30 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Year in Review 2025 Agnes Sheehan As I look back on this year across the Diocese of Sandhurst, I am deeply moved by the courage and quiet resilience I have witnessed in the families and individuals who turned to CatholicCare Victoria for support. Each person we accompany reminds me of our shared calling to help others rediscover life in its fullness by honouring their dignity, nurturing connection and offering compassion in moments of vulnerability and change. Across Bendigo, Shepparton, Wangaratta and surrounding communities, our teams continued to live our vision of thriving and inclusive communities where every person is recognised as created in the image of God. This past year, we walked alongside 3647 individuals in the Sandhurst region. Many were navigating overwhelming pressures including rising living costs, childhood wellbeing, housing insecurity, mental health concerns and family breakdown. Yet in the midst of these challenges, we witnessed powerful moments of healing, restoration and new beginnings, reminding us of the sacred strength within every person we serve. In Bendigo, our Integrated Family Services team supported 67 families across the Loddon and Bendigo regions, always working to hear and elevate the voice of each child. One young person who had completely disengaged from school began returning through the steady, gentle support of our practitioners. Today, they attend daily. Their journey reflects how transformation often begins with the simple gift of being seen, understood and supported with patience and care. The Homes First program continued to help families experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing housing to find safety and stability. Our Regional Parenting Services team reached more than 1,035 parents through screenings, seminars and workshops that strengthened family relationships and nurtured confident parenting across the Diocese. These programs help parents feel better equipped to support their children and create homes grounded in connection and hope. In Shepparton, the Communities for Children initiative built strong local partnerships and supported more than 600 young children and their families. Our Family Wellbeing Support Service also walked alongside over 200 children and young people across more than 20 schools, offering guidance, encouragement and emotional support. One story that continues to stay with me is Sam’s. At eleven years old, he carried the weight of bullying in silence. His confidence faded and anxiety began to shadow his days. Through gentle and consistent counselling, Sam slowly rediscovered his voice. He joined the soccer team, picked up an instrument and began reconnecting with the things that spark joy in his life. His mother shared that it felt as though CatholicCare wrapped their arms around the whole family. Her words capture the heart of our mission to bring care, compassion and hope to each person who seeks our support. We also witnessed important moments of healing through our Family Dispute Resolution services in Bendigo and Shepparton. Two parents who had not spoken for a long time were able to reconnect through mediation and find a healthier way forward for their children. In another case, a parent who had not seen her children for twelve months reached a parenting agreement that led to a joyful reunion. Her child embraced her and said, “I have missed you, Mum”. Families frequently expressed gratitude for this support, sharing reflections such as “I have felt listened to throughout the process” and “The mediator was incredibly helpful and understanding”. This year we also celebrated two staff members who completed postgraduate qualifications and became accredited mediators, strengthening our capacity to support families. Across the Diocese, our counsellors, family support workers, youth justice practitioners and family dispute resolution specialists provided 23,945 hours of care across 16 different services. Family and relationship challenges, mental health concerns, family violence and child wellbeing were among the most common issues faced by clients. Each encounter represents a moment where someone reached out and received dignity, respect and love. I am deeply grateful to the many parishes and Catholic Chief Executive Officer CatholicCare Victoria A year of walking with families, nurturing dignity, and strengthening hope
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