Articles by: Debra Vermeer

People of faith can play a special role following Bondi attack

Faith communities have an important role to play in helping Australia to recover from the shooting of 15 people at Bondi Beach in December 2025 and in strengthening social cohesion.

Posted on: February 18, 2026

SAM Program is providing support to women in leadership roles

Eight women from across Australia and the Philippines have received scholarships that will provide them with support as they undertake this year’s Good Samaritan Study, Accompaniment and Mentoring (SAM) Program.

Posted on: February 18, 2026

Becoming an Oblate is a place of spiritual connection for Margie Schubert

When Margie Schubert encountered the Good Samaritan Oblate Group in Melbourne she was struck by the Benedictine values of deep listening and hospitality and, recently, she too became an Oblate.

Posted on: February 18, 2026

Firm friendships formed when country and city connect

Boarding students and staff from St Scholastica’s College in Glebe recently hosted a visit from 10 students and their families from the remote Indigenous Kimberley community of Ringer Soak, WA.

Posted on: December 10, 2025

Haven for healing, refuge and recovery opens in Melbourne

Melbourne has a new place of healing, refuge and recovery for those escaping family violence with the blessing and opening of the Good Samaritan Haven, following six years of planning.

Posted on: December 10, 2025

Reflecting on a year of challenges and celebrations

The Good Samaritan Foundation brings together people and resources to support the ministry of the Good Samaritan Sisters to assist those in need in communities across Australia and the Pacific.

Posted on: December 10, 2025

Good Samaritan Sister Meg Kahler elected to key Benedictine role

Good Samaritan Sister Meg Kahler said her election as President of the Benedictine Union of East Asia and Oceania offers opportunities to build connections and mutual support among Benedictine communities.

Posted on: November 19, 2025

Good Sams Foundation launches Philippines Emergency Appeal

The Sisters of the Good Samaritan Foundation has launched an appeal following the destruction caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi, which has battered communities on the island of Negros in the Philippines.

Posted on: November 19, 2025

Pilgrims of Hope: Transformed through Sacrament and Song

The National Liturgy and Music Conference featured an active Good Samaritan presence, with Sisters and an Oblate hosting workshops in which they shared their love and knowledge of the liturgy.

Posted on: November 16, 2025

Becoming a Good Samaritan Oblate ‘feels like coming home’

Two women from opposite sides of Australia became Good Samaritan Oblates recently, with both saying they felt as though they “had come home” when they joined their local Oblate groups.

Posted on: October 15, 2025

NASA cybersecurity expert urges students to reach for the stars

NASA cybersecurity expert Dr Kymie Tan returned to her old school, Mater Christi College, recently, sharing with students how the Good Samaritan values she received there have guided her career.

Posted on: October 10, 2025

Good Samaritan Sisters’ Blue Mountains ministry comes to an end

The Good Samaritan Sisters have been lovingly farewelled from the Blue Mountains, NSW, with people turning out in numbers to thank them for their decades of presence, faith and service.

Posted on: September 17, 2025