News & Events

"We Sisters of Mercy Parramatta Congregation will open our hearts to the cries of the poor using our energies, gifts and resources to address violence and discrimination especially for women and children, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples..." (Chapter Statement)

The 2020 National Agreement on Closing the Gap (National Agreement) is a strategy that aims to improve the life outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples still live, on average, 10-11 years less than non-Indigenous Australians.

The National Agreement outlines 17 socioeconomic targets and four priority reforms.

The four priority reform targets aim to change the way governments at national, state, and community levels work to improve the life outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The 17 socioeconomic outcome areas are: education, employment, health and wellbeing, justice, safety, housing, land and waters, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages. The targets help to monitor progress in improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Each year a Report details progress made in closing the gap.

The 2025 Report will be launched on 20 March at the Aborigines Advancement League, Thornbury, Victoria.

Time: 10:30-12 noon

Venues: 
In Person: Register your attendance on Eventbrite

Online here:Watch the launch here

"We will open our hearts to the cries of the poor..." (Chapter Statement)

In this video, produced by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, the Pope tells us that “each person” in the family “is unique,” but that “differences can also cause conflict.” He adds that to heal wounds, forgiveness is key, “even when there’s no possibility of the ‘happy ending’ we’d like.”

We are invited to pray "that broken families might discover the cure for their wounds through forgiveness, rediscovering each other’s gifts, even in their differences."

• Post your prayer in our sacred space here

"We will open our hearts to the cries of the poor using our energies, gifts and resources to address violence and discrimination e4specia;ly for... those suffering hardship because of poverty" (Chapter Statement)

 Caritas Australia says their work is only possible "with the dedication, passion and tenacity of their local partners who implement the programs. They are the heroes on the ground, working tirelessly behind-the-scenes every day to create a better future for their communities."

This year’s featured partners include:

• Caritas Samoa in Samoa
• Catholic Relief Services in Vietnam
• Caritas Kongolo in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

To support Project Compassion, visitthe Caritas Australia website at: www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion

"We will open our hearts to the cries of the poor using our energies, gifts and resources to address violence and discrimination especially for women and children, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples..." (Chapter Statement)

An opportunity to listen, learn, and stand in solidarity with the women who have shaped the movement for justice and recognition.

Panel members:

Aunty Pat Anderson AO, a proud Alyawarre woman and renowned advocate for Indigenous health and human rights;
Aunty Jackie Huggins AM, a Bidjara and Birri Gubba leader, historian, and long-time champion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights; and
Bridget Cama and Allira Davis, the Uluru Youth Co-Chairs leading the next generation of First Nations activism.

Date: Wednesday, 19 March 2025
Time: 6pm AEDT / 5pm AEST

Cost: Free

Venue: On Zoom

Register your attendance here