From Drought and Bushfires to COVID-19: The social impacts of compounding crises

MSSI interviews Sue Cattermole CEO St Vincent de Paul on how Vinnies has responded to the recent compounding crises.

In the last twelve months, St Vincent de Paul have supported communities through devastating drought, bushfires and now the COVID-19 pandemic.  Social welfare organisations like Vinnies work on the front-line to provide support and care to the most socially and financially disadvantaged. Volunteers and members reach out to provide both financial and non-financial assistance.

In this interview, MSSI Deputy Director, Dr Sangeetha Chandrashekeran, chats to Sue Cattermole, CEO of the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria and a member of MSSI’s Advisory Board. Sue discusses the socio-economic dimensions of recent environmental and health crises. Compounding crises expose the vulnerability of those who are already struggling in our communities, as well as tipping others into vulnerability and poverty. Sue discusses how Vinnies has responded to recent crises;  the relevance of sustainability during times of crisis; and the importance of social equity in green recovery proposals.