Catholic Social Services Australia

Catholic Social Services Australia Catholic Social Services Australia is the peak body for Catholic social service providers.

CSSA’s CEO, Dr Jerry Nockles - Leading Catholic Social Services Australia, and Director of Strategic Engagement and Miss...
15/06/2026

CSSA’s CEO, Dr Jerry Nockles - Leading Catholic Social Services Australia, and Director of Strategic Engagement and Mission, Katie Walsh-Smith, were delighted to spend time in Western Australia last week, connecting with members in Broome and Perth.

Across the visit, they took part in a number of significant gatherings and events in the Archdiocese of Perth, including

- Meeting with Catholic Social Services Western Australia members
- Attending the Primary Schools launch of Lifelink 2026 - A funding collaboration initiative for WA Catholic social services agencies
- Engaging with the WA Department of Communities
- Celebrating the blessing of the new Stella Maris Centre in Rockingham
- Participating in the Archdiocese of Perth Synodality workshop
- The St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Oration, which Dr Nockles was honoured to deliver for 2026.

This visit was a wonderful opportunity to strengthen relationships with our WA members and celebrate the breadth and impact of Catholic social services across the state. CSSA team is deeply grateful for the warm hospitality of CSSWA and for the strong spirit of collaboration and shared mission evident throughout the week.

Special thanks to The Most Reverend Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, Archbishop of Perth, Bishop Tim Norton, Bishop Don Sproxton, Bishop Nelson Po, and CSSWA Executive Director Debra Sayce.

📸 Image 1: Dr Jerry Nockles with Bishop Tim Norton at Stella Maris, Rockingham

📸 Image 2: Katie Walsh-Smith with CSSA member Dr Robyn Miller, CEO of MacKillop Family Services

What does it mean to have a place to call home?For many of us, it's something we rarely have to think about - a warm bed...
12/06/2026

What does it mean to have a place to call home?

For many of us, it's something we rarely have to think about - a warm bed, a safe space, and a door to close at night.

But for many Australians, that certainty doesn't exist.

That's why Dr Jerry Nockles - Leading Catholic Social Services Australia is taking part in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout, standing in solidarity with people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.

Thanks to your generosity, Dr Nockles has already raised $2,597 towards his $4,000 goal - helping fund 8 support programs, 21 nights of safe accommodation, and 85 meals for people doing it tough. But there is still more to do. Every donation, no matter the size, helps provide practical support to those facing some of life's greatest challenges.

Because no one should have to choose between survival and dignity and everyone deserves a place to call home.

Donate now - https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/fundraisers/jerrynockles

CSSA was pleased to attend Dr Andrew Leigh MP's address at the National Press Club, where he spoke about the decline in ...
11/06/2026

CSSA was pleased to attend Dr Andrew Leigh MP's address at the National Press Club, where he spoke about the decline in community connection and social trust and the power of the community sector and charities in bringing people together.

One of the most inspiring themes of the address was the idea that strong communities hold social capital that is the invisible infrastructure of a country. Whether it is volunteering, supporting a local initiative, advocating for those in need, or simply reaching out to a neighbour and sharing a meal, these acts strengthen the bonds, help weave the social fabric that connects us all, and create opportunities for people looking to find friendship, purpose, and hope.

A major focus was the government's intention to develop a more coherent policy trust agenda for the sector including: reducing unnecessary regulatory and reporting burdens, encouraging individual philanthropy, corporate giving and increased volunteerism, addressing concerns that proposed trust and taxation reforms could indirectly reduce donations, and stronger partnerships between government and community organisations, including through existing reform blueprints.

Across Australia, our network of Catholic community organisations work tirelessly to create this place of welcome, support, and belonging and CSSA is extremely proud to stand alongside and work with our members and partners who contribute in this important work of helping build communities where people feel connected, valued, and supported.

We thank Dr Leigh for recognising the extraordinary contribution of the community services sector and for highlighting the value of connection, generosity, and civic participation.

Catholic Social Services Australia is calling for a transparent and well-considered enquiry into both proposed taxation ...
09/06/2026

Catholic Social Services Australia is calling for a transparent and well-considered enquiry into both proposed taxation changes and reforms to the NDIS.

These two important bills carry real weight and will impact lives across Australia. The NDIS Amendment – Securing the NDIS for Future Generations Bill 2026 will particularly affect some of the most vulnerable people and families in the community who depend on the NDIS for essential support, dignity, and independence.

They deserve space for careful consideration, informed debate, and meaningful engagement - not haste.

As Dr Jerry Nockles - Leading Catholic Social Services Australia reflects:

“We encourage all decision-makers to support a transparent enquiry process that allows these important reforms to be fully and thoughtfully considered.”

Because when policy is shaped with openness and care, it better serves the common good.

Read the full media release here: https://cssa.org.au/taxation-changes-and-ndis-reform/

What does impact truly look like in our work?It's not captured in statistics, but in the quiet stories of change - where...
05/06/2026

What does impact truly look like in our work?

It's not captured in statistics, but in the quiet stories of change - where dignity is restored and lives are gently transformed.

Join us for the June Community of Practice session: Measuring Excellence, Outcomes and Impact, as we gather to explore how organisations can thoughtfully measure and demonstrate impact, satisfy the metrics required by government and other funders, while staying true to their mission and values.

This is an opportunity to connect with peers, discuss the greater emphasis toward sector-led, community-informed and shared outcomes measurement with funders, and reflect on practical ways to strengthen outcomes measurement and continuous improvement across our sector.

Participants will engage in peer learning, share insights, and discuss practical strategies for strengthening outcomes measurement and continuous improvement across our sector.

📅 Wednesday 17 June 2026
🕐 1:00 pm

Register by emailing [email protected] before 16 June 2026, 5:00 pm.

We look forward to your participation!


Last night, CSSA team was delighted to attend the St Thomas More Parish and Forum Annual Dinner 2026, where we joined wi...
04/06/2026

Last night, CSSA team was delighted to attend the St Thomas More Parish and Forum Annual Dinner 2026, where we joined with faith leaders, community members and friends across the Catholic sector.

We were deeply moved by the reflections of Cardinal Mykola Bychok, whose message on the dignity and mission of the Christian family as our ‘first church’ reminded us that families are often where we first learn love, belonging, sacrifice and hope - and that supporting families is central to creating a more loving and caring society. Cardinal Bychok spoke of the centrality and strength of family during the best of worst of times, especially reflecting on the ongoing hardships experienced by Ukrainian families amidst the current conflict.

The evening was also a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from gathering together in faith and fellowship, sharing stories, listening to one another and renewing our commitment to serving those most in need.

We extend our sincere thanks to St Thomas More Parish and Forum for hosting such a meaningful event and creating a space for thoughtful conversation and reflection.

Today, your generosity can go twice as far.If you have been thinking about supporting Dr Jerry Nockles - Leading Catholi...
03/06/2026

Today, your generosity can go twice as far.

If you have been thinking about supporting Dr Jerry Nockles - Leading Catholic Social Services Australia Vinnies CEO Sleepout fundraiser, now is the perfect time to make an impact. Thanks to the generous support of The Lidia Perin Foundation, donations made over the next 24 hours could be DOUBLED.

The Lidia Perin Foundation will be matching every dollar you donate. This means more meals, more accommodation, and more support for Australians experiencing or at risk of homelessness. With matched donations, your contribution can make twice the difference to someone in need.

Dr Nockles has already raised $2,597 against his $4,000 target, helping fund 8 support programs, 21 nights of safe beds, and 85 meals for people doing it tough. Every further donation helps extend this support to more people in need. If you haven’t made your donation yet, now is the time. Every dollar - no matter how small, can create real and lasting impact in someone’s life.

Donate here: https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/fundraisers/jerrynockles

Please note: This opportunity won’t last for long. If you would like to support, please donate today before it ends. Thank you for your continued generosity and support.

This National Reconciliation Week, we are called to be “All In” - to listen deeply, walk together, and commit to unity, ...
01/06/2026

This National Reconciliation Week, we are called to be “All In” - to listen deeply, walk together, and commit to unity, reflection, and meaningful action.

Just as our CEO Dr Jerry Nockles - Leading Catholic Social Services Australia states - “Reconciliation begins with listening - deeply and respectfully to the stories and truths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and this year's theme ‘All In’ reminds us that reconciliation requires all of us to walk together with humility, courage, and respect.”

Because lasting change begins when we choose to walk together.

Last week, CSSA’s Director of Strategic Engagement and Mission, Katie Walsh-Smith, Director of Policy and Advocacy, Carm...
29/05/2026

Last week, CSSA’s Director of Strategic Engagement and Mission, Katie Walsh-Smith, Director of Policy and Advocacy, Carmel Sefian, and Communications Officer, Neha Shetty, attended the Family & Relationship Services Australia National Conference 2026: Showcasing Practice, Evidence, Impact.

The conference was a valuable opportunity to connect with sector leaders, share insights, and engage in important conversations about strengthening families and communities across Australia. It was inspiring to hear from organisations and practitioners dedicated to driving positive change through evidence-informed practice, collaboration, and compassion.

CSSA was also proud to support and celebrate our member organisations who participated and presented throughout the conference, including Centacare Brisbane, CatholicCare Sydney, CatholicCare Victoria, Centacare Family Services, and CatholicCare - Diocese of Wollongong. Their presentations reflected the depth of expertise, compassion, and commitment that Catholic social services bring to communities across Australia every day.

CSSA was also delighted to host a member networking event during the conference to bring together colleagues and partners for connection and shared purpose. The event created an opportunity for members to build relationships, exchange insights, and reflect on the collective impact of our work in communities across Australia.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to such meaningful conversations and connections.

CSSA was proud to be at the finish line of the National Walk for Truth event on Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country at Parliam...
28/05/2026

CSSA was proud to be at the finish line of the National Walk for Truth event on Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country at Parliament House yesterday – to support the completion of a powerful national journey led by Kerrupmara Gunditjmara man Travis Lovett, calling for truth-telling, healing, and meaningful change.

The completion of the walk coincided with the start of National Reconciliation Week, a time for national conversations on Australia’s shared history and the work toward reconciliation that comes from respectful dialogue with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the unfinished business of truth-telling.

Guided by Catholic Social Teaching, we believe in the dignity of every person, the strength of solidarity, and our shared responsibility to care for one another and the wider community.

We understand that healing begins when we choose to listen, and meaningful change begins when we choose to walk together.

In the spirit of respect, dignity, and reconciliation, we stand alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and remain committed to building a future shaped by truth, justice, compassion, and love for one another.



Images sourced from the Walk for Truth website and Kara Cook MP’s Facebook profile.

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