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CatholicCare Victoria We empower communities, build strength and resilience, and work to help everyone reach their full potential.

CatholicCare Victoria is the social service agency of the four Catholic dioceses in Victoria.

Children don't always tell us something is wrong with words. Sometimes, it starts with noticing a change, taking the tim...
11/09/2026

Children don't always tell us something is wrong with words.

Sometimes, it starts with noticing a change, taking the time to listen and knowing when a child or family might need extra support.

For National Child Protection Week (6-12 September), we spoke with two CCV practitioners about what they've learned from working alongside children and families, and why keeping children safe is a shared responsibility.

Read our latest article, 'Keeping children safe is a shared responsibility', to learn more.

https://www.catholiccarevic.org.au/resources/keeping-children-safe/

You can also explore CCV's free workshops for parents and carers, offering practical support for families at every stage of a child's development.

Every detail in this artwork tells a story. As part of CatholicCare Victoria's first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), w...
31/08/2026

Every detail in this artwork tells a story.

As part of CatholicCare Victoria's first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), we invited Barkindji-Malyangapa and Fijian Indian artist Elisha Mangal from Mildura to create an artwork that reflects our organisation, the people and communities we work alongside, and our commitment to reconciliation

The result is Journey with CatholicCare.

Drawing on her understanding of CCV’s work supporting individuals, families and communities across Victoria,, Elisha carefully considered every element of the artwork. Community sits at its centre, with children surrounded by young people, adults and Elders. Pathways trace life's journeys, while circles represent gathering places, support and growth. Arches mark the hurdles people face, and footprints show the steps taken to move forward.

Even the rough, imperfect dots carry meaning.

"The dots aren't smooth because they represent what each individual has gone through to get where they need to be."

Through Journey with CatholicCare, Elisha reminds us that every person has their own story. While our paths may look different, we are connected through the relationships, support and communities that help us along the way.

Discover the story behind Journey with CatholicCare.
https://www.catholiccarevic.org.au/resources/the-story-behind-the-artwork/

What does it mean to have a place to call home? During Homelessness Week, two Ballarat events invited the community to r...
13/08/2026

What does it mean to have a place to call home?

During Homelessness Week, two Ballarat events invited the community to reflect on that question while raising awareness of homelessness and housing insecurity.

On the night of 31th July, on freezing Ballarat night, more than 30 people rolled out sleeping bags and spent the night outdoors as part of the CHHA Community Sleepout. As temperatures dropped below zero, participants gathered around a campfire to hear from three people with lived experience of homelessness, who openly shared their stories and answered questions from attendees.

A few days later at Lake Wendouree, a display of origami houses helped bring homelessness into public view. As part of the Victorian Homelessness Network's Houses at Parliament campaign, the installation encouraged people to reflect on the importance of safe and secure housing and the experiences of those who do not have a place to call home.

CCV staff from our Homelessness and Housing Support programs took part in both events, creating opportunities to hear lived experience perspectives, deepen understanding and reflect on how we can continue supporting people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.

Together, the events encouraged meaningful conversations across our community while helping keep the focus on the people, families and stories behind the statistics.

Read the full story on our website. https://www.catholiccarevic.org.au/resources/ballarat-community-comes-together-to-raise-awareness-of-homelessness

Art helps tell stories that words sometimes cannot. As part of Homelessness Week, CCV's Homes First Program proudly host...
12/08/2026

Art helps tell stories that words sometimes cannot.

As part of Homelessness Week, CCV's Homes First Program proudly hosted the inaugural Homelessness Action Now Art Exhibition at Dudley House in Bendigo.

Featuring 73 artworks created by artists from across the Bendigo region, the exhibition brought together people with current and lived experience of homelessness, community members, service providers and supporters.

Through sculpture, painting, audio works, sketches and personal stories, the artwork prompted honest discussions about homelessness and housing insecurity, helping visitors connect with the stories and experiences behind each piece.

As one participant artist simply put it:

"Art keeps us alive."

The exhibition also had a lasting impact for many artists. Several artworks were sold, with proceeds going directly to the artists, while others gained confidence by sharing their work publicly and seeing it recognised and appreciated by the community.

CCV is grateful to everyone who attended, exhibited artwork, shared their stories, sponsored and contributed to making the event possible.

Read more about the Homelessness Action Now Art Exhibition
https://www.catholiccarevic.org.au/resources/homelessness-action-now-art-exhibition

Peplow House celebrates 50 years of supporting men through homelessness. During Homelessness Week, current and former re...
10/08/2026

Peplow House celebrates 50 years of supporting men through homelessness.

During Homelessness Week, current and former residents, CCV staff, supporters, partners and community members came together to celebrate this important milestone and reflect on the impact the service has had over the past five decades.

A highlight of the evening was hearing from people whose lives have been touched by Peplow House. One former resident shared:

"Peplow House gave me more than a roof over my head. It gave me time to breathe, people who believed in me, and the confidence to start rebuilding my life."

Today, Peplow House remains Ballarat's only crisis accommodation service for men, providing more than 2,500 nights of accommodation each year and supporting around 120 men through crisis, recovery and the search for long-term housing.

While the anniversary was an opportunity to celebrate, it was also a reminder that homelessness continues to affect too many people across our region. The need for safe accommodation and the right support at the right time remains as important as ever.

🏠 Read the full story on our website and learn how you can support the work of Peplow House. https://www.catholiccarevic.org.au/resources/peplow-house-celebrates-50-years-of-supporting-men-through-homelessness

Help support the next chapter of Peplow House please donate today
https://www.catholiccarevic.org.au/peplow-house-50th

"I've got to work hard to make money… I've got no other way." – RoyRoy's story is one of resilience.After moving to Aust...
07/08/2026

"I've got to work hard to make money… I've got no other way." – Roy

Roy's story is one of resilience.

After moving to Australia in search of opportunity, he worked wherever he could, travelling across the country to follow seasonal jobs. But when the work disappeared, so did the security of having a place to call home.

Today, with support from CCV, Roy and his partner have found stability, and Roy is using his lived experience to help improve outcomes for others experiencing homelessness through the Catholic Care Homelessness Advisory Team (CCHAT)

His story reminds us that homelessness is often the result of circumstance, not a lack of determination.

Read Roy’s story https://www.catholiccarevic.org.au/resources/roys-story-working-hard-staying-hopeful

I'd rather protect my daughter before I protect myself."When Kristy became homeless, keeping her daughter safe was all t...
06/08/2026

I'd rather protect my daughter before I protect myself."

When Kristy became homeless, keeping her daughter safe was all that mattered.

She never imagined she'd experience homelessness. But after her mum was diagnosed with cancer, the family home was sold. At the same time, she was leaving family violence and trying to find somewhere safe to live.
For months, Kristy and her daughter moved from place to place. When there was nowhere left to go, they slept in their car.

Even then, Kristy did everything she could to keep life as normal as possible, making long trips each day so her daughter could stay at school.
Eventually, she found the courage to ask for help.

Through CCV, Kristy and her daughter now have a safe home and the support they need to rebuild their lives.

This Homelessness Week (3–9 August), the theme "Homelessness Action Now" reminds us that everyone has a role to play in creating lasting change. By listening, advocating and supporting services that help people rebuild their lives, we can make a difference.

Read Kristy's story: https://www.catholiccarevic.org.au/resources/kristys-story-protecting-her-daughter

"I'm glad I never gave up." – LaurenceFor more than six years, Laurence lived in a tent at a cricket ground on the outsk...
06/08/2026

"I'm glad I never gave up." – Laurence

For more than six years, Laurence lived in a tent at a cricket ground on the outskirts of Warrnambool, enduring freezing winters and the uncertainty of sleeping rough.

But what he missed most wasn't the comfort of a roof over his head; it was his family.

"I couldn't have my daughter over, and I couldn't call my mum to the campsite," he says.

After reaching a crisis point, Laurence was referred to CCV and later to Peplow House, where he found more than a place to stay. He found support, friendship and hope.

Today, Laurence has a home of his own. He can welcome his family, enjoy the sound of the ocean from his back porch, and look forward to becoming a grandfather.
His story reminds us that home is more than four walls; it's a place where you can reconnect with the people who matter most.

Read more about how CCV supported Laurence to find a place to call home.
https://www.catholiccarevic.org.au/resources/laurences-story-finding-his-way-home

"My story's a little bit of a sad one," Mitch says.At just 33, Mitch found himself living in the bush with only his dog ...
04/08/2026

"My story's a little bit of a sad one," Mitch says.

At just 33, Mitch found himself living in the bush with only his dog for company.

Separated from his three children and struggling with his mental health, he couldn't see a way forward.

Everything changed when he arrived at Peplow House.

For four weeks, Mitch found more than a roof over his head. He found safety, dignity, support and people who believed in him.

"I felt accepted, and I was treated like an equal," he says.

Today, Mitch has a safe place to call home and has reconnected with his children.

His story is a powerful reminder that homelessness can happen to anyone and that with the right support, hope can be restored.

Read Mitch's story and see how compassion can change someone's life.
https://www.catholiccarevic.org.au/resources/mitchs-story-beginning-of-something-new

04/08/2026

Celebrating 50 years of Peplow House supporting homeless men in the Ballarat community.

This year, we're celebrating 50 years of Peplow House, a service built on compassion, collaboration and a commitment to supporting men experiencing homelessness.

What began in the early 1970s as a vision shared by Fr Gerard Baldock and the Ballarat Council of Churches has grown into five decades of providing safety, dignity, connection and hope through practical support such as emergency accommodation, meals, guidance and pathways to longer-term housing.

As we mark this milestone, we honour the people who brought that vision to life and thank the dedicated staff, volunteers, partners and supporters who have continued their legacy over the past 50 years.

Together, we're committed to ensuring everyone has access to safe housing, practical support and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.

Address

19 Connor Street
Warragul, VIC
3820

Opening Hours

Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+611800522076

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