The Diocese of Sandhurst is currently in a period of Sede Vacante, meaning that the bishop’s seat is temporarily vacant.

The eighth Bishop of Sandhurst, Shane Mackinlay, is now serving as the Archbishop of Brisbane.. He was farewelled in the Diocese of Sandhurst at Sacred Heart Cathedral on 7 September 2025   and was installed as Archbishop of Brisbane at  St Stephen’s Cathedral on 11 September 2025.

On 15 September, the College of Consultors elected Very Rev. Dr Brian Boyle,  Administrator of the Cathedral Cluster of Parishes, as Diocesan Administrator.

Fr Brian will guide the day-to-day pastoral and administrative life of the Diocese until a new bishop is appointed.

While the Administrator oversees ordinary governance, some decisions remain reserved for the future bishop.  It is anticipated that Pope Leo XIV will appoint the ninth Bishop of Sandhurst in 2026.  In the meantime, the mission of the Diocese continues , steady, faithful and focused on serving our communities.