The conference, to be emceed by journalist Genevieve Jacobs, features speakers such as Fr Frank Brennan SJ AO, Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen OFM Conv, Dr Maria Harries AM, and leaders from social service organisations who have successfully introduced integrated service models.

Fr Frank Brennan, Chief Executive Officer of CSSA, said the main purpose of the two-day conference was to encourage participants to ask how they can better work across the social services, health and education sectors to create real change for local communities.

“The theme of the conference, ‘Meeting the unmet need’, was inspired by Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first saint, who urged practical action using available resources and to trust in God,” Fr Brennan said. 

“The work of St Agnes’ Parish will be showcased at the conference as an example of how organisations can evolve within their own community to meet the health, welfare and educational needs of local people regardless of their background or religious affiliation.

“Originally, we planned this conference for last October when Fr Leo Donnelly would have been present, but that was not to be.

“We will honour his work in resourcing the St Agnes’ Parish community with health, welfare and education services, nevertheless, with the inaugural ‘Fr Leo Donnelly Oration’ to be delivered by Lismore Bishop Gregory Homeming OCD at the Conference dinner on Tuesday evening.”  

The program includes panel sessions, targeted workshops and small group discussions that will allow delegates to examine the options available for cross-sector service delivery in their region or program area.

CSSA invited the Parish to host the National Conference in Port Macquarie in the middle of last year, much to the delight of Adam Spencer, CEO of St Agnes’ Parish.

“It is an absolute privilege to host this conference in Port Macquarie – we have been working with CSSA over the last six months to develop an exciting and informative program for those who attend,” Mr Spencer said.

“We have representatives attending from organisations around Australia, including those from Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania, so the response has been outstanding.”

Dr Maria Harries AM, Chair of CSSA, will officially open the conference at 9am Tuesday, followed by the Welcome to Country by Uncle Bill O’Brien of Birpai Local Aboriginal Land Council.