NOTE: The Lecture can now be viewed on-demand at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhVrJ_n_s1s 

Banyule Churches Together presents the Lent 2024 Richard McKinney Memorial Lecture (Tuesday 27th February 2024). Lecturer: Sr Brigid Arthur CSB, AO Topic: What is happening to asylum seekers in Australia these days?

Hosts: St George Peace Memorial Church East Ivanhoe

Guest Lecturer: – Sr Brigid Arthur, CSB, AO 

Brigid, a Brigidine Sister, grew up in the Wimmera rural community of Kaniva, and was educated at St Brigid’s College, Horsham. After her profession as a Brigidine, she began her long and passionate engagement as an educator, mainly with secondary students in Brigidine Colleges throughout Victoria. A life-long learner, Brigid continued to study and expand her knowledge and skills in many fields. As Principal in a number of Colleges and later a founding member of the Brigidine Secondary Schools Council, her passion for education that encompasses and promotes the inclusion and growth of all young people was paramount.

In 2001, whilst continuing her work with education, Brigid’s hospitality extended to the increasing needs of asylum seekers and refugees in our society. In a less than welcoming climate, her vision for students – ‘all are welcome’ – began to extend to the needs of asylum seekers and refugees. Now renowned as a refugee advocate and activist on social issues. She was co-founder of the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project and has acted as litigation guardian for children. She is also an author, trustee of Kildare Ministries, Life Member of Catholic Social Services Victoria and a winner of the 2021 Pro Bono Public Impact Award.