Under the leadership of Dr Darryl Cronin, the Edmund Rice Centre is working in support of Eric Fejo, a senior Larrakia traditional owner in Darwin. Read his statement presented to Parliament House in Canberra on August 8, asking all to support the Larrakia and the people of Darwin and the Northern Territory who want to protect the natural and cultural environment of Australia.

This week our own Fr Claude Mostowik, President of Pax Christi Australia, addressed those gathered at Sydney Town Hall to commemorate Hiroshima Day. As we recognise the 78th anniversary of the atomic bombing, Claude challenges us to be advocates for peace:

'Let’s work for the elimination of these weapons. The threat of nuclear war has not gone away. We learn today that it is possible to see things differently and act differently. It is possible to recognise the sacredness and dignity in each other. It is possible that we can live together in our diversity, to work for peace at home and abroad, to let go of racism and hatred for homosexuals and gender diverse people, to let go of greed, power, to let go of the need to control, to give up violence in word and action, to let go of fear that leads to paralysis and inaction.'

Click here to read the speech in full.

Today, 9 August 2023, we celebrate the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples. Australia endorsed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in 2009. Since then, in international forums, Australia has committed to take actions to implement this Declaration and promote indigenous people's enjoyment of rights on an equal basis. The Uluru Statement from The Heart, the recognition of our First Nations in our Constitution and the enactment of the Voice to Parliament are in line with our international commitment. Let's all play our part. Click here to learn more about what you can do ahead of the Referendum.