Diocesan Pastoral CouncilThe Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) of the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is a canonical and consultative body established to assist the Bishop in his pastoral mission (Canon 511-514). The DPC is a structure of participation that investigates, reflects upon, and proposes practical recommendations concerning the pastoral life of the Diocese.

Ben van der Winjgaart - Chair

Ben trained as a Lay Pastoral Leader in the Archdiocese of Wellington, completing studies in theology, spirituality and leadership through the Catholic Institute of New Zealand. A member of St Michael’s Parish, Nelson Bay, he has served on the previous Diocesan Council for Mission and the Diocesan Advisory Board. Ben is a retired RAAF officer with 33 years’ service, retiring as Commandant of the RAAF Staff College. He also has extensive experience in senior consulting, governance and local government across Australia and New Zealand.

Luke Drain

Luke Drain brings a blend of educational leadership, professional expertise and engagement in Christian life. As a school leader with experience across multiple schools, he has strengths in governance, strategic planning, risk management, digital learning and community engagement, supported by formal qualifications including a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education and a Master of Education with Distinction. Locally, Luke has led St Patrick’s Singleton youth groups, coordinated parish Masses, participated in diocesan young adult formation and more. His values‑driven approach and active connection within Christian communities underpin his desire to serve and positively influence the mission of Catholic education and diocesan life.

Dr Giavanna Angeli

Dr Giavanna Angeli brings over 20 years’ experience as a medical researcher and senior leader in the for‑purpose sector. She is currently Head of Philanthropy at the Hunter Medical Research Institute, leading philanthropic strategy, major gifts and community engagement. She has served across the Diocese on various committees spanning youth, education and safeguarding. A longstanding parish leader, she chairs the All Saints’ Blackbutt South Parish Pastoral Council and supports major diocesan events.

Megan Davies‑Bennetts

Megan has worked across education, community services, governance‑aligned roles and customer‑focused work. Her background includes leadership and supervisory roles in early childhood and outside of school hours care and education support with primary schools. She has also worked in finance, debt advocacy and market research. As a committed Catholic who has recently joined St Joseph’s Parish in Maitland, Megan attends Sunday Mass regularly with her family. She is motivated by her passion for supporting children and families in faith‑aligned environments and her ongoing interest in governance, education, wellbeing and community service.

Henrique Menezes

Henrique has a strong record of parish engagement across multiple communities and has actively contributed to the life of the Church through ongoing service, event coordination and youth ministry involvement. His experience includes hosting and organising formation programs, supporting youth events and assisting clergy with pastoral and practical needs. Complemented by strong communication, problem‑solving, teamwork, and service‑oriented skills developed through professional IT support roles within the Catholic Diocese, he brings a dedicated, community‑focused approach to parish life and ministry.

Cath Garrett-Jones

Cath offers nearly four decades of service in Catholic education and community engagement across the Diocese of Maitland‑Newcastle. Her experience spans teaching, pastoral care, family engagement, governance and strategic leadership. Cath holds a Diploma of Teaching (Secondary Science) and has completed professional learning at Harvard University in Family Engagement, alongside extensive training in governance, safeguarding and compliance. She has served in senior diocesan and national roles, including Executive Director of the Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT, and is committed to supporting families and faith communities.

Fr Graham Fullick

Fr Graham Fullick is a priest of the Diocese whose vocation bridges a professional career in law and a lifelong commitment to faith. Graham spent 15 years in private legal practice. During this time, he was deeply involved in parish life and gradually discerned a call beyond the law. Ordained in early 2020 at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hamilton, Fr Graham’s first appointment was to Raymond Terrace. He is currently Parish Priest of Murrurundi, serving the Hunter region through thoughtful, pastoral ministry shaped by faith and professional experience.

Louise Stanbridge

A lifelong member of the Warners Bay/Boolaroo parish, Louise is deeply involved in parish life as a sacristan, member of the welcoming team and Eucharistic minister. She brings a diverse professional background spanning financial planning and executive administration. Beginning her career in the United Kingdom, she worked as a personal assistant within a major retail organisation before returning to Australia in 2004 to enter the financial planning sector. Louise’s professional expertise covers client services, administrative support and financial planning operations.

Nelson Borges

Nelson Borges is a committed member of the Parish of St Benedict’s Inner Newcastle. Nelson’s long-standing involvement in parish activities includes coordinating and participating in large community events, notably choral singing, as well as broader contributions to fellowship-building initiatives across the Parish of 3000 members. His professional experience spans finance, compliance and administrative support. This experience combined with a strong commitment to parish life brings a blend of skill, community engagement and faith‑driven service.

Sr Gaye Lennon

Sister Gaye is an experienced Sister of Mercy with a 40‑year commitment to religious life, encompassing ministry, leadership, formation and international mission. Since entering in 1984 and professing perpetual vows in 1992, she has ministered in Australia, Pakistan, the Thai–Burma border refugee camps and Papua New Guinea. Her service includes six years on the Institute Leadership Team, co‑founding Catholic Religious Australia’s Interculturality Committee, facilitating national assemblies, leading retreats and supporting pastoral planning across multiple dioceses, with a strong focus on collaboration.

Taylor James

Taylor James has fifteen years of teaching experience and five years serving as the Religious Education Coordinator at St Joseph’s Primary School, Kilaben Bay. Prior, she was working at St Patrick’s Lochinvar and also spent 5 years working overseas, teaching in International schools in Russia. She brings extensive expertise in curriculum leadership, faith formation and collaborative ministry. Her dedicated Parish involvement as a member of St Joseph’s Toronto includes active participation in the diocesan sacramental committee, Discerning Our Sacramental Approach, working alongside clergy and diocesan leaders to strengthen and re-envision sacramental preparation across our communities. Taylor has walked the Camino de Santiago twice and was on the last pilgrimage to The Holy Land in 2023. She also went to Rio de janeiro with the Diocese as part of the World Youth Day in 2013.

Fr Greg Barker