News
February 2012: Melbourne Victory FC Take on Chaplains
Chaplains Without Borders is pleased to announce our new working relationship with the Melbourne Victory soccer club, providing counselling and general support to all staff and working with the leadership group at Melbourne Victory. The Chaplaincy is focussed on a "whole club" strategy, meaning we work with support staff, office workers, cleaners, volunteers, chairman and board; not focussing on players or coaches exclusively.
Chaplaincy sends a whole club message of "care", and those who deal with the Chaplain feel club support. In return, this generates a great loyalty and feelings of club connectedness.
'In all organisations, isolation and division between sections occurs,' Father James said announcing details. 'The Chaplain is one of the few individuals who naturally crosses all sections, and frequently acts as a unifying factor. A significant role of Chaplaincy is ensuring that individuals are understood, appreciated, and encouraged in their roles, and that isolation, frustration, and lack of appreciation do not occur.'
While the Chaplain may work on specific issues as directed, generally he will respond to varying needs from different sections of the club as they emerge. Chaplaincy can be specifically focused on an individual's need, but more generally deals with relationship issues, grief, workplace and family support, coping mechanisms and the resetting of life values.
December 2011: Remote Area Chaplaincy: A Program Tailored for Resource Companies
The 'Mining South Australia Conference 2011' has seen the development of a unique program tailored for the needs of people working in the resources sector. Father James Grant announced the launch of the new initiative by Chaplains Without Borders today.
"Exploration and project development in Australian mining can be a demanding business," Father James explained."Workers spend a long time away from their homes and families in remote areas, and it's hard to provide them with all the support they need. Particularly in an emergency or during crisis management."
In response to the needs of workers in remote areas, a new initiative has been developed to be rolled out across remote Australian resource based businesses.
A network of highly competent chaplains has been developed to work across remote workplaces on a revolving basis. This ensures each workplace gets a regular counsellor but, most importantly, that someone is always available in the area when needed.
"The concept was well received at the conference, where resource managers saw the need for remote area chaplaincy. P&O and Centrex Metals seemed particularly far sighted," Father James said. "The Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Tom Koutsantonis, , was also very supportive of the program due to the current high turn over in remote areas of mining workers and counsellors."
To register interest in participating in Remote Area Chaplaincy for your resources development business, contact:
Father James Grant
Chaplains Without Borders
e: frjames@cwb.net.au
m: 0425 721 962
w: www.chaplainswithoutborders.org
December 2011: Sustainability at Myer Includes People
Myer recently announced through their 'Sustainability at Myer' report for 2011 health initiatives in the workplace to support their staff's lifestyles, health and wellness.
As part of Myer's support of their team members' health and wellness, and balance of work and family responsibilities, they have taken a holistic approach that includes chaplaincy services.
Chaplains Without Borders offers confidential support and advice services for team members at their Support Office in Docklands through the Myer Team Member Support Service.
Announcing details in the report, Bernie Brookes, Myer Managing Director and CEO, said: 'At Myer, we're committed to offering a supportive, challenging and rewarding workplace for our people, and in doing so enabling them to contribute to their full potential… our commitment to our team members is a core component of our Sustainability Strategy.'
To find out more about Chaplaincy Services in your workplace, contact Father James Grant here.
November 2011: Employee Care Wins Myer Retailer of the Year
Peak retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association announced Myer as the 2011 Shopping Centre Council
of Australia 'Retail Employer of the Year' at the ARA Australian Retail Awards breakfast this month.
Download the press release here...
September 2011: Genocide of the Nuba: Melbourne Sudanese Community Plead for Help
Melbourne's Community of Nuba immigrants is worried. Worried about the ongoing mass murder of their friends and family in their original home in Central Sudan. Read the full article...
August 2011: The John Paul II Institute Awards
The John Paul II Institute offers opportunities for study in the theology of marriage and family, and in bioethics. The mission of the Institute is to promote marriage and the family for the good of the whole Church and the wider community, within the context of higher education in Australia and education in theology.
Chaplains Without Borders is proud to announce a prize for the Institute's best and brightest student: the Chaplains Without Borders Prize for academic excellence. Chaplains Without Borders is also proud to have been involved in co-ordinating two further prizes for students including:
– The Mary Tansey Prize
– The Fortunata Foti Prize
An award ceremony will be held in July 2012 and prize recipients published here!
Read past articles from our News Archives...