Wollongong – 4 November 2026 – The Bishop of Wollongong, Most Rev Brian Mascord, has appointed Clr Darcy Lound, Rev Fr James Arblaster and Matt Baxter to the Board of Directors of CatholicCare Diocese of Wollongong. These appointments strengthen the governance, regional insight, mission leadership and community experience guiding one of the Diocese’s largest social services organisations at a time of growing demand for care and support across our Diocese region.

CatholicCare supports more than 9,000 people each year through services across the lifespan including aged care, disability, children’s services, out-of-school-hours care, family support, counselling, foster care and community programs. With services delivered across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Macarthur and Southern Highlands, the organisation plays a vital role in supporting individuals and families when they need practical, trusted and compassionate care.

CatholicCare Diocese of Wollongong CEO Michael Austin welcomed the appointments.

“Darcy, Rev Fr James and Matt each bring important leadership, judgement and lived understanding of the communities and mission we serve, ” Mr Austin said. “Their combined experience across local government, pastoral leadership, strategy, communications, mission, and governance will strengthen CatholicCare’s work as we continue responding to growing needs across the Diocese.”

The appointments come as communities across the Diocese continue to face complex pressures, including cost-of-living challenges, population growth in the Macarthur, increasing demand for care services and greater need for family, relationship and community support.

Clr Darcy Lound brings more than a decade of local government leadership to the Board. First elected to Campbelltown City Council in 2012, and serving as Mayor of Campbelltown since 2024, he has built a reputation for community-focused leadership and a practical, people-first approach to public service. His deep understanding of the Macarthur region, where CatholicCare delivers a range of aged care, children’s and family services, adds valuable local insight to the Board’s work.

“I’m honoured to join the CatholicCare Board and to support an organisation that does such meaningful work for people across our region,” Mayor Lound said. “CatholicCare walks alongside people at some of the most important moments in their lives, and I’m looking forward to contributing to its mission and its future.”

Rev Fr James Arblaster brings deep pastoral, governance and mission experience to the Board. As Parochial Vicar at St Michael’s Parish, Nowra, he has supported communities within the Diocese through his ministry and leadership, bringing a strong understanding of CatholicCare’s mission and the role of the Church in serving people with compassion, dignity and practical care.

“CatholicCare’s work is a powerful expression of our Church’s mission in action,” Rev Fr James said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this important pastoral work that walks alongside people and families with compassion, professionalism and hope.”

Matt Baxter joins the Board with a strong background in strategy, communications, and organisational change across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. He currently serves as Executive Director and Chancellor in the Office of the Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Wollongong, and previously led strategy and communications for Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong.

“CatholicCare makes a real difference in people’s lives every day. We’re called to be bearers of Christ’s love, one Diocesan body and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve,” Mr Baxter said.

CatholicCare Diocese of Wollongong’s full Board is available to view here.