20 Oct 2025
A delegation representing Catholic education travelled to New South Wales for the 2025 NATSICC Assembly (24 September – 3 October).
The WA delegation included the Most Rev Tim Norton SVD, Bishop of Broome and Most Rev Michael Morrissey DD, Bishop of Geraldton.
NATSICC, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council, is the peak advisory body to the Australian Catholic Bishops on issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics.
The National Assembly is an opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics to come together to celebrate the gifts that First Australian’s bring to our Australian Catholic Church.
With inspiring keynote speakers, a deeply moving On Country Day, and the chance to walk alongside and learn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic leaders, the Assembly provided a chance to celebrate faith, culture, and connection.
Vincent from Christ the King School, Djarindjin Lombadina, Dampier Peninsular Parish said of the Assembly:
“I found the Assembly to be very inspirational and spiritually healing, seeing everyone coming together in faith and hope, sharing knowledge that can be shared amongst others. Hearing the Keynote Speakers and the journey through finding healing in sharing their story.”
Asked about what he enjoyed most, Vincent added:
“The healing session, where everyone came together to be healed by our Kimberley elders.”
Bridget from St Mary’s College in Broome said the Assembly was ‘a wonderful experience for me. A strong gathering of Catholic faith, sharing and listening in silence’.
Doris from Sacred Heart Primary School in Beagle Bay said the Assembly was ‘excellent’ and she enjoyed the ‘beautiful Murrook Cultural Centre’.
Vanessa, from Ngalangangpum School in Warmun said the Assembly was ‘inspiring’ and enjoyed being able to attend it with ‘our Kimberley Aboriginal Catholic Pastorol Ministry members’.
The Assembly included a range of workshops covering the journey to create a Reconciliation Action Plan, Aboriginal Ecological Stations of the Cross, Truth Telling in the Kimberley and Darling Downs, and Torres Strait Music and Faith.
Cathy from Luurnpa Catholic School said the Assembly was ‘interesting, especially the Yarning Circles with different States and Territories around Australia’ and that she enjoyed ‘visiting the sacred places, the Mass, meeting the different priests and Bishops’.
She added ‘the workshops were spread out so we had the opportunity to mix with others’.
Michelle from St Francis Xavier Primary School in Geraldton said
“Attending my first NATSICC Assembly on the land of the Wonnarua people, in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, was such a memorable experience.
“From the Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, to the sharing and listening of stories, from keynote speakers to the young leaders and the Elders of the Church from all around our country, what an amazing experience. The Assembly offered a journey of reflection and connection and the opportunity to listen deeply to each other. It gave us a chance to pray and a chance to participate. To conclude the week a Healing Liturgy experience lead by Fr Steve and the Elders and the Mass of the Holy Land made the experience all the more meaningful. ‘I truly believe attending a NATSICC Assembly is something everyone needs to do once in their lifetime.’
“The special ‘On Country’ experience, on Wonnarua land, to the Baiame Caves, was a highlight for me. It reminds us how Catholic Spirituality and Aboriginal Spirituality can coexist and complement one another. It shows our connection to Country can deepen our understanding of, and respect for, one another not only through the hearing of Gospel stories, but also through the listening to the Sacred stories of the First Nations peoples.”
Andrea from St Joseph’s School in Queens Park said
“The keynote speakers were inspiring as they shared theirs stories of hope and truth, encouraging church leaders to walk with us on the journey ahead to strengthen our faith through integrating culture, traditions, songs, and prayers within the church.”
Ayesha, who served as the Youth Delegate from the Archdiocese of Perth said:
“The Assembly was an inspiring experience. It was wonderful to participate in our rich and vibrant culture, learning from others and walking together as Pilgrams of Hope. I especially enjoyed the Youth Day, meeting other young people, share our stories, and find hope in our shared faith and experiences.”
