News from Bundaberg
26 April, 2025
MenAlive Breakfast – Modern Slavery in Australia
At our recent MenAlive breakfast meeting last, Moe Turaga, a victim and survivor of modern slavery in Australia, addressed the group of 45 men. In telling his story of being lured to Australia from Fiji to work on a farm on a Temporary Work Visa, he alerted the group to the presence of slavery in our modern times and in our own locality.
His passport was held by his employer who promised to send his wages to his mother in Fiji and to sponsor him for permanent residency. He was given only rudimentary accommodation and food. He and his fellow migrant workers worked very long hours and allowed out only on Sundays to attend church in the nearby town.
After 2 years Moe managed to arrange a phone call to his mother who asked “when are you going to send us some money?”
Moe and his fellow workers were ignorant of Australian labour laws and if ever they complained about hours and conditions, were threatened with visa cancellation and deportation. It was only through the concern of a churchgoer at a Sunday service that their plight was revealed and they were rescued.
Moe is now a Consultant with Australian Catholic Anti-Slavery Network, which works with hundreds of victims suffering exploitation, debt bondage and forced labour such as did Moe.
He is also an advisory panel member of the NSW Anti-Slavery Commission.
Hope – the forgotten Virtue
Fr Don White delivered two seminars on the “Virtue of Hope” in late March. Both were well attended and parishioners engaged in conversations on their experiences of Hope in their lives. The seminar was videoed and has now been distributed throughout the Diocese.
“Do it for Cancer”
In celebrating the Jubilee of the Sick, the parish arranged a luncheon at Brothers Club to fundraise for Cancer Research.
The pre-lunch entertainment was provided by Grant Sutherland and Jeffrey Caluag and was well received by the patrons.
Following the main course a multi-draw raffle of donations from local businesses and parishioners saw some lucky winners. A great way to remember our sick and to support needed research.
An early Celebration.
Fr John Daly cuts the 80th Birthday Cake at St James in anticipation of his reaching octogenarian status on April 14
Congratulations Fr John – Ad multos annos!
Working Bee in preparation for Easter remembrances.
Our Catholic Cemetery was tidied and cleaned by a small band of volunteers in readiness for the celebration of Easter and looking to Mothers’ Day shortly.
On this occasion we were joined by some younger workers who supported their parents in tidying up. Thanks to all.
Holy Week Liturgies
A large congregation attended the Celebration of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday. Fr Don, Fr Sijo, and Fr John presided. The Choir was in fine voice. During our Easter Vigil we welcomed William, Nelson, Lolita, Ethan and Max into the Catholic Church. We now pray for them as they begin their new life reborn in Christ.
Scenes from our Sacred Days
