National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council
14 May 2021 - Special note:
Nganmarriyanga, temporary name change. To be referred to as Palumpa
The community has advised that the word Nganmarriyanga is not to be used, written or spoken, out of respect for a senior elder who has passed away. Palumpa is to be used as an alternative and the community will advise when this is no longer necessary.
NATSICC Councillor for the Northern Territory
Australia's Top End Diocese is the Diocese of Darwin. The Diocese covers a huge area that stretches from the Pitjantjatjara Lands of Northern South Australia to the Tiwi Islands, which lay off the coast of Darwin. The Diocese is home to more than 11,000 Aboriginal Catholics. According to the most recent census, 20% of all Indigenous people in the Northern Territory identify as Catholic.
For a summary of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Statistics drawn from the 2016 Census, please click here.
Regina McCarthy was born at Mt. Isa, Queensland in 1971. After spending eight months in Mt Isa, Regina with her parents moved back to Nauiyu Nambiyu, Daly River where she spent most of her childhood. Regina went on to complete her post primary education at both St John's College, Darwin and finishing at Mount St Bernard College, Herberton on the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland.
Regina has a strong Catholic Faith and in addition to being an active member of the St Martin de Porres Catholic Community, she works for the Diocese of Darwin and was previously the Dean at Nungalinya College.
Contact Regina at nt@natsicc.org.au
Northern Territory Aboriginal Resources and links
Many communities in the Northern Territory would consider themselves 'Catholic Communities' where the Parish serves as the hub. We have compiled a contact list of Parishes as well as Aboriginal Community contacts should you wish to make contact in your travels through the territory. Additionally, if you live in the NT, you will find the contact details for the Parish Priests useful.
Click here for the list of Northern Territory Aboriginal Catholic Parishes and Organisations.
Upcoming Events
Please check back for future events.
Previous Events and News
Vale Deacon Boniface
On 18 March 2019, much loved and respected Wadeye Elder Deacon Boniface passed away. NATSICC has created a tribute page with quotes, transcripts and photos so that he remains a source of inspiration for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people throughout the Diocese of Darwin and beyond. Click here to access the tribute page.
In 2016 Deacon Boniface celebrated his 80th Birthday - click here for the full story
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council
'The peak Indigenous advisory body to the Catholic Church'
80C Payneham Rd.
Stepney SA 5069
www.natsicc.org.au | craig@natsicc.org.au | 08 8363 2963
