Under his leadership, the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle has seen substantial growth in the provision of grassroots community programs through CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning. Bishop Bill was passionate about walking alongside those in our community who need a bit of extra support. He was an advocate for strengthening and expanding our social footprint across the Diocese across our community kitchens, food programs and refugee support services.
Most significant to the life of the Church in our Diocese, Bishop Bill also committed to convening a synod, the first held locally in three decades. He was interested in consulting and collaborating with the diocesan community to help us work towards becoming a more welcoming, inclusive and participatory Church for all in this modern world.
With direction from the Bishop, the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle has developed three new schools, St Aloysius Catholic Primary School and St Bede's Catholic College, both in Chisholm, and most recently, Catherine McAuley Catholic College in Medowie. The Diocese has also seen the introduction of important services such as St Nicholas Early Education, St Nicholas OOSH and St Nicholas Pathways and the recent opening of The Rosewood Centre to better support people's mental health in our community.
Additionally, Bishop Bill led the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle through a significant internal transformation with the introduction of the Many Parts. One Body. One Mission initiative to support our diocesan agencies in working together, providing more opportunities to draw on each other’s strengths for the good of those we serve.