pEMBARGO: UNTIL DELIVERY
PRIME MINISTER
FOR PRE3SS 12 MAY 1978
SYDNEY CITY MISSI-ON OPENING OF SlWAN\ TO. N LODGE
Everyone involved in making this op ening possible must feel a
real sense of pride. You have taken and translated into
practice one of the great values on which all Australians are
united the concern for the disadvantaged and the helpless;
the belief that people are entitled to a fair go, and help when
they are in trouble.
This belief is one of the key values that brings our society
together, giving it unity amidst its diversity. But like so
many other shared values, concern for the disadvantaged and
the helpless is too often only an abstract ideal, something we
believe in but don't act upon.
In politics, there is a rather similar problem. Although
politicians basically understand that the things that unite
the overwhelming majority of Australians are more important
than their differences, rather than unity politicians too often
emphasize division conflict rather than consensus.
In the area of social concern, also,, all too often the tendency
is to acknowledge that a problem exists, deplore it and say
something should be done about it by someone else!
Bridging the distance between the ideals we all share and our
actions in everyday life is one of the major challenges confronting
our society; confronting every one of us. The men and women who
have worked to make Swanton Lodge a reality have ' confronted this
challenge. They have bridged the gap between ideal and action
by displaying a true sense of mission.
For more than 115 years, the Sydney City M1, ission has dedicated
itself to the homeless, the helpless.
Although the Mission is now a vast organization, with a budget
of $ 2.5 million, it is able to offer a network of ' services
throughout the city, simply because Australian men and women are
prepared to commit themselves to other people. 2 I
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Voluntary agencies such as this Mission are providing services
in a way no government can hope to match. They are better
equipped to face and meet directly the very special needs of
the disadvantaged in our complex industrial society in ways
which help people to become independent, and enhances their
dignity and self-esteem.
Looking at the problem in simple, practical terms, voluntary
agencies can supply what money cannot human compassion,
support and understanding. This voluntary work has the
enormous strength that it is undertaken out of a deep personal
commitmcnt to a cause, work whose only reward is the knowvledge
of having helped those less fortunate in the community.
Clearly the care, the time, energy and experience the Sydney
City Mission contributes to human need cannot be matched by
government and bureaucracy. That is one reason why my Government
places such emphasis on the cooperative work of voluntary groups.
We believe the interaction by individuals, groups and governments
at all levels is utterly necessary for any social welfare
policy to effectively meet the needs of people.
Of course, the Government is aware of the financial burden carried
by voluntary relief group agencies such as the Sydney City Mission.
We are also aware of our own responsibilities. The Commonwealth
Government has contributed over $ 800,000 to the capital cost of
the Swanton Lodge. We will continue to support this project
by providing substantial subsidies for meal, accommodation and
salary costs.
We share with the Sydney City Mission a real concern for those
people who have become the casualties of our society, the drug
dependent, the alcoholics and the homeless, who will be
sheltered and helped in this centre.
Swanton Lodge offers new hope for these people. It offers an
alternative " home" to the dilapidated buildings, to the parks
and streets of Sydney, and to the cells of its jails.
Above all, this Lodge and this day stand as a moniment to the
common humanity of all men and women and the commitment to
overcoming the problems raised by poverty, alcohol, drugs
or loneliness.
Without such an organisation, there would be little hope for
so many people, people so much in need of the community's
compassion, yet perhaps least able to arouse it.
I understand that 105 homeless, alcoholic and drug dependent
men and women will be provided with accommodation and services
in Swanton Lodge which also includes a detoxification unit,
a medical centre and a sheltered workshop. 3
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I would like to congratulate further the mission on its
courage and enterprise in presenting " Operation Understanding-
The Awakening of a Social Conscience" during the past week.
The Sydney City Mission has filled a need in this city ever
since its foundation by Benjamin Short. Today that need is
stronger than ever. The problems of society are more complex,
they demand new solutions.
This great Mission continues to respond in its helping and
healing with courage, care and dedication. It is facing up to
these new challenges with a rare blend of sensitivity, compassion
and innovation.
am privileged to be with you today and am honoured to declare
Swanton officially open. 000---