The MacKillop Annual Public Meeting showcased our work for the year from around Australia.
MacKillop colleagues, carers, young people, families and supporters from across Australia in New South Wales, Western Australia, ACT, Victoria and the Northern Territory came together for our Annual Public Meeting and MacKillop Excellence Award Ceremony on November 12, 2025 in an online and live hybrid event.
The Annual Public Meeting is a highlight of our year and a time to reflect on achievements, share inspiring stories, and celebrate the incredible work of young people, families, and the MacKillop team who live our values every day. This year, we proudly launched our 2024–25 Annual Report, built around the theme: Strong Families. Safe Children. Thriving Communities. The report showcases the research we’ve contributed to, the advocacy we’ve led, and the outcomes achieved through the dedication of volunteers, carers, staff, and the young people and families we support.
We also reaffirmed our commitment to listening deeply to those we walk alongside. Through extensive consultation and truth-telling with First Nations communities, we launched our third (and first Stretch) Reconciliation Action Plan earlier this year. This meaningful plan outlines actions that will help us contribute to Closing the Gap targets.
The ceremony concluded with the announcement of our National Excellence Award winners, recognising individuals and teams whose commitment to best practice and innovation is truly inspiring.
Congratulations to our National Excellence Award Winners:
- The Catherine McAuley Award (carer) • Elizabeth and Jon Mortimer, Southern NSW
- The Catherine McAuley Award (volunteer) • Helen Bertuna, McAuley Community Services, VIC
- The Edmund Rice Award (staff member) • Jackie Chadderton, Home Based Coordinator, Wimmera South West, VIC
- The Edmund Rice Award (team) • Allen/Stretton House, Residential Care Team, ACT
- The Gerard Jones Sanctuary in Action Award • Brianna Dennis, District Manager, Rural Community Services, NSW
- The Mary MacKillop Award for ‘Courage in Life’ (child or young person) • Steven, Metro Sydney, NSW
- The Mary MacKillop Award for ‘Courage in Life’ (family) • Theo Ball, Intensive Family Support, WA