Winners announced and applications invited for B.J. Hickey Scholarship Program

25 Sep 2026

By The Record

Archbishop Costelloe and Fr Vincent congratulate the 2026 BJ Hickey Scholarship winners, along with CFE Director, Dr Marco Ceccarelli and CFE Coordinator of Adult Faith Formation, Laura Firth. Photo: Eric Odong/Archdiocese of Perth.
Archbishop Costelloe and Fr Vincent congratulate the 2026 B.J. Hickey Scholarship winners, along with CFE Director, Dr Marco Ceccarelli and CFE Coordinator of Adult Faith Formation, Laura Firth. Photo: Eric Odong/Archdiocese of Perth.

At his inauguration Mass on 18 May 2025, Pope Leo XIV encouraged his listeners “Look to Christ! Come closer to him! Welcome his word that enlightens and consoles! Listen to his offer of love and become his one family: in the one Christ, we are one!”

Reading and studying the Scripturesare the foundation of the church’s ministry, and enable every Catholic to proclaim the Word, most importantly through the witness of one’s own life.

This fundamental ministry also lies at the heart of the B.J. Hickey Scholarship Program that is offered to all the faithful of the Perth Archdiocese.

Established through the vision of Archbishop Emeritus Barry Hickey’s Biblical Foundation, the scholarship is administered by the Centre for Faith Enrichment (CFE).

Archbishop Costelloe leads the blessing prior to the presentation of the 2026 B.J. Hickey Scholarship recipients on Saturday 12 September 2026. Photo: Eric Odong/Archdiocese of Perth.

At the recent 50th anniversary celebration for the CFE, the 2026 B.J. Hickey Scholarship recipients were announced. They comprised:

  • Diane Avice – to undertake a Diploma of Theology at the University of Notre Dame.
  • Andrea Carlos – to undertake The Special Religious Development Program in Fatima, Portugal.
  • Maureen Crofts – to study Introduction to Old Testament and The Pentateuch as part of a Bachelor in Theology at the University of Notre Dame.
  • John Topliss – to supplement the travel costs for 15 students travelling to Ireland for Scripture Studies and fulfil requirements for a Masters through the Catholic Institute and the University of Notre Dame.
  • Sandra Wibawanta – to complete a Diploma of Theology at the University of Notre Dame.

Over the years, the scholarship has provided recipients with the opportunity to study Scripture locally, interstate, overseas and online – deepening a love for the Word of God that has echoed back into their parishes and homes.

The scholarships are for Biblical studies of any length and at any level. Applicants are not required to be academics or have an academic background and are invited to propose a Biblical study project that resonates with their personal interests and capabilities.

Scholarship winner, Diane Avice shares a lighter moment with Archbishop Costelloe and Fr Vincent. Photo: Eric Odong/Archdiocese of Perth.

As part of the process, applicants are asked to demonstrate a desire to further their knowledge of Scripture and help others with that knowledge. Applications are principally assessed upon the following criteria:

  • The willingness, availability and capability of the applicant to use his or her Biblical studies to make a contribution at a parish and/or Archdiocesan level.
  • The degree to which the proposed project focuses on the scripture specifically.

The Centre for Faith Enrichment is currently inviting applications for the 2027 scholarships.

Application details and the digital Scholarship Application Form can be accessed via the Scholarships page on the CFE website.

Applications close at 5:00pm on Friday 13 November 2026. Applications will be considered in November 2026 prior to applicants being notified in December 2026. 

For all related enquiries, email cfe@perthcatholic.org.au or call 9278 0261.