Events

Annual Public Meeting 2011

We held our Annual Public Meeting on Tuesday 22 November.

Over 130 guests attended as we celebrated our work with children and young people during the financial year of 2010-2011. The Chairperson of our Board thanked all our wonderful supporters, and launched our Annual Report. Our Treasurer tabled our Financial Report. And our CEO Robyn Roberts spoke about our achievements in the last financial year, and our goals for the future.

The keynote address on the Protecting Victoria's Vulnerable Children in the coming year was presented by Dr Lynette Buoy (pictured), CEO of the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare. 

Following the formalities there was a unique and uplifting performance from St Albans' RAP3021, followed by a delicious morning tea in the lovely surrounds of Abbotsford Convent.

Launch of Microfinance and the Household Economy

The Victorian opening event of Anti-Poverty Week 2011

Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service, National Australia Bank and the chairs of Victoria's Anti-Poverty Week joined together on October 16 to launch Microfinance and the Household Economy, a research report measuring the contribution microfinance has made to improve the material wellbeing of people on low incomes.

The report was formally launched by the Hon. Jenny Macklin MP, Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. This research was funded by the Australian Government, through the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. Key findings of the research were discussed by senior researcher, Tanya Corrie, the author of the report.

As the opening event for Anti-Poverty week in Victoria we also heard from Simon McKeon, Australian of the Year, as he discussed financial inclusion in the broader context of poverty reduction.

Women Leading Change

Ita Buttrose was guest speaker at our annual women's event which celebrated the capabilities of women to achieve real change in society.

Women Leading Change built upon the success of our Audacious women's events. It was the first in a series of events to be held annually to recognise Good Shepherd Day and the arrival of the Good Shepherd Sisters in Australia.

Women Leading Change aimed to highlight the achievements of women everywhere: not just the great and powerful, but also those battling to overcome disadvantage. Ms Buttrose, who through her own determination and success has set a positive example for so many women to excel in their chosen endeavours, spoke of her distinguished career in the context of our own important work supporting women and girls.

Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service CEO Robyn Roberts and supporters from across business and community welcomed Ms Buttrose as she explored her own journey leading change on Wednesday 20 July at 6pm, at the Novotel in St Kilda.

The event also featured a silent auction with a number of "money can't buy" experiences and items. Read more.

To find out how you can follow up your attendance of the event and support our women's programs please contact Kristen on 03 8412 7342 or email k.dearricott@goodshepvic.org.au

All proceeds from the event supported our programs and advocacy work for women and girls.

National No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) Conference 2011

This year's National NILS Conference, held at the Sebel, Albert Park, and sponsored by NAB and the Federal Government's department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs brought together 370 delegates from community, government and corporate organisations across Australia.

Keynote speakers for the event included the Hon Jenny Macklin, MP, Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and the national Australia Bank's Group Executive for personal banking, Lisa Gray.

Celebrating its 30 year history of providing no and low interest loans to Australians living on low incomes, the National NILS Conference provided an opportunity for delegates to network, learn and plan for a future of microfinance in Australia that received the key announcement of an additional government stimulus of $60.6 million in funding, over four years, for financial inclusion projects across Australia.

National NILS Conference Links and Resources

2011 NILS Conference Program

2011 NILS Commemorative Booklet

2011 NILS Conference media release

Speech presented by the Hon Jenny Macklin, MP