Our thinking Archives - Centre for Just Places

An ‘open-door’, place-based approach for First Nations people
- 17 July 2024
Recently, Jesuit Social Services’ Centre for Just Places was commissioned by the Victorian Government to investigate what makes some place-based approaches so effective. Our team, alongside partners RMIT University, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) and the University of Queensland, explored existing literature and practice, publishing a research report and case studies across the state, including The Gathering…
Jesuit Social Services staff explore how nature-based therapy can enhance their practice
- 16 July 2024
On a rainy morning in a patch of Kew bushland, Jesuit Social Services staff gathered to learn about nature-based therapeutic practice and the ways it can enhance their work with participants, and improve their own wellbeing. Nature-based therapy describes activities centred around engagement with the natural world to improve physical, social and emotional wellbeing. It is not only about green spaces, and…
Nine Yarra neighbourhood houses join forces to strengthen local climate resilience
- 16 July 2024
Nine Yarra neighbourhood houses gathered last week to launch a plan to reduce their environmental footprint and support the local community to adapt to climate change. Neighborhood houses are among the first to step up during community crises such as dealing with the impacts of extreme weather and are key responders for community members experiencing…
Neighbourhood houses building climate resilience and community connections
- 16 July 2024
In the city of Darebin, nestled in the inner north of Melbourne, there are many community members who experience multiple forms of disadvantage and are vulnerable to the impacts of heat. As extreme weather events become more frequent, the Centre for Just Places is working closely with communities like Darebin, to build climate resilience. The Centre empowers…
Alliance key to climate justice in the Northern Territory
- 16 July 2024
The Northern Territory is on the frontline of intensifying heat, extreme weather events, and rising sea levels. Remote communities and homelands across the Territory are particularly at risk of these impacts with many Aboriginal communities already facing food insecurity, a lack of safe drinking water and access to reliable, affordable electricity.
Advocacy in Willmot
- 12 June 2024
For many people, it is already hard enough to juggle work responsibilities, childcare and life’s numerous engagements. But lacking access to adequate public transportation tips the scales.
Climate emergency and prisons don’t mix
- 22 March 2024
On a 38-degree December day in the middle of the desert, 15 people incarcerated at Alice Springs Correctional Centre used t-shirts and pedestal fans to rip a hole in a ceiling, in a desperate attempt to escape the stifling heat of their overcrowded cells.
In the era of global boiling, a just transition must focus on keeping people out of prison
- 16 August 2023
Originally published at Croakey. The extreme temperatures that are being recorded around the world highlight the importance of reorienting justice systems to focus on keeping people out of prison, as well as ensuring safe conditions for those who are incarcerated, according to John Ryks, Director of Jesuit Social Services’ Centre for Just Places.
Place-based approaches to policy are crucial
- 12 December 2022
Originally published at Pro Bono. As natural disasters continue in the wake of climate change, place-based initiatives are crucial to emergency services delivery.
Community sector vital to climate crisis response
- 7 December 2022
Originally published at Pro Bono. A new Australian-first climate crisis plan sets out how the sector can use a local lens for mitigation.