Home Wasn’t Built In A Day
Moving out of home is a milestone of independence for Nigel Bates, a 33 year old Newcastle resident living with an intellectual disability. Nigel described himself as, “a little birdy who didn’t want to leave his mother’s nest”, however is now a ‘house-proud’ tenant, settled into his new home and encouraging others living with disability to move towards an independent lifestyle.
Affordable Housing: A National Issue That Requires a National Response
As our cover story this month highlights, the importance of affordable housing and the impact it has on people’s wellbeing, is of major significance. Senior Policy Officer at Catholic Social Services Australia, Liz de Chastel, examines the affordable housing crisis in Australia in light of the Federal Budget.
The Federal Budget and The Vulnerable
Director of CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning, Helga Smit, reflects on the 2015-16 Budget and how it will impact on the most vulnerable in our local community.
Responding To The Suffering Of Others
One of our most difficult and confronting tasks as human beings is to respond effectively to those who are suffering. Sensitivity and gentleness on our part may play a crucial role in transforming brokenness and suffering into wholeness and healing. Yet, despite our sincere and best intentions to help, inappropriate responses may sometimes only make someone’s suffering worse.
Unforgettable Nepal
Many Australians have experienced the unique nature of Nepal. Paul Maguire reflects on the recently earthquake-ravaged nation, which some see as a kind of spiritual cradle, and wonders who amongst us will not just remember, but contribute to its longterm reconstruction.
Two-Storey Love
Imagine a young woman arriving alone in Australia from the Middle East on the first day of 1980. Her reason? To see if she had a future with a young man she had met and fallen in love with on a kibbutz in Israel only a few months prior.
Lessons Learned On The Shores Of Gallipoli
Teacher at St Paul’s High School, Booragul, Anna Hennessy, recalls the special moments she and her son Ike shared whilst in Gallipoli for the Anzac centenary.
There’s No Stopping Jacob
Today, thousands of high school students in the Hunter will head off to school. It would be fair to say that a small percentage, if not today then another day, will battle it out with their parents about not wanting to go; fighting from the comfort of their bed, a safe-haven from which to surf Facebook, avoid incomplete homework or perhaps just to get some extra sleep.
Keeping The Great Australian Pastime Great
No stranger to the sporting field herself, Helene O’Neill reflects on the power of sport on the collective Australian consciousness and how we can overcome the negative influences.
Coal Not Good For Humanity In The Pacific Islands
In March this year Pelenise Alofa from Kiribati Climate Action Network addressed the United Nations in Geneva about climate change. She was calling for climate change to be recognised as a human rights issue.
Public Forum: Transitioning To Renewable Energy
The weather is a daily topic of conversation. If we are travelling, we pack for the weather; if we are going out for a social occasion, the question is – shall I take a coat?
The CATHOLIC THING: Thinking Through the Death Penalty - Can It Be Justified?
There has been a myriad of commentary about the death penalty in recent weeks. Dan Fleming provides a perspective based on insights from the Catholic tradition.
Happiness is Home-Made
On 18 June the annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout will be held and Director of CatholicCare Social Services, Helga Smit, and Director of the Catholic Schools Office, Ray Collins, will participate. John Murray offers a lyrical reflection on the meaning of home; so much more than a roof over one’s head or an address to cite.
CARE TALK: Dealing With Conflict in the Workplace
CARE TALK is a monthly advice column in Aurora Magazine where a registered psychologist offers answers to common questions around mental health and counselling.
A Crisis Of Humanity
In August 2001, the Norwegian ship the MV Tampa rescued 440 asylum seekers stranded north of Australia after their boat sank. Then Australian Prime Minister, John Howard, refused the ship access to an Australian port. His government won the 2001 federal election, having pledged its commitment to the ‘war on terror’ and the defence of our borders against ‘illegal’ asylum seekers.
Loving The Stranger
Two Year 12 students from St Clare’s High School, Taree share their own personal experiences of attempting to offer hope to those in detention – and challenge us all to campaign alongside them.
“The Government Inspector” Comes To Town
St Francis Xavier’s College, Hamilton is staging ‘The Government Inspector’ in June at the Civic Playhouse. Student Cooper McDonald explains the story and shares his excitement as showtime approaches.
A Pilgrimage To Remember
The inaugural Combined Upper Hunter Catholic Schools European Pilgrimage saw 96 students, teachers, family and friends of both St Catherine’s, Singleton and St Joseph’s, Aberdeen share a unique and unforgettable experience.
BISHOP BILL WRIGHT: Today’s Martyrs
It is a very troubled world. The longrunning conflicts in South Sudan and Somalia continue. There’s conflict in Ukraine and terror in Nigeria. And of course there’s war in Syria and Iraq, to say nothing of so many other scenes of violence great and small.
