On Monday 28 July, a sports hall in Merrylands became a meeting place for diverse faith and community leaders, united by a shared commitment to the wellbeing of people in Western Sydney.
The Cumberland Faith Leaders Forum, hosted by Cumberland City Council, brought together Christian, Muslim, Buddhist and other community representatives for a morning of information-sharing, dialogue and collaboration.
The Diocese of Parramatta was represented by Dr Sebastian Salaske-Lentern, Head of Peace, Justice and Ecology, and Sebastian Duhau from the Mission Enhancement Team. Also attending were representatives from the St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies) and the Salvation Army (Salvos), who often work closely with the Diocese and its social welfare agency Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
The forum focused on key issues affecting the Cumberland community, including support for youth, seniors and people living with disability; services for those experiencing domestic and family violence; and the growing harms of gambling and online gaming among young people.
Speakers from Council, Vinnies, GambleAware and other organisations shared insights into available services and encouraged faith leaders to act as a bridge to those in need. Attendees also heard from Cumberland Christian Churches and Ministries, ambassadors for Christ in the local community.
The Diocese’s involvement reflects its ongoing partnerships across the region, including through the Diocesan Interfaith Commission, and events like the annual Parramatta Street Feast, co-hosted with its social welfare agency Catholic Care, alongside many other valued community organisations.
“Events like this are a reminder that God’s mission is deeply relational. Walking with others, listening carefully, and responding together is how we live out that mission in our local communities,” Sebastian Duhau said.
Faith leaders were invited to participate in a focus group led by Council’s communications team, aimed at improving how information reaches culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. Tools such as the Ask Izzy and Cumberland City Council’s Youth Serivces Directory were also highlighted.
In addition to building awareness of services, the forum encouraged ongoing collaboration between faith leaders and Council on issues of shared concern. A follow-up community event hosted by Cumberland 4 Common Good, a partner in the Sydney Alliance, of which the Diocese is a member, will take place on 23 September at Merrylands Baptist Church.
Through participation in forums such as these, the Diocese continues to support a culture of dialogue, justice and practical action – particularly among communities facing disadvantage.
This work supports the Diocesan Pastoral Plan’s Mission priority and the goal of Walking Together, which invites people of all backgrounds and faiths to listen, work together, and serve the common good.
If you need support – whether it’s help with everyday challenges or someone to talk to – speak to your local parish priest, the Peace Justice and Ecology team, a multicultural chaplain, or reach out to the friendly, professional team at Catholic Care.
