Caritas Australia has welcomed five new diocesan directors this year, strengthening its nationwide network of local Catholic leaders who help bring the Church’s mission of compassion, justice and solidarity to life in communities across Australia.
Appointed in partnership with local bishops and dioceses, diocesan directors play a vital role connecting Australian Catholics with Caritas Australia’s international development, humanitarian and advocacy work.
They help foster relationships between local Catholic communities and vulnerable communities around the world, encouraging practical expressions of solidarity through faith in action.
The new appointments are:
- Broome Diocese: Sr Victoria “Vicky” Kithungu, a religious sister from the Assumption Sisters of Eldoret, with experience in social work, child protection, aged care and supporting young people in rehabilitation.
- Cairns Diocese: Bernadette Killin, an educator, artist and cultural leader from the Atherton Tablelands, with experience using the arts to foster engagement and advocate for social and ecological justice.
- Canberra-Goulburn Archdiocese: Deacon Don Gomez, a recently ordained permanent deacon with extensive experience supporting the Church’s work with migrants and refugees, clergy formation and Catholic social teaching.
- Sydney Archdiocese: Donnie Velasco, who has more than a decade of experience in diocesan mission and adult faith formation, including helping lead the Diocese of Parramatta Synod and creating initiatives connecting faith with justice and community life.
- Wollongong Diocese: Rob Wilkins, who brings senior leadership experience across Catholic education, government, the not-for-profit sector and organisational learning, together with a commitment to Catholic Social Teaching, advocacy and community engagement.
Caritas Australia chief executive Kirsten Sayers said the appointments reflected the enduring commitment of dioceses across Australia to standing alongside communities experiencing poverty, injustice and humanitarian crises around the world.
“At the heart of Caritas Australia is the belief that we are one human family, called to walk together in faith, hope and solidarity. Our diocesan directors help make that vision real in local communities,” Ms Sayers said. “They create opportunities for people to learn, pray, advocate and act in support of communities facing some of the world’s greatest challenges.”
The appointments come at a time of continued growth and renewal within the diocesan network. Caritas Australia is recruiting for diocesan director positions in Perth and Wagga Wagga, while Lismore and Bunbury dioceses are progressing their own local appointment process.
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Caritas Australia strengthens diocesan network with five new appointments (Caritas Australia)
