News

The issue of refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia tends to give rise to strong feelings. There are arguments for strong borders and the need to discourage the evil of people trafficking; while others argue for the ideals of a diverse, compassionate society – a fair go for all who come across the seas. …

In 2019 we will begin to participate in the Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) operated by the Commonwealth Government. The aim of the scheme is to reduce loneliness experienced by many elderly people and help them feel included in their local community. In this scheme volunteers visit people in their homes or visit people who are…

“A smile goes a long way to warm someone’s heart,” says Don Standley, who, six days a week, starts his day the same way. By 6.30am, summer and winter, he has left his house in the Sydney suburb of Doonside and is at the home of the same local elderly resident. As a volunteer with…

This week we celebrate All Souls Day on 2 November, a month in which we remember the dead: our family members, friends, relatives, all those associated with CatholicCare who have died, those who died in conflict and in peace-making. In the Christian tradition, we believe that we will be judged by Jesus when we die.…

A reflection for all the agencies, ministries, parishes, clergy, staff and volunteers of the Diocese of Parramatta for 11am on Monday 22 October 2018 This reflection is to acknowledge and recognise the importance of the National Apology to Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse being delivered today by the Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison. Today…

Report on Child Protection Week Event – Dawson Mall, Mount Druitt CatholicCare Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains was the lead agency in the organising of a Family Fun Day to promote Child Protection Week on 6 September at Dawson Mall, Mount Druitt. CatholicCare staff from Blacktown Family Support, All Saints of Africa, Houses2Homes and…

I was diagnosed with autism at age two and a half, I was in an autistic school straight after that. They recently found out that Alexander The Great was autistic himself, so that was pretty astonishing to know that someone who had changed history had the same issue that I have. I’m trying to move…

Family Relationship Services were invited to run the Bringing Up Great Kids parenting course at Hilltop Public School in Merrylands this year. Ruby Chan and Nassi Tofigh are shown here with second parenting group run at Hilltop in August 2018. One of the volunteers brought the sun hats for everyone to wear. The  following feedback…

It started when I was doing some sport and I hurt my left knee. My ‘friend’ hadn’t contacted me over the week that I was laid up, and that wasn’t nice of him, so I said to the girl on the switchboard, “the first blind date that rings up on Saturday night, call me!”. It…