A new program called Generations of Value has been introduced in Catholic primary schools across Australia at the start of Term 3, 2025. The program aims to help children appreciate the unique contributions of people at all stages of life, showing them how society is stronger and more vibrant with generations working together. The program was developed by Mercy Health Foundation , Australian Catholic University (ACU) , Meaningful Ageing Australia and Catholic Health Australia , and sponsored by Catholic Development Fund (CDF). One of the main instigators, the foundation’s partnerships manager, Mark Trayli ng, says the thinking behind the program stemmed from a comment by his grandfather, a naval man, that when people lose their last parent, they become a ship without a rudder. ‘I appreciated the sentiment because it underscored how much we rely on previous generations for guidance ,’ Mr Trayling says. ‘ But upon reflection, I’d modify that image: while growing up, it’s helpful to have two hands on the tiller and someone pointing to the North Star—so that later in life, we’ll know how to steer on our own. Generations of Value is a reflection of this sentiment .’ Older people now are healthier, more educated and more involved than they ever have been.

Saturday 12 July 2025 marked a moment of extraordinary joy and deep spiritual significance for Melbourne’s Syro-Malabar Catholic community, with the consecration of the new St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Parish in Dandenong South. Located in the heart of Victoria’s growing south-eastern corridor, the newly built church is the culmination of years of prayer, planning and tireless effort from the devoted community. The consecration liturgy was led by His Beatitude Mar Raphael Thattil, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, and drew more than 2,000 faithfuls from across the state and beyond. The Syro-Malabar community in Melbourne’s South-East has seen remarkable growth over the past decade, prompting the establishment of the St. Thomas Parish in 2015 to meet the spiritual and pastoral needs of its faithful. In the early years, parishioners gathered for Masses and catechism in shared or rented spaces, all the while nurturing the hope of building a permanent church.