Two talented Year 11 students from the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese have designed the official logo for the 2025 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council Assembly. Source: Catholic Schools Maitland-Newcastle.
The artwork by Tilly Moore and Wirikah Knox from Catherine McAuley College, Medowie, was chosen from a list of impressive entries submitted across the diocese.
The selection panel described it as a standout, chosen for its powerful reflection of the assembly’s theme and its deep cultural and spiritual symbolism.
Aunty Louise Campbell, Chair of the NSW Aboriginal and Islander Catholic Council, addressed the students during a presentation ceremony at Catherine McAuley College, commending the students for their “outstanding piece” and for contributing meaningfully to an event that unites Aboriginal Catholics from across the country.
“This artwork beautifully complements the theme of the 2025 Assembly and the 2025 Jubilee Year “Pilgrims of Hope,” Aunty Louise said.
“It will help share the story and spirit of Aboriginal Catholics in a way that is authentic, creative, and deeply rooted in culture.”
The artwork will feature prominently throughout the assembly, appearing on the national NATSICC webpage, official programs, and Assembly merchandise, including T-shirts.
Tilly and Wirikah, who were supported by their families at the presentation, spoke humbly about the process.
“We used different symbols to connect Aboriginal art with our Catholic faith,” Tilly said.
“Fire represents Pope Francis’s call to ‘fan the flame of hope’. The footsteps symbolise the local Worimi people walking with God, and the cross represents our shared Catholic identity.”
The students, close friends, collaborated by combining their individual artistic strengths to create a unified and meaningful piece of art.
The Maitland-Newcastle Diocese will host NATSICC Assembly gathering on the lands of the Wonnarua people at Rydges Hunter Valley, September 29-October 3. Details: Click here for more details.
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Catherine McAuley Students Shine Nationally with Wining Artwork for 2025 NATSICC Assembly (By Paige Newton, St Joseph’s Catholic College, Lochinvar via Catholic Schools Maitland-Newcastle)
