Trustees
The Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle are the civil administrators responsible for managing the Church's property, legal liabilities, and finances. They are a group of priests who together act as a corporate body to hold real estate, handle contracts, ensure legal compliance, and oversee the maintenance of church facilities on behalf of the diocese and parishes.
Read more in the legislation
Trustees
Bishop Michael Kennedy
The Most Reverend Michael Kennedy is the ninth Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle, installed in March 2023. Born in Wagga Wagga in 1968, he is the youngest of nine children and began his career as a teacher before entering seminary formation. He completed theological studies in Australia and Rome, earning qualifications in Sacred Theology and Mariology. Ordained a priest for the Diocese of Wagga Wagga in 1999, he served in parish ministry, priestly formation, theological education, vocations, and diocesan leadership roles. Appointed the tenth Bishop of Armidale in 2011, he also served as Apostolic Administrator of Wilcannia-Forbes. Bishop Michael contributes nationally through the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, including leadership in social justice, Christian unity and inter-religious dialogue initiatives.
Very Reverend Matthew Muller
The Very Reverend Matthew Muller is the Chancellor, Vicar General, Moderator of the Curia and Canonical Advisor in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. Born in Mudgee, NSW, he moved to Newcastle in 1972 and was educated at Marist Brothers Hamilton. Prior to ordination, he worked as an industrial chemist with BHP and Tomago Aluminium. He began priestly formation in 1985 at St Patrick’s College, Manly, completing degrees in theology, and was ordained in 1993. Fr Matthew has served in parish ministry across the Diocese, including Muswellbrook, Singleton and Branxton, and later across the Chisholm Region. He holds postgraduate qualifications in theology, early Christianity, business management and canon law. He contributes to diocesan governance through his membership of the Trustees, College of Consultors, Council of Priests, Diocesan Finance Council and presider of the Diocesan Governance Council and Catholic Community Fund Advisory Board.
Very Reverend Greg Barker
Very Reverend Gregory Barker is a priest of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, ordained in 1993 originally for the Archdiocese of Hobart. He holds a Bachelor of Theology. Fr Greg has been a priest for over 30 years serving across several dioceses as a Parish Priest and full time Military Chaplain with the RAAF which included time in Iraq. He has worked on many national committees with the Church and worked as a member of a mental health team in the Northern Territory for Defence. Fr Greg served as the Diocesan Administrator of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle between 2021 to 2023. The Diocesan Administrator is a role that leads the Diocese until the Pope appoints a new Bishop. Fr Greg is currently a Vicar General and the Parish Priest for the City Pastoral Region. He is a member of the Trustees, College of Consultors, Council of Priests, Diocesan Pastoral Council, Diocesan Safeguarding Council and presider of the Community and Wellbeing Advisory Board.
Reverend Tony Potts
Reverend Anthony (Tony) Potts is a priest of the Diocese of Maitland Newcastle ordained in December 2004 at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hamilton. He holds a Bachelor of Theology and a Diploma of Pastoral Studies, following earlier qualifications in teaching from the Newcastle College of Advanced Education. Fr Tony has served in a range of pastoral leadership roles including Associate Pastor, Administrator and Parish Priest across parishes in the Hunter region, particularly in Cessnock and Kurri Kurri. He has also contributed to diocesan leadership as Dean of the Hunter Deanery. He currently serves as Parish Priest of MacKillop Parish and Director of Vocations for the Diocese, alongside membership of the Trustees, College of Consultors, Council of Priests and the Education Advisory Board supporting governance and mission.
Reverend James Lunn
Reverend James Lunn is a priest of the Diocese of Maitland Newcastle, ordained in June 1998 at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hamilton. He holds a Bachelor of Theology and Diploma in Religious Studies from St Paul’s Theological College, following earlier qualifications in commerce, management, arts and mathematics from the University of Newcastle. Fr James has served in a range of parish and pastoral leadership roles across the Hunter region, including Muswellbrook, East Maitland, Singleton and Cessnock Kurri Kurri. He has also served as Dean of the Hunter Deanery. He currently serves as Parish Priest of Cessnock and Kurri Kurri parishes and contributes to diocesan governance through his membership of the Trustees, College of Consultors, Council of Priests and the Diocesan Governance Council.
Reverend Joseph Figurado
Reverend Joseph Figurado is a priest of the Diocese of Maitland Newcastle, ordained in October 2006 at St Sebastian Cathedral in the Diocese of Mannar, Sri Lanka. He holds diplomas in Philosophy and Theology from the National Seminary of Our Lady of Lanka in Kandy. Fr Joseph has served in parish and pastoral ministry across Sri Lanka and Australia, including appointments in the Inner City Newcastle region and as Parish Priest of Blackbutt South Parish. Since arriving in the Diocese of Maitland Newcastle in 2017, he has contributed to diocesan leadership as Dean of the Watagan Deanery and through membership of the Trustees, College of Consultors, Council of Priests and Catholic Community Fund Advisory Board supporting governance and mission.
Reverend Joyce Sebastian Victor
Reverend Joyce Sebastian Victor is a priest of the Diocese of Maitland Newcastle, ordained in September 1994 at St Paul’s Church, Morar in the Diocese of Jhansi, India. He holds qualifications in philosophy and theology from St Joseph’s Regional Seminary, Allahabad, along with degrees in arts and education from universities in India. Fr Joyce has served extensively in parish, educational and diocesan leadership roles in India, including as Parish Priest, school principal and Director of Youth Ministry. Since arriving in the Diocese of Maitland Newcastle in 2017, he has served in roles including Assistant Priest, Administrator and Parish Priest. Presently Fr Joyce is The Administrator of St Brigid’s Parish, Raymond Terrace, Parish Priest of Myall Coast and Dean of the Myall Deanery. He contributes to diocesan governance through his membership of the Trustees, College of Consultors, Council of Priests and Community and Wellbeing Advisory Board.