Level 4 Causeway House
306 Little Collins Street
MELBOURNE  VIC 3000
Phone: 61 3 9650 6811
Fax:     61 3 9650 8383
Email: cwsvic@ncca.org.au

:: Christian World Service (CWS) Victoria ::

The role of CWS Victoria is seen as responding to the initiatives and directions of CWS, applying them to the local churches as well as to the discerned needs and interests of the Victorian community. The section plays a role in the national structure by providing ideas to the national office, using Victoria's distinct advantages in density of population, and favourable ecumenical and cultural climate.

Promotion of Social Justice

• Responds to the needs of Victorian churches for working together to express their concerns for displaced people, indigenous people of Australia and issues in the countries where our projects are operating.
• Advocates and provides resources for advocacy on behalf of refugees, asylum seekers and Project Partners.
• Shows solidarity with people in the developing world by conducting Simply Sharing Week, Migrant and Refugee Sunday, Study Tours and by facilitating meetings with visitors from overseas projects.

Provision of resources to improve life conditions

• Promotes and raises funds for the work of NCCA CWS through the member churches and in the wider community.
• Co-ordinates efforts by churches and church networks to provide services for asylum seekers living in the community.

Education and Networking

• Promotes concern for social justice issues in secondary schools
• Develops links with tertiary institutions, including facilitation of student placements
• Develops a network of committed supporters to share the efforts of the staff.

Program on Refugees and Displaced People

• Facilitates education and advocacy on current issues surrounding refugees and asylum seekers
• Coordinates the Asylum Seeker Support Network
• Participates in the East Timorese Asylum Seekers Campaign and the Permanent Protection for All Campaign
• Organises events to promote understanding of the issues, such as The Healing Trail
• Is an active member of the coalition Justice for Asylum Seekers
• Works closely with the Asylum Seeker Project in North Melbourne
• Liaises with the Victorian Council of Churches on refugee issues