If life is a test, resilience is the answer
We do a disservice to our young people in giving them a prize for participation regardless of where they finish in the race. Encouragement is one thing, a ribbon another. One of the best things we can do for them, often with the greatest outcome, is to buy them a goldfish or budgie. A pet with a short life span.
Moving forward and taking the good with us
There is always a long list of pressing issues that confront any incoming government. This reality does not appear lost on Australia’s 31st Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, who hours after taking office, boarded a flight to a meeting of Quad leaders in Tokyo.
Driving towards a future of possibilities
Breaking down barriers faced by newly arrived refugees and asylum seekers on their pathway towards education and employment is the goal of a new initiative being delivered by CatholicCare’s Refugee Hub, with support from the City of Newcastle, NRMA and volunteer mentors.
New book launched that will delight local history buffs
For more than 200 years, the Catholic Church has provided education to generations of Australians. While the provision of schooling in this diocese does not extend back quite as far, a new book entitled Snaphots in Time bursts with interesting stories of our journey in education.
Community action needed to stop domestic and family violence
When news outlets report on the death of a person at the hands of a current or former partner, many of us feel angry and sad. Despite our horror and collective sympathy for the victims, rarely do we consider that someone close to us could be in an abusive relationship. Unfortunately the reality indicates this is often the case.
Fleeing war to find salvation in Fern Bay
The unprovoked Russian invasion of the Ukraine has horrified us all but for Ukrainian expats like Inna and Yurii Chuchenko, daily reports from the warzone are especially traumatic.
New Nuncio selects Maitland-Newcastle as first stop on his new assignment
For a Diocese still mourning the death of its beloved bishop, a visit by the newly appointed Nuncio to Australia provided comfort to the congregation at Easter.
Archbishop Charles Balvo became the first Nuncio to preside at the Sacred Triduum in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, just two weeks after presenting his credentials to the Governor-General of Australia on 1 April.
Celebrating culture in colour
Love of family and an interest in her Worimi and Biripi culture inspired 8-year-old artist Milla Turner’s painting ‘My Family’ and earned her the top prize in the Hunter category of the Young Archie Awards.
Waiting in the wings
For many, the performing arts are a form of healing, providing solace during times of stress.
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of the live performance sector, it had a devastating impact on the artistic community. Aside from the substantial loss of income for thousands of performers, the indefinite hiatus created a gap for people who rely on artistic pursuits as a means of self-expression and social engagement.
More than just a house
Lawyer, Sister of St Joseph, counsellor, advocate and carer – many titles can be applied to Sister Carmel Hanson, but ‘ultimate multi-tasker’ is perhaps the most fitting.
Leaving on a jet plane
Nobody likes airplane food. There’s just something about it that doesn’t taste quite right. While this may not be top of mind when moving across the world, when Shammah Ntore boarded a plane for the first time with her family at six years old, to escape violence in their home country, she shared that same sentiment.
School and historic town evolve together to embrace innovative future
For over a century Kurri Kurri has been synonymous with coal mining in the Hunter Valley. It is a town with a rich and prosperous history, surrounded by the hugely productive South Maitland Coalfield, which at the advent of Federation was the richest coalfield in the Southern Hemisphere.
From a land-locked war zone to working on Newcastle Harbour, the inspiring story of a refugee who has a team of boaties keeping him afloat
The crisp winter chill that fills the air at Midcoast Boatyard & Marine seemingly melts away upon witnessing the warmth of smiles that surround much-loved employee, Sakhidad.
Newcastle serves up new opportunities for Shams
As Shams Uddim serves the people of Newcastle from behind the counter of his kebab shop, he feels lucky to be living in Australia.
Every time I see someone wearing a beanie, I see hope
On the winter solstice rugby league legend, Mark Hughes, presented an impassioned speech to the St Joseph’s College, Lochinvar community.
Appreciating Aboriginal Art
Many question the fine line between appreciation and appropriation of any art form, and this is especially so when it comes to Aboriginal art. To fully appreciate and be inspired by Aboriginal art, we must first understand its purpose.
Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle recognised for its Excellence in Design
The Catholic Diocese of Maitland Newcastle's innovative design of St Bede's Catholic College has secured it a spot in the finals of a prestigious awards event.
The Urban Development Institute of Australia's (UDIA) NSW division recently announced the Diocese as a finalist in its Excellence in Design category, with the winner to be announced in Sydney on 12 August.
