Diocesan Financial Administrators (DFAs) from across Australia came together from 19–21 October 2025 for the annual National Forum, a key event in the Catholic professional calendar.
Hosted for the first time by a regional diocese, the Diocese of Lismore welcomed DFAs to its accommodation and retreat centre, Invercauld House. The forum offered participants the opportunity to reflect on their shared responsibility to manage the Church’s economic resources in accordance with Church teaching and law, while connecting with colleagues from dioceses around the country.
Diocese of Lismore Business Manager Greg Isaac said it was a great honour to host this year’s forum.
“It was a privilege for the Diocese of Lismore to host DFAs from across Australia — many of whom were visiting Lismore for the first time,” Mr Isaac said. “Delegates particularly enjoyed the guided tour of Lismore’s floodplain and St Carthage’s Cathedral, the opportunity to speak with the Mayor of Lismore, Steve Krieg, and see firsthand how our diocese has recovered and adapted following the 2022 floods.”
DFA Group Chair Helen Delahunty said the forum was a positive experience for members of the Australian Catholic Church.
“The role of the DFA is integral to the mission of each diocese and archdiocese, so this annual meeting allows all of us to get to know each other in a social sense, while hearing from speakers about various issues, but also to get to know what is working well in the other dioceses. The collaboration and camaraderie gained from for this meeting will endure for many years to come,” Ms Delahunty said.
“I wish to thank the Diocese of Lismore, in particular Bishop Greg, Greg Isaac and Julie Youngberry for their wonderful hospitality.”
Bishop Greg Homeming OCD celebrated Mass on each day of the forum and addressed participants during the after-dinner session, emphasising the importance of stewardship within Church leadership.
The forum included a full program of sessions over two days, covering topics such as insurance, civil claims and redress, financial sustainability, and governance. One highlight was the One Thing That’s Working session, where each diocese was encouraged to share a success story, which fostered inter-diocesan learning and discussion. Other highlights of the forum included briefings from the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, working party updates, and presentations from sponsors Westfund and Catholic Super.
The forum concluded with discussions on future opportunities and the election of the Archdiocese of Hobart to host the 2026 forum. This year’s meeting in Lismore left delegates feeling refreshed, informed, and inspired to apply their learnings.
