Written comments to the National Council can be made by Monday 21 September by email to kara.gibbs@svdp.org.au. 6 THE RECORD | WINTER 2020
R O B I N O S B O R N E | covid-19 Our Members are resilient: Rallying around the Illawarra BY ROBIN OSBORNE T he bushfires affecting many NSW coastal communities took lives, destroyed homes and businesses and caused widespread job losses. Then came the second shock that no one had expected, coronavirus. Sparked by the rapid COVID-19 lockdown, the Vinnies network of volunteers and staff in the Illawarra Region swung into action, working in accordance with the restrictions of the pandemic to focus on those who needed help, materially or emotionally, in this time of crisis. When other regional services closed their doors, the Vinnies Coniston Hub in Wollongong remained open five days a week to offer a clean and safe space for people to access The Vinnies van provided a lifesaving service, delivering prepared and fresh food food, and case management and to throughout the greater Wollongong area. see a friendly face. Even in normal times the Hub was kept busy helping people restrictions the Coniston Hub had staff, partners and donors who sleeping rough or in insecure limited volunteers on site. The enabled us to continue providing housing, as well as families and hard-working Illawarra Shoalhaven these essential services during elderly folk struggling to make Van was still seeing up to 30 a truly critical time,” said Renee ends meet. Now, things needed to people per session, despite lower Cooper, Regional Director-South. gear up. From the early days of the turnouts because of the COVID-19 “Particularly heartening was the pandemic case workers outreached threat. The emphasis was on way the Illawarra Shoalhaven to clients, offering help with balancing social distancing and community came together with accommodation, essential supplies, social interaction. Vinnies in new ways. As the colder medical and mental health services. The Hub worked with the nearby weather set in, a group of caring At a time when disadvantage and University of Wollongong to locals started knitting beanies and social isolation were heightened provide food relief to international scarves for visitors to the van. for the most vulnerable, the students, connecting them with “We also had help with food Coniston Hub continued providing support networks and delivering supplies from Ozharvest, the compassion, friendship and fresh bread to those staying on Secondbite, Aldi, David Jones, support that Vinnies is known for campus. as well as local clubs WIN across the state. Entertainment Centre, Shellharbour Wearing protective equipment, According to the Coniston Hub’s volunteers with the Van continued Club and West Leagues Club, who Community Engagement Officer to deliver meals, sandwiches, generously provided fresh produce Danielle Jolliffe, “Staff and snacks, drinks, fresh fruit and for the Van and hubs. Quilton and volunteers made and distributed vegetables, bread and essentials, 360 also helped with daily living over 1200 meals and had 1800 four nights a week throughout supplies at a time when essentials visitors seeking assistance from mid- Wollongong, Warrawong, Albion like toilet paper were scarce and March to end-May. The assistance Park and Bellambi. expensive.” ♦ we offered included finding housing “We are so grateful for the amazing for the lockdown period.” Robin Osborne is Communications and support of our many volunteers, Marketing Partner St Vincent de Paul Society Because of health-related age including those with the Van, our Lismore Central Council. S T V I N C E N T D E PA U L S O C I E T Y A U S T R A L I A 7
refugees | T I M M C K E N N A Vinnies: Helping refugees and advocating for their rights BY TIM MCKENNA T he St Vincent de Paul Society has a long history of supporting refugees.1 This article provides an update on our support to and advocacy for the most vulnerable of these people: those still held by Australia in PNG and Nauru; those in locked detention in Australia and those in our community without Commonwealth Government support during the COVID pandemic. National Advocacy July this year was the seventh anniversary of the decision of then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in 2013 to put in place the policy that ensured no people who arrived in Australia by boat, seeking our protection, would ever gain permanent settlement in Australia but would instead be sent to PNG and Nauru. On 17 July, the National Council issued a media release highlighting the deteriorating situation for the nearly 400 people still in PNG and Nauru, and the hundreds sent to (including those brought from the Commonwealth Government Australia for medical treatment PNG and Nauru) into detention to extend available payments and who are still in closed detention arrangements in the community. support to people seeking asylum, here.2 This release has been one noting that thousands of people The Society is also dismayed that of many issued in that last few on bridging visas have no access the Commonwealth Government, to any form of financial support years condemning this policy. In November last year, the Society after seven years, still has no before or during the COVID-19 was highly critical of the repeal of plan for the safe and permanent pandemic, even when they have the Medevac legislation after just resettlement of many of these no other income.4 nine months, describing the move people and that billions of taxpayer funds continue to be used to The National Council is a as a new low in the treatment of hold them offshore and in closed signatory to the Refugee Council asylum seekers and refugees by the detention in Australia. of Australia’s Nobody Left Behind Commonwealth Government.3 campaign demanding greater Recently the Commonwealth Also, for many years the National support to these vulnerable Government has acknowledged that Council has been advocating for people.5 The campaign is focussed COVID risks require the removal people who came to Australia by primarily on getting the JobSeeker of some people from immigration boat before July 2013 and who payment, or equivalent, extended detention in Australia, but its solution have since suffered the unfair to the roughly 100,000 people is to move those it sees as a threat to ‘fast track’ process. The Council seeking asylum currently in the community to Christmas Island. condemns the uncertainty of Australia, which includes around The Society believes the simpler, temporary protection visas and the 16,000 children and young people. cheaper, safer and more humane cuts in Government payments to The Society has also provided solution would be to release those people on bridging visas. In April ‘on the ground’ evidence of the who are no risk to the community this year the Council called on impact of the Commonwealth 8 THE RECORD | WINTER 2020
Government’s neglect of these most of these people have had the Centre in Adelaide has seen people at a Senate Committee their access to Commonwealth a threefold demand for assistance hearing in July.6 This campaign support stopped, leaving them from people on temporary visas, the has had an impact at the state and with nothing unless they can find majority of whom are on temporary territory level, where most of these work. The Refugee Council of bridging visas and not eligible governments rightly see temporary Australia estimates that there are for either the JobSeeker or the visa holders (including asylum approximately 12,700 people in this JobKeeper allowance.8 seekers) as part of our community position in Australia at present. To and so have provided some make matters worse for this cohort, Supporting People in assistance to them. some of the bridging visas are only Australian Detention issued for periods of three or six The National Council is assisted Vincentians visit people in in its advocacy by the Vincentian months, after which an application for renewal needs to be made, immigration detention facilities Refugee Network (VRN), a group across Australia. But the arrival of of members and employees of and some people have no current visa at all. It is very difficult to find nearly 200 sick people from PNG the Society from most states and and Nauru to Australia for medical territories, who work to support employment in these circumstances,’ said Ms Wighton, who is also a treatment posed a new challenge. people who have sought Australia’s All of these people remain in locked protection, but many of whom member of the VRN. detention, many for a year or continue to be mis-treated by the A further injustice of the ‘fast more. Almost half are in makeshift Commonwealth Government. track’ process is that those who accommodation at Kangaroo Point, The remainder of the article gives are successful and found to be a suburb of Brisbane. recent examples of that work. refugees are only given temporary protection visas for three to Rebecca Lim is a Queensland Supporting People in member of the VRN, who has five years, rather than the safety been working with people in PNG Our Community of permanent protection. Ms and Australian detention facilities Wighton said ‘of those who have The Society supports many for many years, most recently in been able to find work, most of refugees through its network of Brisbane since the end of 2018. the employment is casual, seasonal parish-based conferences across Rebecca is part of a group of or part-time. Almost all have lost Australia. But the more vulnerable 15 people who volunteer their their jobs due to COVID and while people need support from more professional services across a range eligible for JobSeeker, none is specialist groups which Vinnies has eligible JobKeeper.’ Since March continued on page 10 in several states and in the ACT. In Adelaide the Society has established the Vinnies Migrant and Refugee Just as an example, I was talking He has not been able to Centre to do exactly that. to an Iranian man aged in his find another job, possessing One of the key injustices of the early thirties yesterday. Vinnies only a temporary bridging visa. Commonwealth Government’s has been helping him for a When we first had dealings with treatment of people who sought number of years now. He has this young man at Vinnies, he Australia’s protection arriving by been in Australia since 2013 and was very personable, confident boat is the ‘fast track’ process managed to find full-time work and full of plans for the future. described recently by Claire Victory, for several years. He was able to Several years down the track, he our National President as ‘unjust and rent a nice house, buy a car and has lost a significant amount of unfair, including denying effective was making friends at work and weight and suffers from chronic review of decisions on their refugee in the community. However, he depression. He has lost his status determination’.7 The Adelaide was denied refugee status under confidence and is worried that, Centre’s Chair, Henrietta Wighton, the ‘fast-track’ process and his visa even if he could find work, he says the most vulnerable group are was cancelled. He lost his job and may do something ‘wrong’ and people who are still involved with not be able to carry out his duties. his access to the SRSS payment this process or who have had their Is this how we want to treat was stopped. He has had to rely claims rejected by this process. people in Australia? ♦ on friends and charities such as ‘These are the people who hold Vinnies ever since in order to live. - Henrietta Wighton SA temporary bridging visas only and S T V I N C E N T D E PA U L S O C I E T Y A U S T R A L I A 9
refugees | T I M M C K E N N A continued from page 9 of disciplines including health, The Refugee Council of Australia COVID-19 case was detected in migration services, community has recently costed locked PNG. All the men I met had some development and education. detention at $350,000 annually degree of mental illness, which per person. That’s $70 million per cannot be treated in PNG, because Rebecca and her colleagues year for the two hundred people the cause of their illness is the provide practical support including still locked in detention after being seven years of incarceration there. the provision of sim cards and transferred for medical treatment material aid as needed. This group Men with serious physical last year. By contrast detention in is the first port of call for the men the community costs less than a conditions that require evacuation when they arrive in Queensland. third of that and issuing them with to Australia, but which is now Ms Lim said ‘all the people are very a bridging visa reduces the costs to highly unlikely with the repeal of unwell. They stay in their rooms only $10,000 annually person.12 the Medevac legislation. So once for most of the day. Counselling again, the men must rely on the ‘This indefinite detention is no inadequate medical system that is offered by tele-health due plan for a safe future for these to COVID, and the men are generated the 2018 emergency and people. Suggesting people who which required evacuation of many disengaging. Many are displaying are refugees return home is not a signs of resignation syndrome. of their friends in 2019. plan and many of them have been They have no hope of a resolution. rejected by the US. So what is the Safety is also a concern to all We’ve seen notes from men that Commonwealth Government’s plan the men. There have been many show the environment of indefinite for them?’, Ms Lim asked. robberies and assaults when they detention is contributing to their leave their accommodation. And deteriorating mental health.’ Supporting People Held of course, they were and still are ‘Because of COVID-19 restrictions Offshore concerned about COVID-19 in a all visits have stopped and calls country with little capability to have been made for the men to be There are number of Australian detect the disease or to treat it. moved to safer accommodation in community groups supporting I was most concerned about the community with family or with the people still held offshore in PNG and Nauru. Vincentians are the many men who have been community members who have rejected by the US. After seven offered them accommodation,’ also involved in this work. I work through a Canberra group, Manus years the Commonwealth she said. Government still has no plan for Lives Matter. The Human Rights Commission9 their safe resettlement. ♦ and infectious disease experts10 Through this work I visited PNG support the release of detainees several times, the last time in Dr Tim Mckenna is Chair of the Vincentian into suitable housing in the March this year, just before the first Refugee Network. community if they do not pose a significant security or health risk. The Commonwealth Ombudsman 1. www.vinnies.org.au/page/Our_Impact/ from COVID-19 evidence provided at Asylum_Seekers_Migrants_Refugees/ Parliamentary Inquiry (Sub No. 258). also supports reduction in the See also Catholic News article. numbers of people held in 2. Seven years on – hundreds of asylum seekers caught in Australian purgatory 7. thesoutherncross.org.au/ immigration detention facilities to – what is the plan? SVDP National news/2020/07/31/call-for-end-to-unjust- address COVID-19 risks.11 Council media release 17 July 2020. process/ 3. Medevac legislation repeal. SVDP 8. Ibid. Ms Lim asked ‘why is the National Council media release 9. humanrights.gov.au/about/news/ department choosing detention 4 December 2019. media-releases/statement-christmas- over other temporary options in 4. Support Asylum Seekers and Refugees island-immigration-detention the community that are better and in face of COVID-19. SVDP National 10. www.asid.net.au/documents/item/1868 cheaper? People can be in the Council media release. 3 April 2020. 11. www.ombudsman.gov.au/__data/ Media release was issued in the lead community while their resettlement up to Palm Sunday when, traditionally, assets/pdf_file/0013/111235/1-July- 2020-Statement-by-the-Commonwealth- is resolved. The Government is rallies are organised. Ombudsman-Michael-Manthorpe-on- choosing to spend a fortune on 5. www.refugeecouncil.org.au/open- the-management-of-COVID-19-risks-in- hotel detention when that money letter-covid/ 5 May 2020. immigration-detention-facilities.pdf. could go on other more important 6. 1 July 2020. The Age. Record 1.4 12. www.refugeecouncil.org.au/operation- things such as aged care and million relying on food charity as sovereign-borders-offshore-detention- recession bites. Includes citation statistics/6/ nursing,’ she said. 10 THE RECORD | WINTER 2020
dignified living Prime Minister urged to explore options for long term relief for unemployed N ational Council CEO Toby oConnor wrote to the Prime Minister in July, prior to the economic update, drawing attention to the plight of many Australians affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic and the long-term impact on Australian society, focussing particularly on income support. He noted that in the face of the current considerations about the future of JobKeeper and JobSeeker, the St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia strongly recommends that the Federal Government establishes payment match existing aged and an expert panel to advise the disability pensions (an additional We’ve heard lots of reports from Government on revisions to Social $370 per fortnight). our members about the fact Security payment rates that were that people who have not had He acknowledged the Federal originally designed to keep people the money previously through Government’s, swift and decisive out of poverty. Newstart have been able to action to lift people’s incomes actually pay bills, get to medical In summary, he said an during the onset of the pandemic and noted that our members have and dental appointments, put independent panel of experts food on the table, sort out rego who could set and realistically reported the success of these measures across metropolitan and for cars etc. I think they’ve index payments would provide the regional communities. really appreciated that higher foundation for reflecting society’s amount. We would see this as expectations that payments are fair, He emphasised that our people an opportunity between now equitable and sufficient to meet on the ground see daily evidence and the end of December when basic needs. in the turnaround in the lives of job seeker may get reviewed Predictions about the expected rate people who have received the again to call on the Government of unemployment continue to climb higher level of financial support, to appoint an expert panel so and we know there is currently and those who received access that we can actually look at this only one job for every 13 people to accommodation and wrap- around services since the advent in an objective manner to see on Newstart or Youth Allowance. where Newstart or JobSeeker of COVID-19. Recent analysis shows that only a should sit when we get back to quarter of pre-COVID jobs have He urged the Federal business as usual sometime in been reinstated to date and the Government to take advantage 2021 or even 2022. ♦ hours available for work have of this opportunity to convert the temporary relief into enduring - Toby oConnor ABC News 24 significantly diminished. reform with enormous social Until the panel is established, and economic benefits and he For a series of community polls conducted on the effects of COVID-19, JobKeeper should be maintained offered the Society’s insight and refer to the ANU’s Centre for Social and either the current JobSeeker expertise to help explore solutions Research and Methods, COVID-19 rate should be retained (an with the Prime Minister and his publications. additional $560 per fortnight) or the relevant ministers. ♦ Vinnies welcomes extension of JobKeeper payments but questions equity The St Vincent de Paul Society’s National Council delivered their economic update, but warned that the has welcomed the extension of the JobSeeker and principles of equity and fairness must not be put to JobKeeper programs by the Prime Minister Scott one side in the face of this economic crisis. ♦ Morrison and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg as they Read the media release here. S T V I N C E N T D E PA U L S O C I E T Y A U S T R A L I A 11
dignified living People need enough to live on and a place to call home T he St Vincent de Paul Society’s National Council has called on the Federal Government to maintain JobSeeker and JobKeeper until an expert during the pandemic are new and have not accessed charitable assistance before. ‘They include young people, • an exemption for charities from the $50 million turnover limit for the application of the code of conduct people living with disability, for small and medium group has been established to enterprises commercial people on temporary visas, provide advice on payment rates leasing principles; people in casual employment and that keep people out of poverty. international students,’ he said. • national minimum standards Either the current JobSeeker rate for renters and landlords for ‘Service models have changed should be retained (an additional managing tenancy issues; significantly in response to the $560 per fortnight) or the payment pandemic, with an increased online • access to medical treatment should match existing aged and presence and virtual/contactless and Medicare and a financial disability pensions (an additional support being provided,’ he said. safety net for people $370 per fortnight) but people should not be forced back to the In its submission, the Society also seeking asylum; old Newstart rates. called for: • bipartisan support to In its submission to the Senate • flexible approach to contract develop a national anti- Select Committee on COVID-19 administration during the racism strategy; and the Australian Government’s pandemic; • emergency exemptions and response to the pandemic, • suspension of the next stage of provisions to be included in the Society also called for an tax cuts and exploration of other the Commonwealth Grant investment of at least $7.7 billion tax options, such as a review of Rules and Guidelines and the into social housing. the GST and superannuation laws; Commonwealth Procurement National Council CEO, Toby • development of a national Rules. oConnor said that the turnaround housing affordability and • a review of the fundraising in the lives of people who have homelessness strategy; laws by the Australian Law received the higher level of • investment in better Reform Commission as they financial support, and those who received access to accommodation energy efficiency and are no longer fit for purpose. and wrap-around services, form energy management and the The committee is due to part of the silver lining to come out Healthy & Affordable Homes: report by 30 June 2022. A of the pandemic. National low-income energy copy of the Submission is productivity program; available on the St Vincent Speaking specifically about the de Paul website. ♦ impact of the pandemic on • processes that increase the service demand and the Society’s uptake of state energy response, Mr oConnor said that in concessions for gas, water, Read the SVDP submission here. general, people seeking support electricity and council rates; Read the SVDP media release here. Report on Adequacy of Newstart provides a blueprint for reform St Vincent de Paul Society National Council CEO line in Australia and support people into the benefits Toby oConnor has urged the Federal Government to of fuller participation in the Australian economy,’ Mr seriously consider the recommendations outlined in oConnor said. the Federal Parliament’s Community Affairs References ‘The much higher rate of Jobseeker paid in response Committee’s report on its Inquiry into the Adequacy of to the COVID-19 pandemic recognises that the low Newstart and Other Related Payments. rate of Newstart is not acceptable to the Australian community at a time when more people are moving ‘If implemented collectively, the 27 recommendations into unemployment. ♦ in the report would make a significant difference to the lives of many people living below the poverty Read the SVDP media release here. 12 THE RECORD | WINTER 2020
dignified living HomeBuilder package misses the mark T he St Vincent de Paul Society National Council acknowledges the leadership of the Prime Minister and the National Cabinet in Housing Fund and the development of a National Housing Plan. ‘We’ve been going backwards on the social housing front for the and have lined up building and maintenance projects that are ready to go. All we need is the funds. We know we can’t do this alone but, together, with last 15 to 20 years. No national continuing to steer Australia governments, industry, the government has demonstrated through the COVID-19 pandemic. private sector and other charities, leadership. Right now, there’s We particularly praise the Prime we can make this happen,’ said an estimated shortfall of at least Minister for looking after many Mr oConnor. 438,000 dwellings and that’s before low-income people by providing the anticipated COVID-19 recession ‘The Society believes housing is additional safety nets during fully hits and unemployment peaks a human right and would like these times. in the next few months,’ said to see all governments agree to However, the Society expresses Mr oConnor. halve the rates of homelessness disappointment that not one cent and housing shortfalls by 2025. ‘The Society is especially of the Australian Government’s ‘Action was taken during the concerned about the welfare of $688million HomeBuilder package global financial crisis to build those who have been temporarily will go towards strengthening social 20,000 new social housing units housed but are likely to end up housing. Investing in social housing and renovate existing social back on the streets if nothing is would have delivered long-term housing. done to address the affordable goodwill beyond the pandemic. housing shortage. ‘We believe the ‘If we could do it then, we can The package, which is restricted to Government can do better. do it now. We remain optimistic substantial renovations and requires our leaders will do the right thing ‘It can boost economic activity in recipients to spend at least $150,000, and commit funds to address the the building sector and address the also fails low-income home-owners. housing shortage,’ said chronic shortage of social housing National Council CEO Toby Mr oConnor. ♦ at the same time,’ said Mr oConnor. oConnor said that the Society has been advocating for the last four ‘We and other social housing The Society’s 2016 Ache for Home report years for a Social and Affordable organisations have land available is accessible here. S T V I N C E N T D E PA U L S O C I E T Y A U S T R A L I A 13
covid-19 | B A O N G U Y E N COVID-19 Youth Initiative Victoria BY BAO NGUYEN T he global COVID-19 pandemic has changed our way of life. When the restrictions were put in place by the Government in the State of Victoria, our organisation had to adapt its services in order to keep serving those most vulnerable in our communities. As a result of these restrictions, all child-related activities have been put on hold. One might think that our Youth Conferences (aka Young Vinnies) would go on a hiatus during this time but for a few of us, that simply was not the case. You see, the truth is, Young Vincentians in Victoria do not know how to be quiet. We are a vibrant bunch, full of enthusiasm and always willing initiative to purchase / source out and got in touch with our to serve but how do you put your material goods (such as books, local families who we serve. Part faith into action during a global toys, board games, sporting of our processes were to call the pandemic? The answer is, we had equipment etc) and have these parents over the phone before to innovate and adapt like many items delivered to children we would go out and purchase people to face the challenges in who are serviced by our Youth the items and deliver them this new kind of world we are Conferences (Young Vinnies) in because we wanted to add more living in. Victoria. The aim of this initiative of a personalised touch. So, we is to assist families in providing would call the parents to have a Nicole and I both share the role their children with resources to conversation with them, check in of State Youth Representatives occupy them at home during and see how their family is going in the St Vincent de Paul Society the current restrictions due to and let them know that we are Victoria and we wanted to find a COVID-19. thinking of them during this time. way to encourage our members to continue to serve those most Thanks to the endorsement of Many of the parents contacted vulnerable in our communities in State Council, we were able to were able to provide insight into a manner that is safe, especially encourage our Youth Conferences what they think their child would during the COVID-19 outbreak. We (Young Vinnies) to take the benefit from when trying to cope both also knew deep down that we opportunity to participate with with COVID-19 restrictions. The simply could not neglect the kids the COVID-19 Youth Initiative information was used to go out who regularly attend our activities. funded by our State Youth Team and purchase the personalised We knew they would be doing and we allocated a budget to items for the children. Once we it tough because many of our each conference to spend on the purchased the items, whether families are already at risk of facing participants who are part of our online or at the local department, challenges associated with loss programs. we then deliver the items to the of employment, isolation, mental family home. However, simply encouraging our health issues, domestic violence At each child’s home, gifts conferences throughout Victoria and homeschooling, just to name were left on the doorstep in to partake in this initiative wasn’t a few. accordance with social distancing enough and we just had to get So, on Saturday March 30th, 2020, involved ourselves. Luckily for requirements. The look of joy on we both put forward a proposal the two of us, we both belonged their faces when they accepted to State Council of Victoria, to to the same conference and their gifts was priceless. Both allow Youth & Special Works with the help of three of our parents and children were Conferences to undertake an conference members, we all went grateful and the conversations 14 THE RECORD | WINTER 2020
Canberra Goulburn Vinnies Youth Members on the Front Line shared touched our hearts. A few B Y G W E N D O LY N G O O N to check-in with the youngies. I of the parents opened up about In addition, 22 oldies delivered their daily struggles and how their t has certainly been a very over 300 activity packs in the children’s mental health and self- different experience for last few months to more than esteem suffered because they were everyone involved in the 85 families. An oldie, Laura struggling with homeschooling. A Youth Programs this year. Three even took the extra mile to few children / teens with special summer camps in January were drive an hour to deliver several needs were severely challenged cancelled due to the bushfires, activity packs to youngies with home schooling to the point and all holiday camps and in Yass, NSW. Each pack where a few parents reached weekend activities have been contained instructions and a breaking point emotionally, put on hold since mid-March resources for various activities spiritually and mentally because due to COVID-19. Nonetheless, such as arts and crafts, science they just didn’t know how to our Youth Conferences continue experiments, baking and support their child. At the end to find creative ways to stay gardening. On top of that, of the day, not every parent is a engaged with our youngies the oldies even made video school teacher. (young people in our programs) tutorials on the activities! and oldies (youth members Despite hearing all sorts of It was so worth it to see the and volunteers) to provide the struggles from the families there kids excited about the packs much-needed support during was a silver lining where one and the family being so these unprecedented times. particular mother stated over the thankful. phone “You called me at the right The Youth Programs in - Oldie time and despite having challenges Canberra/Goulburn consist of Thank you so much for the of moving house, working from St Joe’s, VINES and St Nick’s, packs, we are struggling so home, caring for kids with special and the primary goal of the much being in lockdown still needs and homeschooling, God programs is to provide access especially as we’re all high works in mysterious ways, your to respite and recreation to risk and both Marcus* and his phone call has certainly put a smile approximately 300 young sister, Katie* have autism. The on my face and no doubt the kids people between 6 and 17 years packs really lightened up the would be happy to see you! Oh old. With most public facilities kids especially Katie! and of course, at a distance!”. and schools closed during the - Parent of a young carer COVID-19 restrictions, families When Frederic Ozanam and his have indicated the need for As the oldies continue to friend went out to gather firewood additional support to engage support the youngies, we and deliver it to a person in the young people at home. want to ensure that they are need, it was not just about giving There were also mental health looking after themselves. The the firewood but more about concerns, especially for young Youth Conferences continue the conversation he had with carers who have additional to meet virtually, in addition the person receiving it. For our responsibilities caring for a to social catchups and self- COVID-19 Youth Initiative, that family member during the care training sessions. The principle did not change. Although pandemic. Hence, during our first Youth Programs monthly from the outside, it may have regular Youth Conference eNewsletter was also launched seemed like we were just going out meeting, the members came up in April to keep volunteers buying gifts for the children, it was with alternative engagement updated with program changes actually more than that. It was all opportunities to maintain and to share positive stories. about having a conversation with a support for the youngies. With restrictions eased in the family going through a tough time Families were able to opt-in if ACT, we are in the process of and as for the gifts for the kids? they wanted to participate in putting together a COVID-19 Well… just an act of kindness. ♦ online activities and receive Safety Plan for Youth activity packs delivered to their Programs, with the plan to Bao Nguyen is the State Youth doorsteps. resume face-to-face activities Representative for the St Vincent de Paul in August. ♦ Society in Victoria. The oldies organised online watch parties, trivia, and catch- Gwendolyn Goon is Manager Youth This article was first published by Council up sessions via Zoom, and put and Young Adults, St Vincent de Paul General International on 25 June 2020. together weekly video messages Society Canberra/Goulburn. S T V I N C E N T D E PA U L S O C I E T Y A U S T R A L I A 15
reflection | S R T H E R E S E H AY W O O D D C The Call to Flexibility BY SR THERESE H AY W O O D D C T hese words of scripture that have been on my mind lately: Do not remember the former things or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? (Isa 43:18-19) They come to me because it seems that we are in times of great change. They remind me that everything changes but that God is in all the changes. These current times of uncertainty and challenge seem to be calling me to greater flexibility. There are many changes large and small in my life right now and I know that I am not alone. We When I reflect upon these words, things that have challenged us are fortunate that we have a great I think of these women who were to be creative and flexible in our tradition to draw upon to help us involved in a new form of religious approaches and to find new ways cope with these challenges. life and were being sent away to do things that had been parts from their home-towns at a time of our routine before. I have been St Louise counselled the early in which travel was not common. I inspired by the flexibility and Daughters of Charity about the particularly take to heart the words adaptability in our members, staff need to be adaptable to change. In ‘changes can and must occur’, and volunteers who have risen fact, there is among her writings a rarely were truer words spoken. We to the challenge of continuing to specific piece on this topic. can struggle with changes, yet they serve people in need by finding The first reason that obliges the are a part of each day of our lives. new ways to do this. Daughters of Charity to accept Of course, it takes time to adapt to changes but what can trip us up In the midst of all these challenges, changes of place, persons and it is important to care for ourselves duties is the respect that they owe is if we resist them. I don’t know about you, but I can sometimes and those around us. These words to the example of the Son of God of Jesus have been keeping me who acted in this way. waste energy wishing that certain changes hadn’t happened. The company in recent days. The second is that such changes wisdom of scripture and Louise ‘Come to me, all you who labour can and must occur. If they are remind me to be patient and work and are overburdened, and I not accepted, we shall never enjoy on accepting the changes as an will give you rest. Shoulder my the peace of soul that is essential important part of my life. yoke and learn from me, for I if we are to please God and to am gentle and humble in heart, accomplish His holy will. In another place, St Louise wrote: and you will find rest for your The third reason is that the sisters You are well aware that changes souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my must take into consideration are always difficult, and that burden light.’ (Matt11:28-30) the difficulties that Superiors it takes time to learn new ways of serving the poor skilfully We are not alone; we have God encounter in. trying to please and each other. ♦ and well.2 everyone; in finding Daughters of Charity to send to serve the Someone the other day posed the 1. Spiritual Writings of St Louise, 813-814. poor in places where they have question “what have you done 2. Spiritual Writings of St Louise, 385 been requested; in trying to avoid in 2020 that you would not have the many inconveniences that imagined in 2019?” For all of us Sr Therese Haywood is National Council may arise.1 I am sure that there are many Spiritual Adviser St Vincent de Paul Society. 16 THE RECORD | WINTER 2020
members at work Our Members in WA Thinking Outside the Square: Car Boot Food Appeal B Y D E A N N A WA T S O N easily achievable and set about In just over two weeks, the A initially promoting it through the organisation, promotion and chance conversation, local Catholic Primary School and execution of the car boot food the efforts and skills of Parish community. The message appeal by Greenwood Conference Greenwood Conference gathered momentum and spread members resulted in a replenished members, a network of community further afield through emails to pantry which is vitally important support and the reach of social friends, and through social media for food relief for families during media was all that was needed to neighbouring community the pandemic. The community to help meet the needs of the groups. What Conference members response to the appeal was also community during COVID-19. and volunteers were then greeted outstanding because many of Covering areas in the northern with on the two Saturday mornings the donors were they themselves suburbs of Perth, Greenwood collections, was more than 245 cars affected by the economic effects Conference regularly delivers filled with boot loads of food and from COVID-19. food hampers to many clients pantry donations. experiencing hardship in the “Vinnies has a very good reputation Unsure how the venture might go, community. Earlier in the year, of helping so the trick is to get the Allan Rose, Joondalup/Wanneroo their usually well-stocked pantry message out to the community Regional Council President said he was slowly being depleted due was amazed by the response. because the community really does to demand. want to help,” said Allan. “The generosity from people with When the impact of COVID-19 With the success from Greenwood their donations was quite incredible began, restrictions to food supplies Conference’s car boot food appeal, considering we had only promoted meant that replenishing the pantry two other conferences, Woodvale was becoming a challenge. One it for such a short time and due to and Wanneroo also adopted the suggestion put forward was to government restrictions in place idea and several weeks later ran hold a car boot food appeal such as social distancing. But equally successful collections. ♦ whereby people could drop off people showed such wonderful donated food items. Conference community spirit by being able to Deanna Watson is Communication and members soon realised that this contribute and to be involved in Content Developer St Vincent de Paul idea could be something that was such a worthy cause.” Society in WA. S T V I N C E N T D E PA U L S O C I E T Y A U S T R A L I A 17
safeguarding | J U D I T H T O K L E Y Vinnies adopts National Catholic Safeguarding Standards BY JUDITH TOKLEY the Catholic Church, to ensure a ‘We welcome this new resource S nationally consistent approach to and look forward to working t Vincent de Paul Society’s the protection of children and other with Catholic Professional National Council has vulnerable people. The National Standards Ltd as they signed up to the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards commence their auditing and Catholic Safeguarding Standards, set out 10 standards providing the reporting processes. ensuring a nationally consistent framework for Catholic Church entities to build child-safe cultures ‘We will be inviting the states approach to the safety of children and to advance the safety of children and territories to establish a and vulnerable people across across the Catholic Church in national working group in the Society. Australia. order for us to progress this National Council President, initiative and to learn how to Claire Victory said the safety of The Standards take into account the work towards a harmonised companions, members, volunteers, guidance of the Royal Commission approach from practices staff and the general public has into Institutional Responses to Child presently in place. We now always been central to state, Sexual Abuse and the National need to embark on some territory and national council Principles of Child Safe Organisations significant work together to governance practices with rigorous adopted by the Council of Australian ensure the Society is a safe standards and practices in place. Governments early last year. ‘Serving organisation for vulnerable some of the most vulnerable people,” Ms Victory said. ♦ The National Catholic Safeguarding people in our communities through Standards now provide a relationships of trust and respect is at Judith Tokley is National comprehensive set of principles, the heart of the Vincentian mission,’ Communications Director, St Vincent some of which are specific to Ms Victory said. de Paul Society National Council. 18 THE RECORD | WINTER 2020
S A M A N T H A H I L L | reflection QUEENSLAND VINNIES Leadership in Challenging and Changing Times: Modelling Vincentian Spirituality BY SAMANTHA HILL I n these unusual times all of us, but particularly our Society’s leaders are called to draw upon our spirituality and charism for inspiration and motivation. In times of challenge and change our leaders are guided by our mission of living the gospel message by serving Christ in the poor as they respond to the practicalities of meeting increasing and varied needs, at the coalface where people are seeking help often for the first time. Our leaders, across all levels of the Society, are asked to be shepherds, pastors and living missionary disciples in all areas of their life in order to lead authentically. They are challenged to be living examples of our founders and patrons who modelled for us what it meant to be radical, visionary and socially responsible in the times in which they lived. St Vincent de Paul and Frederic Ozanam were both effective leaders of their times, encountering and ministering to the people of founders, they are responding to or indirectly with those who come France and Paris. We read in their the needs around them and taking to us seeking assistance, first and prolific letters and communications a stand on behalf of the people foremost have answered a call how they both lived extremely who have been left behind. to serve. busy lives between ministry, study, accompanying companions, raising We have seen a strong national Our future directions are discerned awareness and serving the poor. response to the COVID pandemic with a clear vision and dedication and to the impact of drought and towards best service to people They were both looked up to as bushfires. The Society’s leaders experiencing disadvantage, concern leaders and used this platform to have taken calculated risks in the for social justice, and work towards network, ask favours and educate interests of the most vulnerable the eradication of poverty. wider society on social injustices. people, while balancing the They identified and attracted While our leaders are responsible organisations strategic and for a diverse range of services for people from all over who were financial sustainability. committed to serving others people from all walks of life in and had a dedication to social We continue our founders’ tenacity metropolitan, regional and remote transformation and making as we put people first. When communities, they are united by a a difference in the world, relationships are strong and people commitment to make a difference especially in the lives of people feel involved, morale is high and in society. That is right now, living with poverty. good things happen. tomorrow and for many years to come. ♦ Our current leaders are Relationships are key to our demonstrating their commitment, presence in local communities. Our Samantha Hill is Director of Mission St creativity and agility. Just like our leaders, whether engaged directly Vincent de Paul Society in Queensland. S T V I N C E N T D E PA U L S O C I E T Y A U S T R A L I A 19
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