Introduction
In 2021, the coronavirus pandemic is still causing widespread economic and social upheaval and disrupting our lives. Our resilience has been tested at a personal and societal level. Everyone in Australia has had it tough. None more so than those in our community who were already experiencing disadvantage.
The challenges we faced before COVID-19 loom larger now – growing inequalities, the changing nature of work and the impacts of climate change. COVID-19 has accelerated these trends and has exposed cracks in our society and its systems. Yet, it has also opened opportunities for systemic change. As the experience of the pandemic has shown us, we can make different policy choices to address poverty.
At the Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL), we have worked hard to respond in new and innovative ways to support people who experience disadvantage.
In this annual report, we share our progress over the 2021 financial year as we continue to support those facing disadvantage and advocate to bring about lasting, systemic change in achieving our vision of an Australia free of poverty.
Acknowledgement of Country
The Brotherhood of St. Laurence acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land and waterways on which our organisation operates. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and emerging.