Centacare SA has officially opened a Cultural garden at the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry in Stepney, South Australia. The garden is a place for all that visit the centre, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, to come together, surrounded by creation.

Flanked by the Torrens River the garden features seating, a fire pit, a traditional shelter and ’Totem poles’ designed specifically for the Adelaide location.

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) proudly announced the recipients of its 2025 Service to Community Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions across several categories. Elder Awards. Adult Awards. Non-Indigenous Awards for their meaningful service and dedication.

This year, we come together under the theme: “Sent Forth in Strength and Hope.” It is Christ who sends us to walk together in faith, grounded in the deep spirituality and culture of First Nations Peoples, strengthened by the Gospel, and filled with hope for the future God is leading us into.

In its 2025 statement, NATSICC acknowledges the complex and often painful significance of Australia Day for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and calls for national unity through celebration on a day that is inclusive of all Australians. To support thoughtful engagement, the council has developed a new resource for Catholics to reflect on the meaning of Australia Day personally and in relation to First Australians.

Indigenous Australians experience the most severe health disparities in the country, often requiring unplanned hospital stays far from home, leaving many without essential personal items. In response, NATSICC, in partnership with the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry in Adelaide and St Vincent de Paul’s, provides tailored toiletry bags for men, women, and children, including optional spiritual materials. For longer-term patients, artwork bags are also offered to support creative expression during recovery.

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) proudly announced the recipients of its 2024 Service to Community Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions across several categories. Elder Awards. Adult Awards. Non-Indigenous Awards for their meaningful service and dedication.

The Gospel reading from Mark 6:1–6, shared on 7 July, recounts Jesus returning to His hometown and being met with disbelief by those who knew Him, despite His teachings and miracles. This message strongly resonates with First Australians, whose voices and contributions are often overlooked in their own land. In response, the 2024 Resources equip parishes, schools, and organisations with materials to reflect on and meaningfully celebrate this significant day

NATSICC and Caritas Australia have launched www.indigenousvoice.church - a website that empowers Catholics to make an informed decision at the 2023 Indigenous Voice to Parliament Referendum.

The site contains a collation of statements of Catholic Organisations, resources to assist in discernment and the voices of First Australians and our Catholic Leaders.

From Lectures on North Queensland history. No. 4 chapter 3 pp. 54-72

Maguire, John Edited by Dalton, B. J.. Townsville. James Cook University of North Queensland, 1984.

NATSICC has developed a foundational Online  Cross Cultural Competency Course for all Catholic workers, volunteers, Clergy and Religious. It is the first ever Cross Cultural training with a Catholic Focus and will equip participants with the knowledge and skills to effectively engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

The coronation is a very important celebration on the Torres Strait Islands. In this article, Dolly McGaughey shares her memories of the day and gives an insight to the inculturation of this Christian  celebration.

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) proudly announced the recipients of its 2022 Service to Community Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions across several categories. Elder Awards. Adult Awards. Non-Indigenous Awards for their meaningful service and dedication.

The poster series is a project that was started by NATSICC to showcase the work of the local ministries that serve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics. From outreach covering hundreds of kilometres to budgeting and cooking programs, these ministries are vibrant and dynamic places that share the story of Jesus in pastoral, spiritual and cultural contexts.