A tireless advocate for families and a leading voice in Catholic education, Cheryl Murphy was honoured this week for more than 30 years of service strengthening partnerships between families and schools across the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle and New South Wales. 

Recognised during National Volunteer Week, Cheryl’s contribution highlights the vital role volunteers play in building strong, connected school communities. 

Cheryl was honoured on Thursday evening at the Annual General Meeting of the Federation of P&F Associations, Catholic Schools Maitland-Newcastle’s peak parent body. She was recognised alongside her peers by Bishop Michael Kennedy and the Director of Schools for her decades of service and advocacy. 

A lifelong champion for family-school partnership, Cheryl’s journey began at St Patrick’s Primary School, Swansea in the 1990s. What started as a practical way to support her children’s school community through volunteering and fundraising grew into decades of leadership and advocacy at diocesan and state levels. 

In that time, Cheryl has served as President of the Federation of P&F Associations in Maitland-Newcastle, Vice President of the Council of Catholic School Parents NSW, and Chair of both diocesan and state Diverse Learning Needs Working Parties. She has also been awarded Life Membership of the Federation, St Patrick’s Primary School P&F and the Council of Catholic School Parents NSW. 

Cheryl has also been a driving force behind the Diocese’s Annual Mass Celebrating Diverse Learning, which this year will be celebrated for the 27th time, fostering recognition, inclusion and a strong sense of belonging for students with diverse learning needs and their families. 

Reflecting on her journey, Cheryl said her motivation has always been grounded in helping others. 

Her advocacy has been shaped by her lived experience as a parent of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder, with her youngest son, Stephen, inspiring her commitment to ensuring every family has a voice. 

“I have never seen myself as anything special, just a mum and a nan trying to help other parents, so they don’t have to face the same struggles,” she said. 

“I began volunteering simply because I couldn’t afford school fees. But when my son Stephen started school, I realised there was a much greater need, a need to stand up for children with diverse needs and for families who sometimes felt unheard.” 

“I know how challenging it can be for families, especially those supporting children with diverse learning needs,” she said. 

“That’s why I’ve always believed we need to walk alongside families and be a voice for them, so every child can thrive.” 

Through her leadership, Cheryl worked with families across New South Wales to develop the Council of Catholic School Parents NSW’s Supporting Diverse Learners in Catholic Schools: A guide by parents, for parents, a widely used resource that continues to support families navigating their child’s education. 

“Catholic education is about the whole child,” she said, adding that many educators in the system go ‘above and beyond’, which she believes comes from seeing their role as a vocation. 

“In Catholic education it’s not only about academic success, but about helping children become good people who can contribute to their community.” 

Cheryl also emphasised the importance of strong relationships between families and schools. 

“When families and schools work together, children benefit,” she said. 

“Trust and connection make all the difference, especially when challenges arise.” 

Speaking on the night, Cheryl encouraged others to continue the work of volunteering and supporting families. 

“Please keep putting your hand up. I know life is busy and it can feel like there is never enough time, but what you do matters more than you may ever realise,” she said. 

Reflecting on the role of the Federation, she said its purpose remains as important as ever. 

“Families need support, understanding, advocacy and community, and the Federation continues to provide that.” 

Bishop Michael Kennedy paid tribute to Cheryl’s long-standing commitment. 

“Cheryl Murphy has given generously of her time, energy and wisdom in service of Catholic education,” Bishop Kennedy said. 

“Her advocacy reflects the Christian virtues and values of faith, hope, love, compassion and dignity.” 

Director of Schools Jacquelene Wilkinson also acknowledged Cheryl’s impact. 

“Cheryl’s contribution to family engagement and inclusive education has been profound,” Ms Wilkinson said. 

“She has championed the voices of families with insight and determination, helping build stronger partnerships across our Diocese and beyond.” 

Over three decades, Cheryl has witnessed significant change in the demands placed on families and schools. 

“Being a parent today is more complex than ever,” she said. 

“That’s why it is so important for schools and families to work together and support each child’s journey.” 

As she steps away from active service, Cheryl said she hopes her legacy will encourage continued involvement from parents and carers. 

“My hope is that families remain involved in their child’s schooling, because those partnerships help all children flourish,” she said. 

“Be kind to the people you meet, lend a hand to those who are struggling, and embrace those who are different. When we lead with kindness and understanding, we create the kind of community every child and every family deserves.” 

Cheryl’s contribution leaves a lasting legacy built on compassion, advocacy and a deep commitment to ensuring every family has a voice.