Crossing New Seas Oration 2026
Our recent Crossing New Seas Oration, held at Star of the Sea College, brought together Trustees, Members Council representatives, Board Directors, leaders, staff, alumni and friends, alongside members of our founding congregations - the Brigidine and Presentation Sisters.
We were honoured to welcome Kate Kennedy AM, a graduate of Star of the Sea College and an internationally respected leader in human rights. In her Oration, “Seeking Justice: Slavery Is Closer Than We Think,” Kate offered both a confronting and compelling insight into the reality of modern slavery today.
Drawing on global data and her extensive experience, Kate reminded us that modern slavery is not distant or historical, but a present and pervasive reality.
An estimated 50 million people worldwide are living in conditions of modern slavery, with women and girls disproportionately affected - comprising approximately 75 per cent of those impacted.
She highlighted the systemic and structural factors that allow exploitation to persist - including poverty, weak legal systems, corruption, conflict and environmental pressures. These conditions create vulnerability, enabling coercion, forced labour and exploitation to take root and endure.
Importantly, the Oration brought this reality closer to home. Kate noted that modern slavery exists within Australia, with an estimated 41,000 people affected, often in hidden and complex contexts. She also challenged us to consider how everyday systems - including global supply chains - can be linked to exploitation, identifying sectors such as electronics manufacturing as areas of heightened risk.
Kate was joined on the evening by Paul Flavel, Executive Director of Hagar Australia, who shared insights into Hagar’s work supporting survivors of trafficking, slavery and abuse. His contribution brought a deeply human dimension to the discussion, highlighting both the lived realities of exploitation and the pathways to recovery, dignity and restoration.
At the heart of Kate’s message was a call not only to awareness, but to responsibility. She invited us to recognise that addressing modern slavery requires more than individual concern - it calls for systemic change, ethical leadership and collective action across institutions, communities and sectors.
This call resonates deeply with the mission of Kildare Ministries. We are committed to responding to the needs of our world with courage and compassion - challenging unjust structures and working to uphold the dignity of every person.
We extend our sincere thanks to Kate Kennedy, to Paul Flavel, and to Mary O’Connor, Principal of Star of the Sea College for her generous hospitality in hosting the evening.
Nicole Mangelsdorf
Executive Director
