The decision to merge the three agencies in to one state-wide entity was made by the bishops of Victoria with the aim of delivering a broader range of services to Victorians across the state. “This decision was made by the Bishops after several months of consultation, due diligence and planning with the boards of each organisation,” said Bishop Shane.
The merge will allow people to benefit from the deep expertise developed by each of these entities. In Sandhurst, has a wealth of specialist expertise in Children's Support services. Ballarat has developed expertise in providing social housing, Melbourne has been involved in school counselling and prison chaplaincy, and Gipplsand has built up expertise in emergency relief.
CatholicCare Victoria will draw on a combined 184 years of experience in delivering excellence in a broad range of child, family and community services. It also consolidates leadership and expertise in the areas of school counselling, pastoral services, social housing, employment and advocacy services.
It will operate from 20 office locations and 107 delivery sites, extending much-needed services to all corners of the state with offices in Melbourne, Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong and Shepparton. It will support 50,000 people each year, including children, individuals and families experiencing difficulty or disadvantage, people in prisons, newly arrived refugees and asylum seekers, people with disabilities, people who are sick, people who are unemployed and people who are homeless.
CatholicCare Victoria’s workforce of 500 Staff and over 200 volunteers, inspired by Catholic Social Teaching, will work together in a shared mission for a stronger, more inclusive society.
“I look forward to working with the staff and partners of CatholicCare Sandhurst as the integration of these services take place, which I am confident will make it possible for us to deliver enhanced services and advocacy for those in need across Victoria,” said Bishop Shane.
Bishop Shane Mackinlay and Ms Rhonda Lawson-Street, Director of CatholicCare Sandhurst, are excited about the opportunities CatholicCare Victoria will bring to the people of Sandhurst.
