A last-minute call came in just before the Australia Day long weekend - a request for help for a mother and two daughters who recently arrived in Australia from the Middle East. 

Unfamiliar with the language, the systems, and the city they now called home, the family had a kind friend who acted as their voice and translator, reaching out to St Kevin’s Conference Eastwood for assistance. 

The message was shared in the Eastwood Conference WhatsApp group. As details unfolded, it became clear that this family had been staying in a local hotel since their arrival, likely with help from Housing Australia.  

The daughters are learning English at TAFE and I think they’re eager to build a new life here,” said Eastwood member, Elmarie. “They just needed that first bit of help to get settled.” 

Now, they had finally secured a rental home, but an empty house doesn’t make a home.  

The family only had their suitcases and needed almost everything - beds to sleep in, a table to share meals, and the basics of kitchenware, a microwave, even a vacuum to keep their new space clean. 

Without hesitation, the members got to work. Within hours, emails were sent, calls were made, and arrangements were set in motion.  

A trusted removalist was able to deliver some furniture the day after Australia Day. Beds and white goods were ordered from our regular suppliers, scheduled to arrive just in time for their move-in. 

But one challenge remained: the family’s belongings. With no large furniture to move, just suitcases and bags, packed with everything they owned, hiring a truck seemed unnecessary.  

On the morning of Australia Day, members rolled up their sleeves and loaded up their own cars, personally transporting the family’s belongings to their new home.  

A home isn’t just furniture - it’s the warmth of a blanket, the comfort of clean sheets, the simple joy of having plates and cups for a family meal. 

On the Tuesday following Australia Day, members made one final trip, picking up duvets, pillows, towels, and kitchen essentials from the Vinnies Support Centre in West Ryde and delivered them to the family. 

They were so overwhelmed with gratitude,” Elmarie said. “They couldn’t believe all of this had happened for them - they were just incredibly relieved. 

“I’m happy if I’m making someone else happy,” Elmarie said. “It was wonderful to see them begin to settle in. My fellow Conference members also inspire me - their generosity is just remarkable.” 

The generosity and resourcefulness of St Kevin’s Eastwood Conference members was a great example of how the Society’s members and their works bridge gaps in government services and form the critical support network people can often assume ‘just exists’. 

“You see every day, every visit we do, where the pitfalls are,” Elmarie said.  

“We’re very fortunate with what we have, and we’re happy to help others have the same. Everyone deserves the best chance at a good life.” 

That day, their house became a home. And though their journey in Australia was only beginning, they wouldn’t be facing it alone.