The Diocese of Parramatta took a leading role at the Sydney Alliance Federal Pre-Election Assembly. Around 1,000 Sydneysiders gathered in a powerful display of solidarity to push for action on three of the country’s most critical issues: housing, climate change, and energy.
Held at the Morley Centre at Catherine McAuley Westmead and Parramatta Marist High School on Thursday 13 March 2025, this year’s assembly marked a pivotal opportunity for the Diocese, which has been a member of the Sydney Alliance since its foundation, to work alongside community leaders and political figures to ensure that the voices of ordinary citizens in Sydney’s west were heard.
Seated front-and-centre to the stage, the Diocese of Parramatta’s delegation included students, teachers and parents from Parramatta Marist High School and St John XXIII Catholic College Stanhope Gardens, representatives from the Diocese’s Mission Enhancement Team, its social welfare agency Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese, and numerous parishioners from across Western Sydney.
Co-chairing the Assembly was Anthony Matthews, Assistant Principal of St John XXIII Catholic College, who has previously shared his thoughts on housing and climate change.
Representing the Diocese of Parramatta on stage was Fr Fernando Montano, Vicar General and Episcopal Vicar for Social Welfare, and Parish Priest of St Bernadette’s Parish Castle Hill. Fr Fernando’s presence was a reminder of the strong faith-driven commitment to social justice that guides the Diocese’s involvement in the Sydney Alliance.
The Diocese’s participation in the Alliance is also underpinned by the Diocesan Pastoral Plan as ‘a Church that reaches to the margins’, with members engaging in agencies such as the Sydney Alliance and other advocacy programs.
Maree Hanna (right) with other representatives from Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. Image: supplied
About the event
The Sydney Alliance is a broad coalition of faith-based, community, and union organisations that has long been a driving force for positive change in Sydney.
With the federal election approaching in May 2025, the assembly focused on pressing political leaders to commit to affordable housing, sustainable and affordable energy policies, and effective climate action – issues that directly affect Sydney’s western suburbs.
The evening was charged with energy as passionate participants mobilised to advocate for their communities.
The Diocese of Parramatta played an integral role, with its large contingent, ensuring that critical issues facing their communities were highlighted. This collective effort underscored the Alliance’s aim to centre political negotiations around real-life stories of those directly affected by these issues, in line with the classical Catholic Social Teaching principles of human dignity, solidarity and subsidiarity.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese educator and social justice leader Andrew Matthews co-chaired the Assembly. Image: Sydney Alliance and Karl Deitrich – Murray Harris Photography
Voices in the west
The assembly began with a heartfelt Welcome to Country by Darug Elder Uncle Greg Simms OAM, who acknowledged the traditional custodians of the land and set a tone of respect and unity.
Musical performances by the Auburn Uniting Church Choir and the Sydney Tamil Mandram Drummers added to the atmosphere, reinforcing the importance of community solidarity.
As the evening progressed, key political figures took to the stage, including Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen MP; Federal Member for Parramatta, Andrew Charlton MP; Independent Member for Warringah, Zali Steggall OAM MP; and NSW Senator for the Greens, Mehreen Faruqi MP.
As a non-partisan organisation, the Sydney Alliance had invited key political leaders from both major parties and the cross bench, however Coalition Shadow Ministers and representatives had not accepted the invitation, and the Alliance seeks to build relationships and dialogue with them.
Each responded to direct questions on housing, energy, and climate policy, pledging support for key issues. When politicians made commitments, the room erupted in applause, signalling widespread approval. But when promises fell short, silence reigned as a reminder of the need for genuine action.
Anthony Matthews, alongside other Alliance members, pushed politicians to make strong commitments. While many of these responses were “wait and see” as the Federal Budget approaches, the pressure for real change was undeniable.
The Diocese’s banners were among those on display at the Assembly. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
Diocesan voices at the Assembly
Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains’ representatives attended the event. Among these was Houses to Homes Program Coordinator Maree Hanna. Maree chatted to other attendees about the critical need for affordable housing, particularly for local young pregnant women and mothers experiencing homelessness. She, like many others, made a pledge for change.
Peace, Justice, Ecology Facilitator James Atanasious from the Mission Enhancement Team and St John XXIII student Carlos approached the stage and read aloud the Diocese of Parramatta’s position on key issues, receiving a standing ovation.
For people like Mel, a parishioner attending her first assembly, the event revealed to her the power of collective action, and the role of the Diocese as a staunch advocate.
“It’s exciting to be here,” she said.
Peace, Justice, Ecology Facilitator James Atanasious from the Mission Enhancement Team and St John XXIII student Carlos approached on stage to share the Diocese of Parramatta’s position on key issues. Image: supplied
Community fellowship
Following the assembly, the community came together for a shared dinner, marking the breaking of the Ramadan fast. This moment of fellowship and solidarity further highlighted the spirit of unity that underpinned the evening.
The Diocese’s commitment to addressing these issues didn’t end at the Assembly. Following the event, participants submitted “postcards” – personalised messages urging politicians to take immediate action on housing, energy, and climate policy.
Looking Ahead
The Sydney Alliance Federal Pre-Election Assembly was more than just an event – it was a rallying cry for a better, fairer future for all Australians.
The Diocese of Parramatta and the Sydney Alliance are committed to ensuring the voices of all people, particularly those in need, are heard loud and clear.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Sydney Alliance continues to work towards a brighter, more just future for all Australians.
View the full photo gallery on Flickr.
