Articles by: Debra Vermeer

Positive signs as COVID-19 continues to impact Philippines

The Sisters of the Good Samaritan in Bacolod, the Philippines, are continuing to help people in desperate need as the community battles the effects of the Delta strain of COVID-19.

Posted on: November 17, 2021

Catholic leaders call for action to consign fossil fuels to history

The Sisters of the Good Samaritan have joined Catholic leaders from G20 countries who have sent a letter to world leaders ahead of crucial United Nations climate meetings this month.

Posted on: October 21, 2021

‘Stand with Tosy’ campaign aims to drive action on climate change

The Sisters of the Good Samaritan are supporting a new campaign from the Edmund Rice Centre’s Pacific Calling Partnership for Australian political leaders to urgently commit to climate change action.

Posted on: October 19, 2021

Peace-building mission of Japanese Sisters lives on in Bacolod

The decades-long ‘peace-building’ mission between the Japanese Sisters of the Good Samaritan and the Bacolod community has come to an end with the last of the Sisters returning to Japan.

Posted on: October 19, 2021

Call for action to increase support for refugees and asylum seekers

An online workshop conducted by the Good Samaritan Asylum Seeker and Refugee Network heard personal accounts of the harsh impact of Australia’s response to people forced to flee their country.

Posted on: September 15, 2021

Extended Plenary Council affirms ‘Good Samaritans all’

Good Samaritan Sisters, Oblates, staff and partners in mission came together online recently for an Extended Plenary Council, to check in with the Statement of Directions from the last Chapter.

Posted on: September 15, 2021

The rescue mission that captivated the world

The Good Samaritan theme of ‘being neighbour’ runs strongly throughout a new film about the largest international cave rescue mission in history. The director, Tom Waller, spoke to Debra Vermeer.

Posted on: August 18, 2021

Samantha’s ‘Cook 2 Connect’ fundraiser a recipe for success

When Sydney’s extended COVID-19 lockdown dashed the plans of Year 9 student Samantha Cherry to volunteer with Jesuit Refugee Service during the recent school holidays, she didn’t miss a beat.

Posted on: August 18, 2021

Pandemic has led to an increase in human rights abuses

From her earliest years, Alissia Carroll has felt a compelling need to be with her fellow human beings who are suffering rather than turn a blind eye, writes Debra Vermeer.

Posted on: July 24, 2021

Patricia Purcell retires after a long association with the Good Sams

Good Samaritan Foundation Board member Patricia Purcell retired recently. She spoke to Debra Vermeer about what has been a long and happy association with the Sisters of the Good Samaritan.

Posted on: July 24, 2021

Fears new rules could restrict advocacy and free speech

The Good Samaritan Foundation has joined its voice with other community organisations in expressing concern that proposed new Federal Government regulations could silence charities’ advocacy on behalf of vulnerable groups.

Posted on: July 24, 2021

Native fish restocking program a lifeline for the environment

The old farm dams in the Wivenhoe Conservation Area on the Sisters of the Good Samaritan’s Mater Dei property at Camden have had a new burst of native fish life.

Posted on: July 24, 2021