03 September 2026
Almost 100 delegates from across Australia gathered at Mary MacKillop Place in North Sydney from 25-26 August 2026 for the 8th Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office National Conference.
Attendees reflected on the theme "Migrant Communities in a Synodal Church" and exploring how migrant communities serve as evangelisers and missionaries of hope within the Church and the broader Australian community.
The conference brought together bishops, clergy, religious, pastoral workers, migrant chaplaincies, community leaders and lay representatives from diverse cultural backgrounds. The program featured keynote presentations by Cardinal Fabio Baggio, Under-Secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development; Dr Trudy Dantis, Director of the National Centre for Pastoral Research; and Bishop George Kolodziej SDS, Bishop of Bunbury.
Over two days, participants engaged in prayer, keynote presentations, dialogue and Conversations in the Spirit, focusing on the contributions of migrant communities to the life, mission and future of the Catholic Church in Australia.
In his closing remarks, Archbishop Christopher Prowse, Chair of the Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry (BCELM) and Bishop Delegate for ACMRO, emphasised the importance of recognising migrant communities as active participants in the Church's mission.
"This conference has highlighted the extraordinary gift that migrant communities bring to the Church in Australia.”
“Their faith, traditions, cultural heritage and missionary spirit continue to enrich our parishes and communities, helping us become a more synodal Church that listens, welcomes and walks together."
Participants also had the opportunity to hear from a panel discussion, learn about four best-practice models from various ministries, and celebrate the Eucharist at Mary MacKillop Memorial Chapel with the Samoan Choir leading the music.
Fr Khalid Marogi, ACMRO National Director, said the conference reaffirmed the Church's commitment to fostering a culture of encounter and accompaniment.
"The conversations and reflections shared throughout these two days have inspired us to continue building communities where every person feels welcomed, valued and able to contribute their gifts. Through listening to one another and journeying together, we become more effective witnesses to the Gospel."
Fr Marogi, thanked speakers, delegates and organisers for making the event a success.
As participants return to their dioceses, parishes and communities, the spirit of the conference continues in a shared commitment to building a Church where cultural diversity is recognised and celebrated as a gift, and where all people can find a place of belonging, participation and hope.