Legal and 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 acts in accordance with the

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 & Governance

Leadership

The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for all financial, operational and personnel matters and, for embedding the strategic vision for St Agnes’ Catholic Parish. The CEO fosters collaboration across all service areas. Each service area is led by a General Manager who is responsible for specific service operations and delivery.

Our committed team entrusted with delivering our services across the community consists of two Priests and one Nun, over 1,100 plus staff and 245 plus 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:

Parish Priest:                     Father Paul Gooley

Assistant Priest:                Father Roland Agrisola

Assistant Priest:                Father Prodencio Bognay

Governance

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. Both of these companies are public companies and each is registered as a Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee, registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC).

St Agnes’ Assist incorporates the following Parish services:

  • St Joseph’s Family Services
  • Parish Administration Centre
  • The Francis Retreat
  • John Henry Institute
  • St Agnes’ Uniform Store
  • Understanding Faith
  • Pastoral Services
  • Youth Ministry

Directors of St Agnes’ Assist as of 1 November 2022:

  • Fr Paul Gooley (Chair)
  • Carol Briscoe
  • Adam Spencer
  • Anne O’Brien
  • Tony McAlister
  • Clare Brennan
  • Nigel McGothigan
  • Sebastian Condon

Sole Member of St Agnes’ Assist as of 1 November 2022:

  • Fr Paul Gooley

St Agnes’ Care & Lifestyle incorporates the following services:

  • Aged Care Services
  • NDIS Disability Services
  • CCA Masterplan
  • Youth Hub

Directors of St Agnes’ Care & Lifestyle as of 1 November 2022:

  • Fr Paul Gooley (Chair)
  • Carol Briscoe
  • Adam Spencer
  • Anne O’Brien
  • Tony McAlister
  • Clare Brennan
  • Nigel McGothigan
  • Sebastian Condon

Sole Member of St Agnes’ Care & Lifestyle as of 1 November 2022:

  • Fr Paul Gooley

St Agnes’ 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.

PFC members as of 1 November 2020:

  • Fr Paul Gooley
  • Carol Briscoe (Chair)
  • Tony McNamara
  • Jim O’Brien
  • Tony Thorne
  • John McGuigan

The organisation is well supported by various committees that funnel through to the two boards and the PFC including:

  • Risk, Audit and Compliance Committee
  • Renumeration, Nominations and Succession Committee
  • Parish Pastoral Council
  • Parish Leadership Team
  • Early Childhood Education Consultative Committee
  • John Henry Institute Steering Committee
  • Clinical Governance Committee
  • Educational Council

Legal Identity

St Agnes’ Assist and St Agnes’ Care & Lifestyle, are registered with the Australian Securities Investment Commission (ASIC), The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission (ACNC) which is the national regulator of charities. St Agnes’ Catholic Parish acts in accordance with the ASIC and ACNC governance standards.

St Agnes’ Catholic Parish also operates under the Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of Lismore, which is an incorporated legal entity created under the Roman Catholic Church Trust Property Act, 1936 and amendments. All Parish primary and secondary schools sit under the Trustees structure.