Sister Carmel is no longer required to wear a habit, but since her return to the convent in the outback city of Whyalla, her new habit, is arguably just as profound.

Along with many of her contemporaries, Sister Carmel has become passionately involved with the plight of refugees incarcerated in the neighbouring detention centre. She visits the centre giving on going support to those who have been locked up for many years, participates in protests and lobbying politicians, and generally works on raising awareness in the community.

Her compassion and sense of integrity is apparent throughout the film as she fights for the release of those in detention. Sister Carmel is a pure delight as she dispels many of the myths related to nuns and living in a convent. What is it that makes a woman give her life to religion and God? Is she really a Good Samaritan?

A Nun’s New Habit provides valuable lessons in religious tolerance and compassion. It flies in the face of the fundamentalism and hatred that so dominates public discussion at this time and humanises the refugee and highlight tolerance in our society.