Governance Structure
As of 1 July 2018, St Agnes’ Catholic Parish has operated under a governance structure supported by two companies: St Agnes’ Assist and St Agnes’ Care & Lifestyle and one unincorporated entity: St Agnes’ Parish Port Macquarie. In addition, the Parish governs the St Agnes’ Foundation, a benevolent charity. The three companies are public companies and each is registered as a Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee, the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission (ACNC), Australian Securities Investment Commission (ASIC), and the Australia Taxation Office (ATO).
St Agnes’ Catholic Parish also operates under the Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of Lismore, which is an incorporated entity created under the Roman Catholic Church Trust Property Act, 1936 and amendments.
All Parish primary and secondary schools sit under the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Ltd company structure.
It is important to understand that whilst our governing bodies have differing responsibilities and legal requirements, they are in place to protect Parish assets and serve our Parish community. Their different roles directly support our Parish Priest to be able to deliver our Parish mission.
Leadership
Our committed team entrusted with delivering our services across the community consists of two Priests, one Nun, over 800 staff and 245 volunteers who operate across 35 physical sites.
St Agnes’ Catholic Clergy who faithfully preside over the 18,000 Catholics who call Port Macquarie home are:
Fr Paul Gooley
Parish Priest
Fr Alejo
Assistant Priest
Fr Prodencio Bognay
Assistant Priest
Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for all financial, operational and personnel matters and, for embedding the strategic vision for St Agnes’ Catholic Parish. Each service area is led by an Executive manager who is responsible for specific service operations and delivery.
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer assists the CEO achieve the goals and direction set to it by the company boards and the Parish Finance Council, with a particular focus on Mission, People and Culture.
Tony Leahy
Chief Executive Officer
Anne O’Brien
Deputy CEO, Mission, People and Culture
Parish Finance Council
Under Canon Law, the Parish Finance Council (PFC) functions to assist the Parish Priest and Chief Executive Officer in all matters relating to the stewardship of the temporal goods of the parish.
Parish Finance Council Members:
Carol Briscoe
Chair
Fr Paul Gooley
Tony McNamara
Jim O’Brien
Tony Thorne
John McGuigan
Services overseen by the Parish Finance Council include:
- Pastoral & Liturgical Services
- Youth Ministry
- Pastoral & Spiritual Care
- Commercial Property Portfolio
St Agnes’ Care & Lifestyle Board of Directors / St Agnes’ Assist Board of Directors
Fr Paul Gooley
Chair
Carol Briscoe
Tony McAlister
Sue McCann
Nigel McGothigan
Sebastian Condon
Anne O’Brien
Adam Spencer
Karen Kovac
Company Secretary
St Agnes’ Care & Lifestyle incorporates the following Parish services:
- Residential Aged Care
- Home Care
- Therapy Services
- NDIS Disability Services
- Retirement Living
- Community Housing
- Food Services
- Youth & Community Hub
St Agnes’ Assist incorporates the following Parish services:
- St Joseph’s Family Services
- The Francis Retreat
- John Henry Institute
- St Agnes’ Uniform Store
- Understanding Faith
- Parish Administration Centre
St Agnes’ Foundation Ltd Board of Directors
Anne O’Brien
Chair
Fr Paul Gooley
Tony McAlister
Tony Leahy
Adam Spencer
These governing bodies and the organisation are well supported directly by the following committees:
- Audit & Risk Committee
- Quality Care Advisory Committee
- Mission, People & Culture Committee (in establishment phase)
- Promotions & Fundraising Committee
