Michael Austin commenced his role as the Director of CatholicCare for the Diocese on March 10.

Prior to this appointment, Michael was employed at CatholicCare Sydney, as the Executive Director, Family and Community Services. In this role he was responsible for the leadership, operational and strategic management of over 100 programs across a diverse portfolio of aged care, disability services, services for vulnerable families, children and youth. Michael has a Master of Social Work from the University of NSW and has management and leadership qualifications from Macquarie University. He has over 20 years experience in the community and welfare sector as practitioner, manager and executive.

Michael is currently the elected Board Chairman of Family and Relationships Services Australia (FRSA) the national peak body for family relationship and support services. He currently holds board appointments on the Sydney Archdiocesan Catholic Schools (SACS) Board and is on the Advisory Board, Bachelor of Behavioural Science and Counselling at University of Notre Dame, Sydney, where he was an Adjunct Professor, School of Arts and Social Sciences from 2011 till 2013.

"I am honoured and delighted to be appointed Director of CatholicCare Wollongong. The organisation has a great reputation for quality and innovation that has been strongly led by Kath McCormack. I look forward to working with all the CatholicCare team as we build on these firm foundations and take the organisation into the future".