John Lochowiak appointed NATSICC Chairperson

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council is pleased to announce that John Lochowiak has been appointed as the new NATSICC Chairperson. John is a Wadi (initiated Man) who has strong ties to many language groups throughout Australia including but not limited to Pitjantjatjara, Kaurna, Ramindjeri and Arerrnte. His strong cultural grounding is complemented by his deep Catholic faith. The new position compliments his current role as Manager of Aboriginal Services at Centacare Catholic Family Services and as the head of the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry in Adelaide.

Whilst meeting for the first time, the 2015-2018 NATSICC Councillors also voted Western Australian Representative Shirley Quaresimin as the Deputy Chairperson. Shirley is a Nyikina person from the Kimberley and was involved in the establishment of NATSICC over 20 years ago. She brings vast experience of regional and urban Aboriginal Catholics to NATSICC.

The council spent 4 days together charting the course for the next 3 years. A common theme was spirituality, faith, social justice and Inculturation of the Liturgy.

“We have a really good Council with each person bringing a special knowledge base and set of experiences to the table.” said Mr Lochowiak. “We take the responsibility of representing the youngest and fastest demographic in the Catholic Church in Australia very seriously.” He continued.

2015 – 2018 Council:

John Lochowiak (SA) – Chairperson

Shirley Quaresimin (WA) – Deputy Chairperson

Sally FitzGerald (ACT) – Secretary

Jaimi Lee Armstrong (TAS) – Treasurer

Evelyn Parkin (QLD)

Dolly McGaughey (Torres Strait)

Sherry Balcombe (Vic)

Dean Chisholm (NT)

Sabrina Stevens (Youth)

Vacant (NSW)

The NATSICC Council is also very pleased to work closely with the Bishops Commission for Relations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics. Chaired by Bishop Hurley, the Commission also includes Bishop Oudemann, Bishop Macbeth – Green, Bishop Sproxton.

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander catholic Council is the peak advisory body to the Australian Catholic Bishops.