Blacktown Neighbour Aid (BNA) is turning 30! Since its humble beginnings in 1991, BNA has grown to become a lifeline to many people in the local community. BNA Manager Deb Woolacott (pictured centre with clients) said the service, initially named BLISS, was originally run by volunteers until it won a funding proposal from the New…
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Agnes has called Australia home now for almost 20 years. After fleeing war-torn South Sudan with her young children in 2002, Agnes says Australia has given her a second chance at life. ‘We are very lucky and happy to be here,’ she said. Agnes (pictured left) was in her early 20s when she, and her…
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Rita Chater joined us as a Grief Counsellor in 2013, working under Sister Eileen Quade in Solo Parent Services. This service provides counselling support for people who are divorced, separated or bereaved. Rita says this type of work isn’t easy, but it is uniquely rewarding and meaningful. “I work with adults and children who are dealing…
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Many families experiencing domestic violence are unable to escape abusive homes as they have no way of knowing if their animals will be safe. But CatholicCare Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains will soon be able to offer free horse agistment, so women experiencing domestic violence can escape knowing their horses will be safe. CatholicCare…
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After officially opening the Springwood Community Garden in 2017, ABC’s gardening guru Costa Georgiadis has returned to celebrate the garden’s fourth birthday. The host of ABC’s Gardening Australia, Costa joined around 450 locals for a yarn and to host a wicking bed (self-watering garden bed) workshop, as part of the celebrations. Born out of the…
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Rafa rises to every occasion. No case is too complex; no challenge too great. For the last decade, she’s served as a Support Worker in our Family Support program. As a refugee who fled civil war, Rafa brings her experience of ‘otherness’ to connect with people who, at one time or another, have also found…
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Hot off the press, our summer newsletter is out now. In this edition, you can read about: Project Elizabeth’s leadership award A new program supporting families with healthy screen time and cyber safety Sr Janet’s inspiring teaching career Our newly released Year in Review. We also introduce you to one of our wonderful Family Relationship Counsellors. Click…
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As online gaming grows as a trend among young people, parents are being urged to look out for the unwanted side effects. CatholicCare Gambling Help Counsellor Jenna Tarudeyataworn said young people were at risk of being exposed to the concept of gambling while online. ‘Some games are using technology referred to as Lootboxes, that use…
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Our 2019-2020 Year in Review is now available. The review captures our key work and achievements for the year, including our response to COVID-19. You can read the report here.
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Worried that the kids are having too much screen time and what they are potentially being exposed to online? Our ‘Off Screen and Smart Play’ workshops in January are designed to support families to learn about healthy screen time, cyber safety and how to plan for more time off screen together. Workshops will be held…
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