3/9/10    Survey shows 20% of population of Western Sydney is food insecure

SYDNEY:  Pro Bono Australia reports on August 31 - A recent study from the University of Western Sydney reveals that 20% of the population of Western Sydney is food insecure. So now, Sydney property group, GPT, is to serve up a Food Recovery Program in a partnership with Parramatta Mission to provide up to one million meals a year for those facing hardship in Western Sydney.  The GPT Group is launching the GPT Food Recovery Program at the Rouse Hill Town Centre on Saturday, September 4th 2010.The GPT Food Recovery Program is being kick started with a five-year partnership with Parramatta Mission. The program will see the GPT Food Recovery Van collect left over fresh food from Rouse Hill Town Centre retailers each day and re-distribute it to people who are disadvantaged in Western Sydney via Parramatta Mission’s crisis services. A recent study from the University of Western Sydney reveals that 20% of the population of Western Sydney is food insecure.  READ FURTHER    

2/9/10    Feast of Blessed Louis Joseph François and Companions

On this day, September 2, the Congregation of the Mission celebrates the Feasts of Blessed Louis Joseph Franois, John Henry Gruyer, John Charles Carron, Nicholas Coilin and Peter Reter René Rogue.   These were all martyrs during the period of the French Revolution.    Information concerning them can be found through the following links -  Martyrs of the French Revolution,  Louis Joseph Francois,  Jean-Henri Gruyer,   John Charles Caron,    Nicholas Colin and  Peter Rene Rogue

1/9/10    Racism: The Elephant in the classroom, workplace and neighbourhood

MELBOURNE:  Bill Collopy comments for Eureka Street on racism in Australian Society - Racism is the thief that steals from haves and have-nots alike, from victim and perpetrator and onlooker. It degrades integrity and human rights, and then tries to blame the theft on its victim. 'What else can you expect from one of 'them'?' Insert the word Jew, Arab, Aborigine, Vietnamese, Chinese, Lebanese, Sudanese, Pole, Greek or Maori, to name a few maligned groups of recent decades. But are we a racist country today?   READ FURTHER  

(Graphic courtesy of Eureka Street)

31/8/10    Vinnies Shop to stay put in town of Bowral

BOWRAL:   Vinnies at Bowral in the southern highlands of NSW is a  charity shop often heralded as a treasure trove by vintage and second hand clothes aficionados. Recently it has turned the other cheek and bowed to public pressure to remain at its existing premises in Bowral. The retail outlet of the St Vincent de Paul Society, which supports underprivileged families in the area, was pilloried by local businesses in February when it announced its intention to move to larger premises in a “smarter” part of Bowral’s main street.  However, rather than remain downtrodden by the controversy, which attracted national media interest and saw Bowral dubbed “Snobsville” by some social commentators, Vinnies has hit back with action, not words.  It has given its old premises a makeover with a fresh paint job and new display racks, and added a small furniture section, vowing to continue its good work in the community. READ FURTHER  in the Southern Highland News.

31/8/10    CMs on Retreat at Mulgoa in western Sydney

SYDNEY:  A number of Vincentian Priests and Brothers gathered at Mulgoa on the western outskirts of Sydney last week for a retreat led by Fr Kevin Canty CM and Sr Maggie Reynolds DC. Details on Daughters of Charity Australia Site. (Photo courtesy of DC Australia Site).

30/8/10    Daughters of Charity - St Mary's House of Welcome, Melbourne

St Mary's House of Welcome was established in Fitzroy, Melbourne, about fifty years ago by the Daughters of Charity. The video clip above is just over 3 min in length and gives a brief description of the valuable work being carried out in the House of Welcome nowadays.   You can also find details through  the link St Mary's House of Welcome.