In February, the state-wide Social Justice Committee welcomed Patrick Mahony, newly appointed representative for Armidale, and confirmed Kim Colbourne as the appointed representative for Wilcannia Forbes. We are so pleased to have you join the Social Justice Committee and look forward to your insights from our West and North-West communities. The Committee is comprised of members from across the state who provide our State Council with advice about social justice matters. 

At the end of 2023, the Committee sadly said farewell to members Sr Carmel Hanson (Maitland-Newcastle), Giana Saccon (Armidale), and Jacinta McGrath (State Youth Team). We thank you for your endless commitment to those in your community and for your valuable contributions to the Committee over the years. We wish Giana and Jacinta well for their move interstate and Sr Carmel in her new role. 

At the Committee’s first meeting for 2024, members discussed the big issues that continue to affect people on low-incomes and experiencing disadvantage in our community, including the growing homelessness and housing crisis and worsening cost of living. The Committee continued planning for affordable housing campaign to be rolled out in the lead up to local government elections in mid-September. More details coming soon.  

The Committee also discussed the 2024 Social Justice Forum program. The biannual Social Justice Forum will be held in Sydney on Saturday 1 June and is open to any members, volunteers and friends of the Society who are interested in advancing a more just and compassionate society.  Save the date in your calendar and further details will be available soon at https://socialjustice.vinnies.org.au/  

To stay informed on the work of the Committee and social justice matters across NSW and nationally, join the Social Justice Network and receive the free monthly Social Justice Newsletter. Sign up here (https://socialjustice.vinnies.org.au/join/) or contact the team at social.justice@vinnies.org.au.