2025Year in Review

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People as Australia’s First Peoples and the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which we work to build a stronger, more equitable, kinder society, that values children, young people, families and individuals.

We honour the wisdom of and pay respect to, Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge the spiritual culture of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia.

The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is located on the traditional lands of the Awabakal, Biripi, Darkinjung, Kamilaroi, Wiradjuri, Wonnarua and Worimi people.

Our Diocese

The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle extends along the east coast of New South Wales from Lake Macquarie to Taree and inland to Merriwa and Murrurundi. It covers 10 local government areas, outlined in the map. The Diocese represents almost 150,000 Catholics and is organised into 37 parishes across 10 pastoral regions.

Our Vision

To live the joy of the Gospel and share it with the world.

Our Mission

We are committed to serving all in the community so that they may experience life to the fullest.

Our Values

Upper Hunter

MidCoast

Muswellbrook

Dungog

Singleton

Cessnock

Our Strategic Direction

Maitland

Newcastle

Lake Macquarie

“...the Church is, at its heart, a place of belonging - where doors remain open and tables are shared, and where no one should feel like a stranger.”

BISHOP MICHAEL KENNEDY

2025 Reflection

2025 was a year of pilgrimage, renewal and shared purpose, as our Diocese embraced the Jubilee call to hope, supported communities in crisis, and strengthened unity, leadership and faith across our regions.

A Jubilee Year is always a significant moment in the life of the Church. It invites us to reflect and renew our commitment to the Gospel.

For me, 2025 was a year in which our Diocese continued to navigate significant change, strengthen the way we work together, and remain focused on serving our communities so that all might live life to the fullest. In this Jubilee Year, we were called to live as Pilgrims of Hope.

We began the year on pilgrimage together, gathering at Sacred Heart Cathedral for the Jubilee Launch. I will not soon forget the energy of that day, as people from across our Diocese walked together to mark the beginning of a season of faith, hope and action.

In September, many of our people returned from pilgrimage across Europe, to Greece, Turkey and Italy, carrying stories of faith that stretch back centuries. It was a gift to journey alongside them and the global Church. I know I, along with our pilgrims, returned eager to bring our experiences into parish and family life here.

At home, important work continued in shaping our new diocesan governance framework, strengthening our commitment to synodality and the way we discern and make decisions. This project went beyond structural reform and has strengthened a foundation where voices are heard, and our mission remains clear.

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Since then, I have seen that same spirit expressed in countless ways. In our schools and early education services, in CatholicCare and St Nicholas, in parishes large and small, people have quietly and faithfully carried the Gospel from their churches into classrooms, kitchens, meeting rooms and communities. When devastating floods once again impacted the Manning and surrounding regions, our Diocese did not hesitate to respond. Through the generosity of parishioners, school communities and donors, more than $150,000 was raised in support of those rebuilding their lives. It was a reminder that Catholic life is not just confined to our sacred spaces.

This year also placed us firmly within the life of the universal Church. We mourned the death of Pope Francis, whose pastoral courage reshaped the way many of us understand leadership. And we welcomed Pope Leo XIV, whose early call for a Church that listens deeply and looks outward in service has already found a natural home within our diocesan life.

One of my personal highlights in 2025 was Bishop’s Staff Day, when more than 200 staff gathered to celebrate our common purpose. Hearing Year 12 student leaders speak so passionately about their hopes for the future was a welcome reminder of why we invest so deeply in young people.

Finally, we closed the year with the simple but important invitation: Welcome Home. It is a call to remember that the Church is, at its heart, a place of belonging - where doors remain open and tables are shared, and where no one should feel like a stranger.

I am proud that these moments within our Diocese are not in isolation. Together they tell the story of a community that is alive with the Spirit. We are not perfect, but we are faithful and resolute in hope.

The year ahead is already taking shape with purpose. I am grateful to everyone who has contributed to the mission and work of our Diocese, and I look forward to the work still to come.

Yours in Christ

2025 Year in Review

2025 brought community strength, collaboration and practical support across the Diocese, from flood response to growing services and programs, highlighting a year shaped by resilience, teamwork and commitment to supporting local people.

FR MATTHEW MULLER, Moderator of the Curia

The year began with the Jubilee call to be Pilgrims of Hope. More than 1,000 people gathered for pilgrimage and celebration, before communities across the Diocese continued that journey through prayer and accompaniment. From this starting point, much of what unfolded in 2025 called us to work closely or open our arms to provide additional support to one another. Sometimes in celebration, sometimes in challenge, but always with purpose.

In the Manning, when floods disrupted lives and livelihoods, the Diocese responded quickly and generously. Across schools, community services and parishes, everyday people didn’t hesitate to meet the needs of others. The Bishop’s Flood Appeal became one example among many of what it looks like when faith becomes lived compassion.

Alongside this, the life of the Diocese continued to deepen and evolve. Catholic Schools invested in excellence and identity.

CatholicCare responded to rising need with care and innovation. St Nicholas continued to grow, strengthen its workforce and support families. Hunter Community Housing focused on stability and connection for those who rely on safe and sustainable homes. The Office of Safeguarding strengthened formation, compliance and policy to protect children and vulnerable adults. And the Catholic Community Fund remained the financial backbone that allows these ministries to flourish now and into the future.

Across these pages you will find our Year in Review, which highlights what we achieved together, but more importantly the lives strengthened through it.

As we turn toward 2026, the task remains the same: continue building a Church that listens, responds and inspires hope in every corner of our Diocese. We will continue this work together.

“At

its heart, the Catholic Community Fund remains committed to serving the mission of the Church providing purpose-driven financial services that directly enable schools, parishes, agencies and ministries to flourish.”

JENNY CHUNG

Catholic Community Fund

The Catholic Community Fund delivered strong financial performance and meaningful community impact in 2025, supporting schools, early education, flood relief and parish initiatives while strengthening foundations for sustainable mission across the Diocese.

JENNY CHUNG, Director Catholic Community Fund

In 2025, the Catholic Community Fund (CCF) once again demonstrated the power of collective faith and stewardship in action. Guided by our mission to harness the financial resources of the Catholic community for the good of all, the Fund achieved another year of strong performance, sustained growth and tangible impact across the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

For the financial year ended 30 June 2025, the Fund recorded an operating profit of $14.2 million, an increase on the previous year’s result. This enabled a $12.2 million distribution to the Diocese and its agencies, including $500,000 in direct support for parish communities.

Throughout the year, the CCF continued to play a pivotal role in supporting essential education, pastoral and community initiatives. Funding facilitated significant projects across Catholic Schools, including the expansion of facilities at Catherine McAuley Catholic College, Medowie, St Bede’s Catholic College, Chisholm, St Michael’s Primary School, Nelson Bay, and St James’ Primary School, Kotara South, all vital investments in the future of Catholic education.

The Fund also supported St Nicholas Early Education with the construction of two new centres at Kotara South and Forster, helping families access quality early learning environments that reflect the values of faith, care and community.

In response to local hardship, the CCF team was instrumental in establishing the Bishop’s Flood Appeal for the Manning community. Through this appeal, over $150,000 in community relief funding was distributed across the Manning region via parishes,

schools and CatholicCare, supporting those impacted by severe weather and economic pressures earlier in the year.

Beyond its community impact, 2025 was also a year of strengthening the Fund’s operational foundations. CCF continued to enhance its risk management and compliance frameworks, build its capital base, and invest in systems that support efficiency, transparency and service quality. These initiatives ensure the Fund remains sustainable and compliant with regulatory and community expectations, while continuing to serve as a trusted financial partner to the Diocese and its community.

At its heart, the Catholic Community Fund remains committed to serving the mission of the Church providing purpose-driven financial services that directly enable schools, parishes, agencies and ministries to flourish.

As we look ahead to 2026, the Fund’s focus will remain clear: to provide a secure and sustainable financial foundation for the Church’s pastoral mission, to support the faith life of our communities, and to continue giving back generously to those who make our shared mission possible.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our investors, parishes, schools and partners for their ongoing trust and collaboration. Together, we are strengthening the future of our Diocese, one community, one project and one act of faith at a time.

Catholic Schools

Catholic Schools celebrated excellence, deepened family engagement, expanded opportunities for gifted learners, strengthened curriculum and faith formation, and marked significant school milestones, reflecting a vibrant year across the Diocese.

JACQUELINE WILKINSON, Director Catholic Schools IMAGES

TOP: Emmaus Awards

L-R: ASPIRE Rise of Bozz; Secondary Schools Swimming; St John’s Lambton’s winning entry for the ‘Decorate your Space’ competition

A defining moment of 2025 was the inaugural Celebrating Excellence Awards Ceremony, hosted by Catholic Schools, in which the Emmaus Awards were conferred to celebrate the profound impact of staff across diverse roles and settings. Staff were also formally recognised for 25 years of dedicated service to Catholic education, and the outstanding achievements of our highest-performing graduates from the Class of 2024 were celebrated. This occasion was not only a recognition of accomplishments, but a tribute to the passion, perseverance and purpose that underpin the vocation of Catholic education.

Parent engagement deepened this year through the transition to Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Forums, complemented by strong participation in webinars and consultation processes. The Federation of Parents hosted a series of expert-led webinars supporting families in areas such as Building Positive Relationships, Supporting Wellbeing in Children and Teens, and Transitioning to Kindergarten. A highlight was the Annual Mass Celebrating Diverse Learning, a moving celebration of inclusion, compassion and the boundless potential within every learner.

Our commitment to expanding opportunities for high potential and gifted students continued to flourish. Enrolment in the Virtual Academy provided rich, transdisciplinary learning experiences, while the University of Newcastle High Performing Student Program celebrated students who excelled in first-year university units across business, mathematics and medical sciences.

For 13 years, ASPIRE has been a beacon of creativity and artistic expression in our Diocese. The 2025 production was a standout event, showcasing the talents of over 150 young creatives. This year saw an expansion of offerings, further enriching opportunities in the creative and performing arts. As a testament to its excellence, this year’s production, The Rise of Bozz, received two prestigious City of Newcastle Drama Association (CONDA) awards: Best Production (Musical) 18 & Under, and Guest Artist for Tobhiyah Stone Feller.

Representative sport continues to be a valued part of student life. The Diocesan Netball Gala featured 57 teams from 11 secondary schools, with the introduction of the Intermediate Boys’ Division following the success of last year’s junior trial. All schools participated in the SSSA Basketball Championships, and students engaged in a wide range of competitions including the McKendry and Morgan Stewart Cups, Lawn Bowls, All Schools Rugby 7s, Netball NSW Cup, NRL School Boys and Girls Cup, Basketball NSW Tournament, Northern NSW Schools Girls League, Rugby League 9s and Oztag NSW.

In 2025, Catholic Schools staff and Shared Services personnel visited 38 schools, affirming achievements, exploring challenges and supporting operations. These visits focused on three key themes: Catholic Identity is Authentic, Student Potential is Realised and The School is Thriving and Sustainable.

Our transition of inner-city schools to 7 to 12 years continued with the refresh of Trinity Catholic College, Adamstown.

Curriculum reform remained a high priority, with NESA’s comprehensive overhaul of the NSW curriculum aimed at strengthening foundational knowledge, capabilities and values. Professional learning, led by the School Improvement & Learning Team and schools, focused on supporting curriculum implementation throughout the year.

The continued rollout of the Religious Education Curriculum K–10, grounded in the pedagogy of encounter, received sustained positive feedback and showed early improvements in Religious Literacy outcomes. The trial of key roles such as Priest Chaplain and Family Engagement Coordinator further strengthened parish-schoolfamily connections.

2025 marked the launch of the RISE Project (Reimagining Inclusive and Specialised Education), a collaborative initiative between Catholic Schools and Dr Tess Rendoth from the University of Newcastle. The project aims to assess the current landscape of inclusive education in Diocesan schools, identify strengths and develop recommendations to shape a shared philosophy of inclusion across the Diocese.

We are grateful for all that we have achieved in 2025 and looking forward to building on our successes in 2026.

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St Catherine’s Catholic College, Singleton celebrates 150 years;

St Francis Xavier Primary School, Belmont celebrates 75 years;

St Therese’s Primary School, New Lambton celebrates 100 years;

St Catherine’s Catholic College, Singleton celebrates 150 years;

St Aloysius Primary School, Chisholm celebrates 10 years.

Throughout the year, several schools celebrated significant anniversaries, reflecting the enduring legacy of Catholic education and the inspiration of our patron saints. Notable milestones included:

St Catherine’s Catholic College, Singleton – 150 years

St Therese’s Primary School, New Lambton – 100 years

St Joseph’s Primary School, Wingham – 90 years

Corpus Christi Primary School, Waratah – 90 years

St Francis Xavier Primary School, Belmont – 75 years

St Mary’s Catholic College, Gateshead – 60 years

St Aloysius Primary School, Chisholm – 10 years

“Across our Community Programs, the need for assistance has continued to rise. Despite funding challenges, our Community Kitchens served more than 40,000 meals in 2025.”

LISA CRAVEN

CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning

Guided by compassion, dignity and respect, CatholicCare has continued its vital mission throughout 2025, supporting vulnerable individuals, families and communities across the Diocese.

LISA CRAVEN, Director CatholicCare

This year has been one of meaningful growth, strengthened partnerships and practical support for thousands of people facing hardship.

Across our Community Programs, the need for assistance has continued to rise. Despite funding challenges, our Community Kitchens served more than 40,000 meals in 2025, providing warmth, nourishment and connection during a time when costof-living pressures continue to affect many households.

This year also marked two significant milestones: 10 years of service for the Taree Community Kitchen and 5 years for the Forster Community Kitchen. These anniversaries celebrate not only the provision of a consistent, vital support service but also mark a decade of community, volunteerism and hope.

Our annual Make a Difference Appeal once again highlighted the generosity of our region, raising more than $16,000 to support our unfunded programs, including our kitchens and community outreach services.

In our Permanency Support Program, 2025 was a year of profound outcomes for children and young people. We celebrated seven successful restorations, two guardianships, and one adoption – each outcome representing the stability and belonging every child deserves. We also expanded our pool of respite carers and supported four children to transition from general foster care to kinship care. These milestones reflect the dedication of our staff, carers and families who work tirelessly to create safe, nurturing environments.

Our Local Support Services program, supporting men experiencing domestic and family violence, responded to significant demand receiving 4,350 referrals this year. We deepened our partnership with CatholicCare Broken Bay, now collaborating across two programs, responding to significant demand, Local Support Services (LSS) and Clinical Care Coordination, a complex mental health program. These partnerships have strengthened our collective response and improved service reach across the region.

Overall, across our male and female Domestic and Family Violence programs, CatholicCare supported 458 victim-survivors, including 50 children, providing pathways to safety, stability and specialised care.

The Nurturing Best Beginnings program also gained national attention. The program uses infant simulators to demonstrate the impacts of drug and alcohol use on babies. Our team presented at the Network of Alcohol and other Drugs Agencies (NADA) Conference in Sydney and later at the International Childhood Trauma Conference in Melbourne. This recognition reflects CatholicCare’s commitment to innovative, evidence-based education for young people.

The Rosewood Centre continued to expand its footprint and impact, opening a new site in Charlestown and delivering an impressive 15,026 psychology, Behaviour Support and assessment sessions to 2,115 clients. Therapeutic Services further supported 2,943 clients and families, offering compassionate, high-quality mental health care to those who might otherwise go without.

Our GambleAware Hunter team delivered 2,191 sessions, supporting 378 new referrals and engaged with the community at 379 events across the Hunter and Manning regions.

Early intervention remained a priority, with the Targeted Earlier Intervention program providing 562 counselling sessions, and additional counselling and casework delivered through School Based Support and our Gloucester outreach. The Beyond the Gates program continued to thrive, supporting around 320 students and families through school-based wellbeing support.

Finally, the Healing and Support - Zimmerman Service team walked alongside 53 clients, offering trauma-informed, survivor-focused assistance across therapeutic support, redress, crisis response and community engagement.

As we reflect on 2025, we acknowledge the dedication of our staff, volunteers, partners, carers and supporters. Together, we remain committed to building a community where every person is valued, supported and given hope for the future.

40,000 meals served by community kitchens in 2025

$16,000 raised by annual Make a Difference Appeal

4,350 referrals for Local Support Services program, supporting men experiencing domestic and family violence

458 victim-survivors supported through domestic and family violence programs

15,026 Psychology, Behaviour Support and assessment sessions delivered by The Rosewood Centre

2,191 sessions delivered by GambleAware Hunter team

Hunter Community Housing

Hunter Community Housing strengthened its services in 2025, enhancing tenancy management, community engagement and compliance while expanding housing solutions and advancing tenant rights, positioning the organisation for continued stability and impact into 2026.

RAY BOWEN, Director Property & Housing

While sector funding opportunities remained limited, this provided us with a chance to focus on streamlining our business model and strengthening tenancy management and community engagement.

Alongside our expanding affordable housing portfolio, HCH continued to deliver diverse housing solutions, including supported independent living for young people transitioning from out-of-home care, and a market residential program.

We maintained strong engagement within the community housing sector, with proud representation on the organising committee for Hunter Homeless Connect Day. Our collaboration with Faith Housing Australia and the Community Housing Industry Association NSW enabled us to share valuable insights and resources with our tenants and staff.

In February, we conducted a tenant satisfaction survey, achieving a 62% response rate, which is well above the Housing Registrar’s target benchmark of 25%. Results were encouraging across key areas such as overall satisfaction, repairs and maintenance, property condition and communication. This feedback will guide

future service improvements.

In May, significant changes to NSW tenancy laws came into effect. The Residential Tenancies Amendment Act made “no grounds” evictions unlawful, simplified pet ownership for tenants and improved rental payment rules, strengthening protections for tenants’ rights.

Finally, in October, we submitted our annual compliance report to the Community Housing Registrar. This process allowed us to further review and streamline policies and procedures, ensuring they remain relevant as our operations grow. These efforts position HCH for continued success and sustainability as we move into 2026.

Our work directly supports the mission of the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle and reflects the Australian Catholic Bishops’ call to address homelessness as a moral and social priority. By providing secure, affordable housing and fostering inclusion, we are living out these values in practical ways that change lives. We look forward to continuing this mission together - building communities where everyone has a place to call home.

St Nicholas

St Nicholas strengthened its foundations in 2025, enhancing educator support, advancing workforce development and innovation, and improving programs and structures to better serve families, children and communities into 2026.

We proudly announced two new Early Education centres in Forster and Kotara South, both set to open in 2026. These centres offer new opportunities to support families and strengthen community connections. Each reflects our commitment to creating places where more families can belong, learn and thrive.

2025 was also a defining year for our workforce. Through the Australian Government’s Worker Retention Grant, we secured a 10 per cent wage increase for eligible educators, with a further five per cent in December 2025. This milestone speaks to our belief that when educators are supported and valued, children and families flourish. It’s well-earned recognition of the skills and heart our teams bring to their work each day.

Workforce development was further strengthened through our St Nicholas Pathways program, as we celebrated the achievements of students who completed their qualifications this year. With support from Pathways, 41 school-based students, 23 work-based trainees, and four students completing their qualifications through face-to-face training reached this important milestone.

Innovation has also been front and centre. We began rolling out OWNA, our new childcare management app and system, which offers more efficiency and variety in the way families and educators connect. OWNA streamlines enrolments, communication, billing, and

updates about learning and care, creating a seamless experience for everyone involved. More importantly, it allows educators to spend more time engaging with children and supporting their growth each day.

We have refined our staffing models in our Early Education services to better support our families, and streamline our administration requirements. This year saw the introduction of Family Liaison and Administration Officers, who provide handson support for families across all centres. The addition of a second Assistant Director in our larger centres has further expanded the capacity for mentoring and collaboration among teams.

To guide our network of Out of School Hours (OOSH) services, we welcomed a new Head of OOSH, bringing new energy, vision and OOSH expertise to this important function of St Nicholas.

Each of these initiatives reflects our belief that positive outcomes for children start with targeted support for the teams who educate and care for them.

As we turn our attention to 2026, we do so with genuine excitement. Plans are already underway for new projects and initiatives designed to further enhance the experience of families, children and educators. The year ahead will see us continue to grow and deepen our connections with the communities we serve.

Office of Safeguarding

The Office of Safeguarding reinforced the Diocese’s commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults in 2025 through interagency collaboration, training, policy development and structural reform to support a safer, more accountable future.

SEAN TYNAN Director Safeguarding

The Office of Safeguarding (OoSG) is the organisational expression of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle’s enduring commitment to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults. Throughout the year, the Director and members of the OoSG represented the Diocese in multiple interagency safeguarding settings including:

• participation in the review of Australian Catholic Safeguarding Ltd.;

• participation in the Department of Communities & Justice complex case discussions;

• attendance at quarterly consultative meetings with the Office of Children’s Guardian (OCG) reportable conduct directorate;

• membership of and attendance at Catholic Schools NSW Child Protection & Safeguarding Network;

• membership of and attendance at the Professional Standards InterDenominational Network NSW & ACT;

• membership of and attendance at the NSW-ACT Catholic Safeguarding Community of Practice;

• participation in the OCG’s development of guidelines for ‘handling historical reportable allegations’; and

• consultation with and attendance at the triennial National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) assembly.

The OoSG continued its focus on providing Diocesan workers’ educational and professional development opportunities in relation to safeguarding.

The OoSG also hosted the biannual Promoters of Safeguarding Network (PSN)

days, offering an opportunity for parish promoters of safeguarding and parish leaders to be provided the latest developments in safeguarding, with PSN days being held in June and September.

In addition, the OoSG hosted two Schools Safeguarding Network meetings, providing school-based promoters of safeguarding and school leadership focused information on safeguarding developments, including presentations on managing disclosures of abuse, effective reporting managing local administrative inquiries, managing habitual absences of students and addressing low level boundary breaches.

National Child Protection Week 2025 saw outstanding level of engagement within the Diocese. The ‘Decorate Your Space’ competition brought out highly original and artistic expressions of this year’s theme, “Every conversation matters – Shifting conversation to action.”

In 2019, the OoSG was established in 2019 by an ecclesiastical decree from the late Bishop Bill Wright. The ‘provisions’ (mandate and powers) of the OoSG were designed in the aftermath of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, to ensure the failings of the past would not reoccur and help rebuild trust with the community. Six years later, the OoSG was due for a review, in light of a Diocese with an increasingly sophisticated Curia and maturity in relation to safeguarding culture and practice.

2025 has seen the OoSG undergo a change process designed to meet the evolving needs and challenges of the Diocese into the 2030s, to work more closely with other services in the Diocese and to ensure succession planning. This will ensure that we can focus

on our core business is the focus of its work, to be achieved within the necessary fiscal restraints. The OoSG will continue to:

• provide intake and ensure statutory reporting is undertaken;

• conduct administrative inquiries of the more serious complaints;

• work with schools and parishes to undertake safeguarding compliance checks;

• provide safeguarding training to thousands of workers;

• undertake the more complex, longer term safety planning;

• manage the Diocese’s portfolio of personal injury claims alleging harm from historic abuse; and

• fulfill the Diocese’s obligations to the National Redress Scheme as a participating institution.

The OoSG’s new internal structure will be effective from January 2026.

Mission & Evangelisation

Mission & Evangelisation was strengthened through Jubilee celebrations, renewed accompaniment, digital engagement and expanded ministries, fostering deeper community connection and pathways that inspire faith across the Diocese.

JAMES CAMDEN Director Mission & Evangelisation

2025 was a significant year for Mission & Evangelisation across the Diocese, marked from the outset by the Jubilee Year and its call to be ‘Pilgrims of Hope.’ What followed was a period of renewal and accompaniment highlighting the personal and pastoral challenges of life within and beyond the Church. As we continued to journey and meet one another, the importance of guiding the next generation while honouring the wisdom of seasoned disciples proudly was found right across our vast Diocese.

The Jubilee Year has provided Mission & Evangelisation with an opportunity to reorient our clergy, staff and parishioners toward a lifelong journey of accompaniment. More than 1,000 people gathered for the Year of Hope Pilgrimage, Mass and Festival early in the year. This was followed by the establishment of Local Sites of Pilgrimage, an international pilgrimage with Bishop Michael to Greece, Turkey and Italy, a Diocesan Art Exhibition and the privilege of hosting the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) assembly for 280 delegates from across Australia in the Hunter Valley.

Another significant, unexpected body of work presented itself in the passing of Pope Francis. This event brought a sombre yet united moment of reflection for the global Church, while the election of Pope Leo XIV sparked renewed interest in our ancient tradition. This proved a true Kairos moment – an opportunity to strengthen and embed our mission and our Diocese responded with a dynamic digital presence, and parishes reported a marked increase in enquiries about the faith. This momentum coincided with the launch of our new Diocesan website, designed with user experience at its core.

Beyond this, 2025 saw so much hope to recognise and celebrate. We welcomed new members to the team, strengthening our community connections and on-theground outreach.

• Rural Ministry Partner - Providing sustained accompaniment to regional communities, sharing stories of resilience and faith, and playing a critical pastoral role during the Manning flood response.

• Children’s Ministry & Special Religious Education (SRE) Partner - Significantly expanding our engagement with young people, including a successful pilot enabling senior students in public schools to teach Scripture and extending pathways for university-aged young adults.

• Youth Ministry Partner - Championing the voice and leadership of young people across the Diocese, including leading almost 100 pilgrims to Melbourne for the Australian Catholic Youth Festival and establishing an ongoing formation pathway as we renew our Diocesan identity for the young Church.

• Chaplains across key institutionsWelcoming new chaplains serving in our prisons, John Hunter Hospital, the University of Newcastle, and the port through Stella Maris. Our commitment to a Catholic pastoral presence remains unwavering, even as other Christian traditions scale back their involvement.

Looking ahead, we will continue to build on this momentum, deepening the pathways of mission that are taking shape and working toward a Church that listens and inspires hope throughout our Diocese.

Outstanding student achievements

As we reflect on 2025, we look at some outstanding achievements of our students.

A proud Kamilaroi woman and Year 12 student at St Paul’s Catholic College, Booragul, Cleo Doyle won the Australian House of Representatives’ inaugural Yarning Competition. Her winning dance performance piece Ochre, was inspired by the theme “Country and Connection.” Incorporating sacred ochre pigments, her choreography symbolised protection, strength, and cleansing. The work earned Cleo a trip to Canberra to present her work, and take part in a formal ceremony, join yarning sessions, workshops, tours and Question Time at Parliament House. Beyond this achievement, Cleo is school captain, an ASPIRE performer and founder of her school’s Aboriginal dance group.

Trinity Catholic College, Adamstown student, Caoimhe Bray continued to excel in her cricketing career. At age 15, she became the youngest player to debut in the Women’s Big Bash League, and then at 16 became the youngest player to take a hat-trick in the League. This year, she represented Australia in the ICC Under-19 T20 World Cup, offering up an instant demonstration of her prodigious cricketing talent. Alongside cricket, her other great love is soccer, already playing at an elite level. Caoimhe still finds time to balance her sport commitments with school life.

Award-winning school builds

Two Diocesan schools, St Bede’s Catholic College, Chisholm, and Corpus Christi Primary School, Waratah, were recognised at the 2025 MBA Newcastle Excellence in Building Awards. These awards celebrate excellence and innovation across the region’s construction industry.

St Bede’s Catholic College, Chisholm received awards for Commercial Projects Over $60 Million and Public Buildings Over $50 Million. Delivered in partnership with Richard Crookes Constructions and SHAC Architects, the multi-stage masterplan has established a contemporary Catholic secondary school which included new learning hubs, specialist facilities, landscaped sporting fields, and an architecturally significant oratory. These facilities were designed to support the growth of the College and provide an inspiring environment for students and the wider community.

Corpus Christi Primary School, Waratah was recognised in the Public Buildings Under $1 Million category for the fit-out and refurbishment of its hall and music room. Delivered in partnership with Kingston Building and Shaddock Architects, the project included extensive structural remediation and compliance upgrades, including brickwork repairs, new glazing, accessibility improvements, acoustic and audiovisual enhancements, and external refurbishments.

These outstanding projects will serve students, staff, and their communities for generations to come.

Manning community united after floods

In May, a catastrophic flood event devastated the Mid-North Coast, leaving a trail of unprecedented destruction. Tragically, five lives were lost, and tens of thousands of residents saw their homes and livelihoods severely impacted.

Yet, amid the heartbreak and hardship, the spirit of community shone through. Acts of generosity, resilience, and solidarity became a beacon of hope during the darkest days. Across different generations, the community helped through prayer, cooking, packing, donating and standing alongside those in need.

Moved by the scale of loss, Bishop Michael Kennedy launched a flood appeal that received overwhelming support. Diocesan parishes, schools, staff and the extended community responded. Thanks to the compassion of donors, the appeal raised over $150,000, making a tangible difference in the lives of those most affected.

$150,000 raised in Flood Appeal

Aurora Magazine – a new chapter begins

Dating back to 1996, Aurora magazine has showcased the stories of people within the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, celebrating their achievements, broadcasting local happenings and keeping the community informed about activities across the region.

2025 marked the dawn of a new era –Aurora went digital. This new format enables us to publish stories more regularly and responsively, supported by the Diocesan website and its live newsfeed capabilities, rather than a quarterly printed magazine.

Highlighting the success of the magazine, Aurora was recognised at the Australasian Catholic Press Association (ACPA) awards held in September, receiving several honours that celebrate the creativity, dedication and hard work that go into sharing the stories of our Diocesan community.

"The future has a name, and its name is Hope" PopeFrancis

Aurora received the award for ‘Best Content: Faith Formation’ for the feature No one is beyond redemption, which shared the experience of prison chaplaincy in the Diocese. The artwork accompanying this piece was also named ‘Best Original Artwork.’

In addition, Aurora was ‘Highly Commended for Best Editorial Column or Blog’ for My Word, which provides concise and thoughtful faith reflections from Bishop Michael Kennedy in every edition.

These honours affirm Aurora’s continued mission: to inspire, inform, and connect our community – now with even greater reach and immediacy.

Milestone Celebrations for Community Kitchens

2025 marked a significant milestone for two of CatholicCare Social Services HunterManning’s Community Kitchens.

The Taree Community Kitchen celebrated its tenth anniversary, marking the occasion with a community celebration. Since taking over operation of the service in 2015, CatholicCare has served thousands of meals to those in need. For many guests, the impact extends far beyond a meal – it’s a place to also find support and feel valued.

The Forster Community Kitchen also celebrated five years of food, friendship and fun. In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, CatholicCare saw a need and opened its doors to those who were struggling. What began as a simple response to a specific need has now become a much-loved local hub – a place where people come for nourishment, companionship and hope.

CatholicCare has also supported the Hamilton South community for many years through its Community Kitchen, providing a warm welcome and nutritious meals to hundreds of residents each week. In September, thanks to an exciting new partnership with the Livefree Project, the kitchen was relocated to a new premises nearby and continues providing support to Hamilton South locals.

From Mourning to Renewal: Change in Papacy

Easter Monday 2025 saw the passing of much-loved Pope Francis, who had led the Catholic Church since 2013.

To honour his life, community members from all faiths gathered at Sacred Heart Cathedral for a memorial Mass led by Bishop Michael.

Following the mourning period, cardinal electors arrived in Rome and commenced the conclave process to elect a successor.

On the second day of the conclave, Pope Leo XIV was elected and installed as the Bishop of Rome and head of the Roman Catholic Church.

The election of a new Pope is always a moment of great historical significance, and the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle joined the global Catholic community in warmly welcoming Pope Leo XIV.

Jubilee Year Celebrations

2025 was particularly special for Catholics as it marked a Jubilee Year – a significant milestone that occurs once every 25 years. The theme for this Jubilee Year was ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ and it was a year dedicated to pilgrimage, thanksgiving and forgiveness.

Catholics across our Diocese engaged in many events, celebrations and pilgrimages.

More than 1,000 people gathered on Sunday 2 March for the Diocese’s official Jubilee Year launch event – a pilgrimage on foot from the iconic Nobbys Beach to our Sacred Heart Cathedral. After the pilgrimage, the Cathedral was overflowing for an inspiring and reflective Mass before attendees enjoyed a festival of family activities, food and connection.

In September, 38 pilgrims from our Diocese travelled to Greece, Turkey and Italy for an 18-day spiritual journey. They re-traced the footsteps of St Paul and other revered saints visiting biblical sites and ancient wonders.

The trip concluded in Rome, where pilgrims shared in the grace of the Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica, uniting in faith and community.

A highlight in the calendar was the Australian Catholic Youth Festival, held in Melbourne during November. Ninety-five young people and leaders from across the Diocese attended the national celebration of faith, community and encounter joining 6,000 attendees from across the country.

Many other events were held, both large and small, including The Way of the Cross, the aMeN caMiNo experience and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) assembly hosted by our Diocese.

The celebrations also included our ‘Commissioned in Hope’ Mass held at Sacred Heart Cathedral, marking one of the final moments of reflection and celebration in this special Jubilee Year.

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New Diocesan Governance and Management Structure

2025 provided an opportunity to refresh the Governance and Management structure of the Diocese. Developed over several years, these changes strengthen the Diocese’s advisory function by embedding a deeper level of synodality, ensuring decisions are informed by a broad range of perspectives.

The new structure, which covers both civil and church law, fosters greater collaboration, transparency and synodal leadership, providing us with a strengthened capacity for

discernment. The transition to the updated structure included the introduction of new advisory boards and councils, as well as updates to the management structure, including the role of Moderator of the Curia and an expanded Diocesan Leadership Group.

Bishop Michael Kennedy outlined the new Diocesan Governance Framework in a letter to the Diocese, with the Vatican’s Synod Office recognising the structure as ‘good practice’ through their social media channels.

Rosewood Centre expansion

In 2025, The Rosewood Centre expanded its footprint, welcoming clients to a new premises located at the Evolve Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub in Charlestown.

As part of a unique partnership with the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle Suicide Prevention Network, The Rosewood Centre now offers its mental health services onsite at this collaborative hub.

This move ensures people in need can access expert care more quickly, with the benefit of integrated support from a network of professionals working side by side.

Shared Services projects

The Shared Services teams contribute greatly towards the work of all agencies across the Diocese and comprises Administration, Communications & Marketing, Finance, Property Services, Governance, People & Culture and Technology Services.

Across 2025, Shared Services delivered several key operational objectives and exciting projects:

• People & Culture launched the Elevate leadership program across the Diocese, and saw improved participation in the staff engagement surveys.

• Technology Services implemented Microsoft Dynamics case management, initiated Bring Your Own Device projects in schools, expanded cybersecurity training and simulations and completed network upgrades.

In addition, The Rosewood Centre also expanded its services to Newcastle West, co-locating in the same premises as the Diocesan Healing and Support team.

This now brings the total number of centre locations to six, offering improved access to mental health support across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland and the Mid-Coast.

• Governance continued to improve its policies and procedures and transitioned to support the new governance and advisory structure.

• Property Services worked on approximately 160 Capital and Major Maintenance projects, with overall annual expenditure of $78.01 million.

• Finance implemented payroll system changes and evaluated its finance and budgeting systems to ensure fiscal responsibility.

• Communications and Marketing launched several new websites, transitioned Aurora to a digital publication, grew social media communities and strengthened its media strategy.