Our Bishop, Michael McCarthy, has continued to respond to the coronavirus, COVID 19, as the situation has developed across the world and here in Australia. Local parish priests and administrators have been given the discretion to determine how to implement their plans following the guidelines regarding social distancing and cleaning protocols laid out by the government. You are encouraged to contact your local parish for further information.

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Commission for Life, Family and Public Engagement acknowledges that there are ethical concerns about the way some of the vaccines have been developed or tested.

Despite those concerns, the Commission follows the guidance of the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in urging people to be vaccinated for their own health, and for the health of the wider community. There is a particular imperative to protect the health of those who are vulnerable.

You can read the Commission’s Media Release encouraging Australian Catholics to be vaccinated here and find their FAQs-and-Guidance document on COVID-19 Vaccination here.


Below consists of all updates concerning the Diocese to date:

Memo: COVID-19 risk management for volunteers – 9th December 2021

COVID 19 Vaccination – Letter from the Bishop – 9th November 2021