Education linked to longer healthier lives
A new Monash University study has found Australians with higher education live longer and healthier lives. Men aged 25 with a bachelor’s degree can expect to live 7.3 years longer, and enjoy 11.1 more years in good health than peers with lower education. For women, the gap is 3.9 years in life expectancy and 7.6 in quality-adjusted life expectancy. Researchers say these findings highlight urgent education-related health inequalities and call for policy action to address them. Find the study here.
Child protection experts urge focus on abuse prevention and justice access
The NSW Budget’s record investment in child protection and justice has been welcomed by legal and child welfare experts as a vital step for vulnerable children.
The Law Society of NSW praised the $1 billion overhaul of the out-of-home care system, increased foster care allowances, and more caseworkers. President Jennifer Ball also welcomed new support for Indigenous education and $33.4 million for therapeutic justice.
ACU child protection expert Professor Daryl Higgins described the $1.2 billion commitment as ‘much-needed’ but called for greater investment in prevention. He urged support for parenting programs, educator training, and resources to help children speak up.
Ball also called for balanced funding in the justice system, warning that more prosecutors must be matched by increased legal aid services to avoid delays and ensure fair access to justice.
Tackling youth homelessness through community action
A new partnership between the Home Time Youth Housing Coalition and Melbourne social enterprise For Change Co has been launched to drive community conversations and policy change around youth homelessness.
The collaboration will empower young people with lived experience to advocate for systemic reforms, including youth-specific housing, support services, and improved access to social housing.
Home Time spokesperson Shorna Moore said the partnership would help raise public awareness and build support for long-term housing solutions.
Australians urged to support refugees, children and global mission
Australians are being asked to show solidarity and generosity through three major appeals this month.
The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) hosted its 10th annual World Refugee Day Telethon on 20 June, featuring refugee stories and awarding five $5000 grants to refugee-led groups. It aimed to raise $1.5 million for vital services such as food, shelter and legal aid.
Catholics are invited to support the Peter’s Pence appeal on Sunday, 29 June, to fund Pope Leo’s mission of spreading the Gospel and supporting humanitarian projects in more than 70 countries.
Meanwhile, Jesuit Mission Australia is calling for urgent donations before 30 June to assist children in conflict-ravaged Myanmar, where more than 20 million people are in need. Their Emergency Action Fund is providing food, shelter and education through trusted local partners.
In brief
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has welcomed Pope Leo XIV’s appointment of Bishop Anthony Ireland as the new Archbishop of Hobart. Bishop Ireland currently serves as an auxiliary bishop in Melbourne.
Around the schools
St Francis Xavier School, Runaway Bay Qld, welcomed more than 900 students and guests this month to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Principal Ronan O’Mahony said students marked the occasion by exploring ‘school through the ages’, playing 1970s games and imagining future classrooms.
Trinity Catholic College, Auburn NSW, celebrated 30 years of faith, learning and community with a special Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral. All five principals from the College’s history joined the occasion, marking a powerful tribute to its enduring legacy since 1995.
Students from St Joseph’s Catholic College, East Gosford NSW, took part in an inspiring careers day with North Constructions, exploring opportunities for women in construction. Highlights included mentorship from 2020 graduate Taya Rose and motivational talks from A-League coach Emily Husband and Central Coast Mariners players.
What’s On
Through Our Eyes – Photography Exhibition: A powerful showcase of everyday life through the lens of people with disability. Featuring the work of eight individuals, the exhibition offers an honest and moving glimpse into their lived experiences.
Until Friday, 4 July 2025, 10am–3pm, ACU Gallery, 26 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Free event – all welcome
Find out more.
Applications invited for the Women’s Study, Accompaniment and Mentoring (SAM) Program, an initiative of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, in 2026.
Core components include financial assistance for women undertaking tertiary studies, spiritual direction and mentoring.
Applications close 31 July 2025.
Find out more
2025 National Catholic Education Conference: 20–22 August in Cairns under the theme Hope, Anchored in Faith.
On-demand tickets offer three months' access to the full conference lineup, including keynotes, workshops and masterclasses.
Find out more.
Improving reading comprehension in the RE classroom (AC+ subscriber only event)
Date: 29 July, 4.30-5.30pm AEST (Save the date)
Speakers: Lecturer for the Advancement of Literacy, Dr Danielle Colenbrander and Leesa Battistello, whose thesis will be promoting a hermeneutical communicative model for RE classrooms.
Find out more.
Picture 1: St Francis Xavier School, Runaway Bay Qld, welcomed more than 900 students and guests to celebrate its 50th anniversary. (Courtesy BCE)
Picture 2: Children waiting for their class to begin in Myanmar. (Courtesy Jesuit Mission)
Picture 3: Destruction in Myanmar. (Courtesy Jesuit Mission)