More than 75 people gathered in Melbourne recently for the much-anticipated CRA National Justice Seminar ‘Now is the Time!’, featuring an impressive lineup of speakers sharing their thoughts on crucial justice issues, and a common theme: If you care about an issue, do something about it!.
After being postponed on several occasions due to COVID-19, it was wonderful to gather again in person.
Speakers, Sr Brigid Arthur CSB AO, Sherry Balcombe and Cathy McGown AO at the CRA National Justice Seminar.
Cathy McGowan AO, former MP, kicked off the day with an energetic and inspiring presentation on her community-centred advocacy strategy that has redefined what it means to be an Australian politician. With honesty, candour and humour, Cathy recounted how she won the formerly safe Liberal Federal seat of Indi as an Independent in 2013. Citing Catholic Social Teaching as a major influence, Cathy emphasised how creating ownership and a sense of belonging through “kitchen table conversations” helped to engage the community and mobilise support for her campaign. She encouraged everyone to exercise their “courage muscles” to effect change.
Sherry Balcombe, the Coordinator of the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry and an Olkola/Djabaguy woman living in Melbourne gave a passionate and heartfelt overview of the Treaty-making process in Victoria. Acknowledging that it is “complex work”, Sherry suggested this is the first time that First Nations’ people have been afforded hope. Sherry said that Treaty making will “provide a crucial foundation of truth-telling, justice, and self-determination, ensuring respectful relationships remain at the heart of the reconciliation journey”.
Brigid Arthur CSB spoke about her work as co-ordinator of the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project. Brigid affirmed that justice is at the core of what Religious are called to do and echoed Cathy McGowan’s invitation to be bold and courageous. Suggesting that risk-taking is at the heart of the Gospel, Brigid shared moving stories about refugees the Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project had assisted.
The day finished with Juliet Talarico from Mercy Hub facilitating a climate change panel with students from Clonard College, Hearn Hill and St Monica’s College, Epping. Articulate, politically savvy and keenly aware of the urgency of the issue, the students shared their insights on topics as far-ranging as “eco-anxiety”, food insecurity, and consumerism as well as faith and raising families in today’s challenging world.
Peter O’Neil introducing the student panel.
“Advocating for change and being the change needed has always been a key element of the prophetic witness of Religious. Energy, commitment and strategic action was highlighted throughout each section of the day,” said Anne Walker, CRA National Executive Director.
“Whether it be in relation to advocacy through politics, First Nations’ peoples, refugees, or the environment, all speakers offered a message of hope.”
The underlying message of the seminar was, if you care about an issue, do something about it, even if it looks impossible – every step counts.
‘Now is the time’ to put that message of hope into action in whatever space our passion takes us to support the world and all within it, especially the more vulnerable.