John Lochowiak will lead the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) for a further three years.
Manager of Aboriginal Services at Centacare, John was recently re-elected NATSICC chairperson at a council meeting in Melbourne.
In his inaugural term leading the Council, John oversaw the development and roll out of the first Bishops-approved Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander acknowledgement plaques.
Today, these are a bold statement of support and a physical sign of welcome and understanding at parishes, schools and other organisations around Australia.
In addition, John led an Assembly which brought together more than 300 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics to discuss their faith and spirituality in Perth.
He is one of 13 people appointed to the 2020 Plenary Council to steer dialogue about the future of the Catholic Church in Australia.
NATSICC represents over 130,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics.
John will now guide the delivery of NATSICC’s 2019-2021 Strategic Plan.
Key focus areas include:
- Empowering NATSICC and communities: The strength of NATSICC lies in the ministries that serve communities. Strategies have been put in place to provide funding and capacity building for these ministries and communities.
- Empowering young people through a renewed focus on strengthening the faith and leadership capacity of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic leaders to become positive roles models.
- Meeting the needs of the community: By developing and delivering locally designed projects, NATSICC will assist in proving tangible assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
NATSICC is the peak advisory body to the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.
