David Holdcroft
Mr David Holdcroft
Social Policy OfficerJesuit Social Services (Melbourne)
I’m originally from Adelaide but have spent most of my adult life in Melbourne. Whilst I began working life as a Secondary Teacher, I very quickly became interested in issues surrounding homeless people and other very marginalised groups in our society. Soon I found myself working with some of these people in what I regard as a life changing time for me: I had until then never believed that such poverty and isolation was possible in a country like Australia. Travel/work in India, Thailand and Indonesia brought me into touch with some similar issues faced within those societies. I was and am impressed by many things being done and see the potential for great cross fertilisation of ideas and experience with Australia, however too often the attitude here is that such problems are not really ours to deal with. Change in some of these attitudes remains a definite challenge!
Recently I have completed studies in Theology and Philosophy and am presently working as a Social Policy Officer for the Melbourne-based Jesuit Social Services, researching and advising on issues such as Public Housing, Social Disadvantage and Criminal Justice. I’m a keen swimmer and bushwalker and play the piano for recreation. My hope this year is to create innovative and practical ways to connect and dialogue with various Asian countries on human rights and social disadvantage issues.