Since our last edition, a lot has happened in our country.

There are simply no words to describe the terrible anti-Semitic actions of terrorists who killed innocent people in an iconic Australian public space during a religious festival.

The Society stood in solidarity with our Jewish sisters and brothers during those deeply saddening days and weeks that followed. We continue to stand with them.

It is really quite impossible to try to think about Australia as a nation that has welcomed all peoples from across the waters, regardless of their religion, their ethnicity, their gender, is now confronting such vile hatred in our very midst. I ask myself what can I do? What can organisations like the Society do?

Like many bewildered Australians, as we come through the fog of unknowingness, we must hold on to the truth that each one of us can make a difference. We can. And we must.

The Society draws on wonderfully diverse individuals and groups who join together to do their best to bring about a better world for people in their local community as well as those in faraway countries. Our generous and caring Members and volunteers do make a difference.

Right now, they are continuing to build cohesion in neighbourhoods that now might have to deal with elements of fear. Fear of being different, fear of being pointed out because they are different.

Our Members and volunteers are just ordinary citizens. But “just ordinary citizens” provide the foundation of our caring Society. Like many other “just ordinary citizens” across communities in all parts of our nation, our volunteers bring comfort, care and respect to those who might struggle to get through their day. We welcome all people. We offer them a hand up when they might find that helpful.

We must call out those who visit disrespect or threaten harm to any and all innocent people in our communities. T fine but the common good demands that we bring everyone along that path rather than delivering them hardship. 

Conversations our Members and our volunteers have with ordinary citizens in need who live in their neighbourhoods are often relayed to National Council. National Council’s office in Canberra is a few short minutes from our Parliament House. An important aspect of how our National Councillors live their faith is through their own commitment to carrying the voice to our federal politicians. The voice of those who do not have a voice; of those who are not in a position to be able to exercise their voice; and of those who might be afraid to speak up.

And, for our Indigenous sisters and brothers whose voice continues to struggle to be heard. We are proud to advocate for a fairer Australia for all Australians.  

While we pursue public policy for the purpose of enhancing a fairer Australia, we also know from lived experience that in local communities it is our conversations and our inclusive actions that build cohesion. There are many out there who understand the real power of listening … Listening is a cornerstone for all respectful friendships. As Vincentians, we treat those we listen to as a Companion.  

As we are in the time of Lent and Ramadan, perhaps it might be timely to reflect on the feeling of being different that some Jewish and Muslim families might be experiencing at this time for living out their faith. To you my friends, the Society stands alongside you in solidarity. We will give you our hand when we see you are the target of behaviours that are un-Australian.

Finally, we acknowledge all our politicians, no matter what side they sit, for the leadership they display at this time of unrest and unsureness. They are leading us in the moment. Our unity must not be distracted by personalities or by external forces that seek to threaten the Australia that all of us, in our own way, have helped to build and feel so very proud to be a member of.