"Let us pray well and never grow weary." Catherine McAuley

DIRECTOR OF CATHOLIC IDENTITY

TIWI ISLAND APPEAL

In 2018 I was privileged to travel to the Tiwi Islands, along with fellow students and Miss Paula Cox. This trip changed my life for the better, it opened my eyes and made me grow as an individual. 

 

On these beautiful islands the children have limited resources as the closest shop is in Darwin. I have made it my responsibility to fundraise for these loving and caring children. I am asking the student body for donations that include new toys, makeup products, sporting equipment and merchandise or money to purchase items.  

 

I hope to make a difference to these people's lives with the support and generosity of our college community. 

 

Miss Holly Harmer

McAuley House Vice Captain and Year 12 Student

WORLD DAY AGAINST TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS PROJECT

During Semester 1, students studying Unit 2 Ethics investigated the issue of human trafficking and modern day slavery around the world, including Australia. Today 40.3 million people live in modern slavery. Slavery is often hidden in homes, in restaurants, on farms and on building sites. What is common to all of these examples, is that someone is being exploited and controlled. Our students researched the work of ACRATH. 

 

ACRATH stands for the Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans.   ACRATH’s mission is to eliminate human trafficking and the harm it causes, in Australia, the Asia Pacific region and globally.   https://acrath.org.au/

 

Global Statistics:

  • 40.3 million people live in slavery globally
  • 71% are female (women and girls)
  • 15.4 million victims of forced marriage
  • 24.9 million people in forced labour
  • 16 million people exploited in global supply chains in the private economy
  • 4 million people in forced labour imposed by state authorities
  • 4.8 million people in forced sexual exploitation
  • Over 1,900 people in Australia are victims of modern slavery
  • Only 1 in 5 victims are detected in Australia.  https://antislavery.org.au/

As a result of the students researching the issue of human trafficking, they wanted to raise awareness of modern day slavery within the college community. In class, the students produced posters and badges to educate others that trafficking in persons is a crime exploiting men, women and children in jobs such as forced labour and sex. The students displayed their posters and gave out their badges on Friday July 20 which was “World Day Against Trafficking in Persons”.

 

The 2021 Theme – “Victims’ Voices Lead the Way” allowed our students to hear the personal stories of survivors. This theme highlighted the importance of listening to and learning from survivors of human trafficking. Survivors play a crucial role in establishing effective measures to prevent this crime, identifying and rescuing victims and supporting them on their road to rehabilitation.  

 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the students on their efforts in raising awareness of human trafficking and modern day slavery in Australia. With efforts like these I look forward to a better world.  You may like to visit some of the websites included above to find out more about this issue. 

2021 ST VINCENT DE PAUL WINTER APPEAL

The latest estimates reveal more than 116,000 people were experiencing homelessness in Australia on Census night, representing 50 homeless persons for every 10,000 people. While one quarter of all people experiencing homelessness in 2016 was aged between 20 and 30 years. 2018-2019 Investigation into Homelessness in the Mildura region found the following: 

  • 255 people are experiencing homelessness in this electorate
  • homelessness affects 40 per 10,000 compared to an average of 27 people per 10,000 for regional Victoria
  • Mildura has the fourth highest level of homelessness in regional Victoria
  • 47 per cent are male and 53 per cent are female.

Once again, the Mercy Action Group held its Annual St Vinnie’s Winter Appeal during Term 2. Students were encouraged to clean out their cupboards, looking for warm clothing that doesn’t fit, or unwanted warm blankets that they no longer needed, or to go shopping and buy some non-perishable items to donate to the appeal.

 

Despite periods of lockdown, throughout Term 2 students donated an array of goods including non-perishable canned and packaged foods, blankets and warm clothing.  Sr Patricia Fitzgibbon was presented with the donated goods by the Mercy Action Group. Sr Patricia was full of praise for our students and their families for donating such wonderful goods for those in need in our local community.   

 

Miss Paula Cox

Director of Catholic Identity