National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Children's Day - August 4th

The 2010 theme, 'Value My Culture, Value Me' is about the need for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to know they are loved and valued, and to have every opportunity to nurture and explore a healthy and strong sense of self and community. See here for more details.

 Mary MacKillop Foundation

Are you an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander who would like to go to University? You may be eligible for a scholarship with the Mary MacKillop Foundation. Click here for more details.

Marist Fathers' Aboriginal Education Fund

The Marist Fathers Aboriginal Education fund aims to financially assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students who are studying at one of the Diocese of Lismore's secondary schools. Click here for details on eligibility and how to apply.  

About Us

Aboriginal Catholic Ministry

In dialogue and partnership with the Aboriginal people, the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry in the Diocese of Lismore is part of a national response of the Church to work with Aboriginal people in building up an authentic Goori mission and ministry.

Our Mission Statement is:

“To enter more deeply into dialogue
with the Goori people, the wider Church and each other
to serve the building up of an authentic Goori Catholic mission and ministry”.

Leadership

The leadership of the ministry is supported by three groups, namely: the Aboriginal Catholic Elders Council, the Diocesan Religious team and three ministry zones.

Aboriginal Catholic Elders Council

The Aboriginal Catholic Elders Council is an Advisory Body to the Bishop in the Diocese of Lismore for issues concerning the Aboriginal Catholic mission and ministry.  Three representatives from the three zones in the Diocese are elected to the Council for a period of two years. The present members of the Elders Council are:

• Southern Zone:  Shirley Kelly – Chairperson, Bob Mumbler – Secretary, Winnie Kelly
• Central Zone: Emily Walker – Vice chairperson, Aunty Jessie Williams, Faye Davis
• Northern Zone: Robyne Bancroft, Maxine Hegedus, (third position –vacant)

Diocesan Religious Team (DRT):

The main focus of the DRT is the Goori mission and ministry at the level of the Diocese, zones and local community.  In dialogue with the Goori Catholic community, the DRT develops support and training for the members of the Goori ministry team in the areas of pastoral care, leadership and networks within the community.