The Catholic community gathered to end the 2021 NAIDOC Week with a Mass at the Embleton parish, Holy Trinity Catholic Church, on 11 July. At the conclusion of Mass, ACM Pastoral Worker for over 12 years, Badimia Yamatji man Reg Carnamah, was presented with his 2021 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) Adult Service to Community Award for his dedication and commitment to serving the people of Western Australia, through his various roles in the Archdiocese of Perth. By Amanda Murthy.

The Catholic Diocesan Archivists of Australia held its annual assembly in Perth on Tuesday 6 July, drawing over 29 delegates (online and in person) who spent the day discussing a range of topics including information governance, records management technology and new ways of serving the Church in the digital age. By Amanda Murthy.

David Anthony Barnao, Principal of David Barnao & Co (now Barnao Property), has last week been gifted an Apostolic Blessing for his decades of resolute services to the Church and wider community.

The Archdiocese of Perth honoured three of its’ long-serving staff, who officially retired on 30 June and 2 July respectively. Archdiocese Clergy Liaison Officer Brian Bonser, Manager: Compliance and Suppliers Warren Lethridge and Personal Assistant to Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton Caroline Fouche reflect on their journey and provide advice for future staff. By Amanda Murthy and Jamie O’Brien.

After an 18-month implementation period, Western Australia’s voluntary assisted dying laws come into effect last Thursday 1 July.

Perth Metropolitan and Peel Region entered a four-day lockdown from 29 June to 2 July (inclusive), with measures alleviated into three days of interim restrictions from 3 July to 5 July (inclusive).

The Perth Catholic community attended a two-hour seminar at Newman Siena Centre on 24 June, exploring a theme of the Plenary Council, “Discovering A Christ-centred Church that is Open to Conversion, Renewal and Reform.” The event led by Catholic Education Western Australia Director of Religious Education Dr Chris Cotter, was organised by the Archdiocese of Perth Centre for Faith Enrichment, as a space for the community to continue the process of prayer, discernment, and dialogue. By Amanda Murthy.

Former CEWA teacher and principal Roberta Chapman, who was a founding member of the Performing Arts Festival for Catholic Schools and Colleges, was recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia recently in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours List. By Jesse Roberts.

Applecross parishioner Giuseppe Cinanni was announced as one of 1190 Australians to receive a 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours for Australia. He was honoured for his involvement in Catholic-based and community support initiatives, where he co-ordinated, volunteered, and organised various fundraising projects through collaboration with strong networks, which he built over the years. By Amanda Murthy.

As the delayed first Assembly of the 2021 Plenary Council of Australia draws near this October, the called and chosen members from the Archdiocese of Perth have convened to build rapport and discern on their journey towards a pivotal time in the Church of Australia.