The Catholic Diocese of Cairns is excited to announce a new chapter for one of its key pastoral departments, with Diocesan Outreach and Mission Services (DOMS) now becoming Diocesan Mission and Ministries. This renewal reflects the Diocese’s ongoing commitment to strengthening mission, ministry and pastoral priorities in response to the Diocesan Synod and the future direction of the Diocese.
As part of this exciting development, the Diocese has established the role of Executive Leader, Diocesan Mission and Ministries, and we are delighted to welcome Andrea Obeyesekere to the position. Andrea brings extensive experience in leadership, community engagement, Catholic ministry and organisational development.
Many across the region will already know Andrea through her leadership as General Manager with Centacare FNQ, where she championed initiatives supporting refugee and migrant communities, community wellbeing, employment pathways, disaster recovery and resilience and social inclusion. Her work has earned recognition at local, state and national levels, and she is widely respected for her ability to bring people together and build strong, connected communities.
Raised in North Queensland, Andrea is a lawyer, James Cook University alumna and former Independent Chair of Catholic School Parents Australia. With a strong commitment to education, families and community, she has helped shape national conversations and contributed to meaningful discussions around family engagement and community participation.
Andrea brings a deep understanding of people, community and belonging to her new role. Throughout her career she has worked alongside individuals and families from all walks of life, helping build stronger, more connected communities. Her experience in wellbeing, community engagement and support services will be a valuable asset as she helps shape and strengthen ministry across the Diocese.
Known for her warmth, collaborative approach and deep commitment to service, Andrea brings a fresh perspective and a heart for mission. As the Diocese continues to build on the fruits of the Synod and look to the future with hope, her experience and enthusiasm will be a wonderful asset.
The Diocese is also pleased to announce that Cathy Spencer will transition from her role as Director of DOMS to become Parish Visitation Consultant. In this new position, Cathy will help develop and implement the Parish Visitation Program arising from the Diocesan Synod, supporting parish communities through accompaniment, listening and collaboration. Her work will assist parishes in responding to their local pastoral needs and opportunities while continuing to strengthen relationships across the Diocese.
The Diocese is deeply grateful for Cathy’s longstanding contribution to mission and ministry and looks forward to the valuable role she will continue to play in this next chapter.
Together, these changes represent an exciting step forward as the Diocese builds on the strong foundations already established and continues to grow as a synodal Church. With Andrea’s strategic leadership and Cathy’s ongoing commitment to parish accompaniment, Diocesan Mission and Ministries is well positioned to support parishes, ministries, schools and communities across Far North Queensland.
Please join us in warmly welcoming Andrea Obeyesekere to the diocesan family and congratulating Cathy Spencer on her new role as we embark on this exciting new chapter together.
