When our diocese was established in 1847, Maitland was the centre of activity, housing more people than the shipping port of Newcastle. World War II, the 1955 flood and the shifting population of Maitland, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie were major factors in the Church’s decision to establish itself in the developing city of Newcastle.

With the closure of Maitland’s Pro-Cathedral (Cathedral of St John the Baptist) due to earthquake damage in 1989, an opportunity was provided for the diocese to re-think its structure.

In 1995 it was officially announced that the Sacred Heart Church in Hamilton would become the new cathedral for the Diocese of Maitland and the former Sisters of Mercy Convent and Sacred Heart Primary School sites, would be in time, the new base for the major agencies that exist in the diocese.

These historic decisions led to the official re-naming of the diocese to the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, and the subsequent refurbishment of the buildings bound by Hunter, Tudor and Parry Streets in Newcastle West.

All of these plans had been part of the vision of our former bishop, the Most Reverend Leo Clarke. In response to the changing civic and cultural life of our region, he saw the need for the Catholic Church to increase its presence in the Newcastle area.

Time marches on and many changes have taken place since that 1995 announcement. In March 1997, the newly refurbished Diocesan Centre was officially blessed and opened by our new bishop, the Most Reverend Michael Malone.

The diocesan agencies, departments and groups who have made their home at the Diocesan Centre in Newcastle West include: