Matt Baxter, left, Fr James Arblaster, Darcy Lound, Michael Austin, board chair Franca Facci and chief operating officer Tony Eid (CatholicCare Diocese of Wollongong)
Wollongong Bishop Brian Mascord has made three new appointments to the CatholicCare Diocese of Wollongong’s board of directors, strengthening the board’s governance, regional insight and mission leadership.
The new board members. who will help to guide one of the diocese’s largest social services organisations at a time of growing demand for care and support, are Campbelltown mayor Darcy Lound, Fr James Arblaster and Matt Baxter.
CatholicCare supports more than 9000 people each year through services including aged care, disability, children’s services, out-of-school-hours care, family support, counselling, foster care and community programs.
With services delivered across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Macarthur and Southern Highlands, the organisation plays a vital role in supporting individuals and families when they need practical, trusted and compassionate care.
CatholicCare chief executive Michael Austin welcomed the appointments.
“Darcy, Rev Fr James and Matt each bring important leadership, judgement and lived understanding of the communities and mission we serve, “ Mr Austin said.
“Their combined experience across local government, pastoral leadership, strategy, communications, mission, and governance will strengthen CatholicCare’s work as we continue responding to growing needs across the diocese.”
Mr Lound brings more than a decade of local government leadership to the board. First elected to Campbelltown City Council in 2012, and serving as mayor since 2024, he has built a reputation for community-focused leadership and a practical, people-first approach to public service.
Fr Arblaster brings deep pastoral, governance and mission experience to the board. As Parochial Vicar at St Michael’s Parish, Nowra, he has supported communities within the diocese through his ministry and leadership, bringing a strong understanding of CatholicCare’s mission and the role of the Church in serving people with compassion, dignity and practical care.
Mr Baxter joins the board with a strong background in strategy, communications, and organisational change across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors.
He is executive director and chancellor in the Office of the Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Wollongong, and previously led strategy and communications for Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong.
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(CatholicCare Diocese of Wollongong
