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. 

Below 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. 

Catholic Community Fund

2025 was a strong year for the CCF, delivering $12.2 million to the Diocese and its agencies, including $500,000 to parishes. 

Funding supported school expansions at Catherine McAuley Catholic College, Medowie, St Bede’s Catholic College, Chisholm, St Michaels Primary School, Nelson Bay, and St James’ Primary School, Kotara South. 

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. 

A major highlight included the establishment of the Bishop’s Flood Appeal, contributing $150,000 in local relief. 

Strong governance, compliance and capital growth position the Fund well as we move into 2026. 

Catholic Schools

This year, a standout moment across Catholic Schools Maitland-Newcastle was the inaugural Celebrating Excellence Awards, honouring outstanding staff and high-achieving graduates. 

Student learning continued to grow through the Virtual Academy, University pathway programs, ASPIRE and representative sport across the Diocese. 

Curriculum reform progressed and the Religious Education Curriculum K–10 continued to show positive impact. 

And it was a big year across the Diocese for significant anniversaries, with many schools celebrating decades of Catholic education and community identity. 

CatholicCare

2025 saw increasing demand across social services, particularly community support and domestic and family violence programs. 

More than 40,000 meals were served through Community Kitchens, marking 10 years in Taree and five years in Forster. 

CatholicCare supported life-changing outcomes in foster care, expanded mental health services through the Rosewood Centre and gained national attention for Nurturing Best Beginnings. 

The Make a Difference Appeal raised $16,000, reinforcing the generosity of the community. 

To sum up 2025 in the CatholicCare space: it was a year of deep need met by deep compassion. 

Hunter Community Housing

With limited funding sector-wide, HCH focused on strengthening tenancy support, community connection and operational stability over the course of the year.  

The tenant satisfaction survey returned a 62 per cent response rate, far above national benchmarks, and informed future improvements. 

Legislative tenancy reforms led to strengthened policies, training and support for residents. 

In October, HCH submitted their annual compliance report to the Community Housing Registrar. This process enables further review and streamlining of policies and procedures, ensuring they remain relevant as operations grow. These efforts positions HCH for continued success and sustainability. 

Mission & Evangelisation

The year began as Pilgrims of Hope, with more than 1,000 people joining for the Jubilee pilgrimage before the launch of local pilgrimage sites and an international journey with Bishop Michael.  

The passing of Pope Francis and election of Pope Leo XIV saw heightened interest in Catholic faith, supported by a renewed digital presence and a new Diocesan website. 

New ministry roles strengthened outreach to rural communities, young adults and children, while chaplains continued vital service in hospitals, prisons, universities and the port. 

Momentum continues into 2026 with a focus on accompaniment and renewal. 

Office of Safeguarding

In 2025, the Office of Safeguarding continued to lead the Diocese’s commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults. The year included significant legal activity relating to historic abuse claims, with the Diocese appearing before the NSW Court of Appeal and later the High Court, where judgment remains pending. 

The team represented the Diocese across multiple interagency networks and safeguarding forums, engaging with the Office of the Children’s Guardian, Catholic Schools NSW, NATSICC and National safeguarding working groups. Education and formation remained central, with successful Promoters of Safeguarding Network days for parishes, Schools Safeguarding Network meetings, and high engagement during National Child Protection Week. 

This year also marked a structural review of the Office, first established by Bishop Bill Wright in 2019. Guided by expert consultation, the unit began a transition designed to strengthen future capacity and ensure core safeguarding functions remain strong and sustainable. 

The Office will move into its new structure from January 2026.

St Nicholas

In 2025, St Nicholas continued to grow with new centres announced for Forster and Kotara South. 

A 10 per cent wage increase for eligible educators strengthened workforce retention and wellbeing. 

The rollout of the OWNA management app and system improved family communication and administrative efficiency, while new staffing structures elevated support for children, families and educators. 

Growth and strong foundations have been laid for the year ahead.