From 29 September to 3 October 2025, the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, on the lands of the Wonnarua People, welcomed more than 300 delegates from across Australia for the NATSICC Assembly 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope. We are grateful for our sponsors that supported the event, staff and volunteers at the Diocese of Matland-Newcastle and all those that contributed to make the event a success.
The Assembly brought together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics, clergy, religious and supporters for a week of prayer, culture, dialogue and celebration. Delegates participated in keynote presentations, workshops, Yarning Circles, liturgies and cultural experiences that explored faith, reconciliation, hope and the richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander spirituality within the Catholic Church.
These proceedings capture the spirit of the gathering through videos, Yarning Circle outcomes, photo galleries and reflections, providing a lasting record of a joyful and deeply enriching Assembly held on Wonnarua Country.
We acknowledge the contributions of Aunty Louise Campbell, Chair of the NSW Aboriginal and Islander Catholic Council, who gave generously of herself to this Assembly. She is dearly missed.
Yarning Circle Outcomes
Yarning Circles, an ancient tradition used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples for thousands of years, formed an important part of the NATSICC Assembly 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope. Following keynote presentations and workshops, delegates gathered in Yarning Circles to listen deeply, share openly and reflect together on what they had heard and experienced throughout the Assembly. These conversations provided a culturally safe and respectful space where stories, insights and hopes could be shared in community.
The responses gathered from the Yarning Circles have been collated and summarised to capture the key themes and reflections that emerged during the Assembly. The outcomes presented in the following pages provide a snapshot of the thoughts, opinions and experiences shared by delegates throughout this significant gathering on Wonnarua Country.
The following summaries reflect the themes, reflections and discussions shared by delegates during Yarning Circles at the Assembly. They are intended as a snapshot of participant experiences and perspectives and do not necessarily represent formal policy positions of NATSICC.
Photo Gallery
Keynote Presentations
AJ King
Louise Luu
Madeleine Jadai & Maureen Yanawana
Bishop Tim Norton
Kelly Humphrey
Daily Highlights
Youth Assembly
This year's NATSICC Assembly included a dedicated Youth Week — a space created specifically for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics to come together, yarn, reflect, and grow in both culture and faith. Young people travelled from across the country to share in keynote conversations, cultural activities, time on Country, and faith-filled liturgy, building connections that stretched well beyond their home communities.
Youth Voices
The young people who gathered left with something that is hard to put into words — but they tried. What came through clearly was that for many, this was the first time they had experienced culture and faith not as separate parts of themselves, but as one. As one participant put it: "Faith and culture can be connected without having to choose different sides."
Equally powerful was the experience of being genuinely heard. Yarning circles gave every voice space, and the intentional, culturally safe environment meant young people could open up at their own pace. "The adults created open spaces for us to share our ideas and concerns" — and that trust made all the difference. In the words of one participant as the week drew to a close: "Let's set more hearts on fire!"
Ways Forward
The young people didn't just reflect — they dreamed. And at this year's Assembly, a dedicated session brought youth voices together with Elders and Church leaders to ask a bigger question: how does the Church genuinely walk with young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics? The answer was clear — through relationship, culture, and action, not tokenism.
Several strong themes emerged:
Meet young people where they are — through social media, podcasts, on-Country gatherings, and culturally grounded spaces that connect faith to lived experience and Country
Truth-telling as foundation — embedding truth and culture into everyday Catholic life, including schools, with yarning circles, youth-led storytelling, and honest education about history
Belonging without shame — flexible, creative liturgies that reflect who young people are; inclusive Masses featuring music, art, and dance; and the freedom to express faith in culturally authentic ways
Mentorship and continuity — a national Elder buddy and mentorship network, leadership pathways, scholarships, and young people represented on NATSICC and Diocesan councils
Accountability from the Church — mandatory cultural induction for clergy and teachers, anti-racism frameworks, and leadership from Bishops that moves inclusion from awareness to genuine action
Staying connected — a NATSICC youth reference group, group chats, online yarning spaces, and youth camps (including on-Country and cultural camps) to sustain the relationships built at Assembly
The call from young people is not a quiet one. The Church is invited to go out and listen — and then to act.
