Safeguarding Services

Safeguarding

Bishop’s commitment statement

The Catholic Diocese of Wagga Wagga and its agencies are committed to the safety, care, and dignity of all people as an integral part of our mission.

This commitment is rooted in Catholic social teaching and our obligation to promote the common good and respect the human dignity of all. We extend this commitment to all members of our community, including clergy, employees, and volunteers, regardless of their role or level of responsibility.

Bishop Mark Edwards OMI 
Bishop of the Diocese of Wagga Wagga 

Watch

Bishop Mark launches commitment statement

Bishop’s acknowledgement of survivors

We, the Diocese of Wagga Wagga, acknowledge your courage in coming forward and speaking your truth. We hear the devastating accounts of abuse you have endured within our community, and we are deeply sorry.

Your pain is real. Your trauma is real. The impact on your life, your family, your faith, and your ability to trust has been profound and far-reaching. We offer our heartfelt apologies, while understanding that words alone cannot heal the wounds you carry.

We acknowledge with deep remorse the times when you reached out and were not heard, when your experiences were minimised, or when you were met with silence or denial. What happened to you was wrong and it should never have happened.

Abuse in any form is unacceptable and inexcusable.

Today, we make these concrete commitments to you:

• We will listen when you speak
• We will support your journey of healing
• We will act decisively to prevent future abuse
• We will hold abusers and enablers accountable
• We will reform our practices and culture

Our commitment goes beyond words. We are implementing comprehensive safeguarding measures, providing support services, and working to create spaces where healing becomes possible. Every member of our diocese carries the responsibility to prevent abuse and protect those who have been harmed.

You deserve nothing less than our complete dedication to your healing, justice, and the restoration of your dignity. Your strength guides us toward a future where every person is safe, respected, and valued within our community.

We stand ready to listen and to act. Your voice matters. Your healing matters. You matter.

Bishop Mark Edwards OMI 
Bishop of the Diocese of Wagga Wagga 

Documents + Resources

Org charts, policies, processes, posters + clips

Contact Us

Reach out to us by calling, writing or emailing us:

*For any complaints that may relate to criminal conduct we also encourage you to contact NSW Police (Crime Stoppers) on 1800 333 000.  For current immediate danger of physical or sexual assault call 000 and ask for Police.  

CALL

Office of Safeguarding
McAlroy House
02 6937 0003

EMAIL

safeguarding@wagga.catholic.org.au
A restricted group of confidential child protection professionals will respond.

Team Contacts

Virginia Pattison

Diocesan Safeguarding Manager
Email Virginia
M: 0417 126 375 

Megan Masterson

Diocesan Education and Formation Officer
Email Megan
M: 0415 280 258

Charmaine Berger

Diocesan Safeguarding Officer
Email Charmaine
M: 0428 261 310

Kira Wetteland

Diocesan Safeguarding Administration Officer
Email Kira
M: 0477 218 784

Safeguarding Panel

Bishop Mark Edwards OMI

Bishop of Wagga Wagga

Dr Andrew Watson

Director of Catholic Education

Rev Peter Murphy

Vicar General Diocese of Wagga Wagga

Bernie Sandral

Chief Operating Officer Diocese of Wagga Wagga

Annemaree Binger 

Chief Executive Officer Centacare South West NSW

Karen Williams

Manager Chancery Services Diocese of Wagga Wagga