Together and by association-the foundational value of partnership
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Partnerships have been at the heart of the Marist project since the earliest years. From 1817, St Marcellin Champagnat looked to the style, spirit, and methods of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (founded by St John Baptist De La Salle) as a primary model.
‘Together and by association' is a foundational Lasallian principle, originating from a 1694 vow by De La Salle and the founding Brothers, emphasising collaborative ministry, community, and shared responsibility among Brothers and partners in ministry. It signifies a shared mission-often in service of those on the margins-that is offered and delivered through unity, mutual support, and a collective commitment rather than individual effort.
In large ways and small, Marist180 benefits from and contributes to partnerships... it embraces ‘Together and by association’. Some of these include:
Community Connection Hub
Community Connection Hub is a free, welcoming space where young people and families can drop in for support, referrals, education and employment pathways. It is delivered by our
Daramu team, every two months, partnering with other government and non-government agencies and Blacktown City Council. The Hub makes it easier to access help close to home, at the Emerton Recreation Centre. It features- *Free support *No appointment needed *Friendly, local team *Safe and welcoming space *Family Fun Zone: Games, Art Corner and Tasty Treats.
Good360
Good360 Australia believes all new goods deserve a first life. They connect excess and donated items from businesses to people in need via their national charity network. It’s their Circle of Good, where surplus finds purpose, not landfill. Charities, including Marist180, and disadvantaged schools order what they need, when they need it. This ensures the right goods go to the right place, supporting local programs and real community needs.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD)
Marist180 and CSPD partner and are connected in a variety of ways. These include:
In collaboration with the Jarara Cultural Centre, and Marist Learning Zone (MLZ)
Hosting and facilitating Staff and Student Reflection experiences
Benefiting from fundraising by CSPD schools.
Marist NOEL
Our annual campaign and commitment to fundraising and purchasing a
Christmas gift for every child and young person in our care would not happen
without the generous partnerships with many who heed the call and dig deep-
individuals, businesses, Marist schools and communities.
METWELL (Marist Education Two Way Exchange Life Learning) program
In our third year of this great initiative, connecting our Unaccompanied Humanitarian Minors (UHM) young people with student volunteers from Parramatta Marist High (PMH), and Marist College, Canberra. These connections have included homework support, cooking together, Kite building, and football. The initial 2026 meeting saw PMH volunteers and our UHM young people-meeting, greeting, and sharing experiences of Ramadan and Lent.
Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW)
Our Construction Trainees, many of whom have struggled for opportunity due to their backgrounds and circumstances, and/or are looking for a second chance. Our trainees learn and develop knowledge and skills working on Department of Housing properties. Our post Traineeship employment pathways rely upon strong partnerships across Brisbane, carefully cultivated and developed across many years.
This is by no means an exhaustive list; it is a snapshot of the range and type of partnerships that we as Marist180 contribute to and receive a great deal from.
Having noted earlier the De La Salle/Champagnat strong connection in and from the founding years, it is great to highlight and reflect on a contemporary shared expression of ‘Together and by association’- today, the Marist and De La Salle Brothers continue to collaborate on projects including the Fratelli Project, assisting and educating refugee children in Lebanon and Colombia.
