Since they were commissioned by Bishop Shane in July 2022, Dr Chris Cotter and Ruth Lawlor have facilitated over 48 preparation and consultation meetings with representatives from 38 of the 40 Parishes, 7 high schools and Catholic entities across the Diocese, and held online meetings for those who missed meetings in their community. 

The meetings were designed to ensure a broad understanding across the Diocese of the proposed Sandhurst Mission and Pastoral Council (SMPC), its purpose, how it will function and how it will be established.

At the meetings participants also experienced a listening and dialogue process: a way of listening, praying and discerning which was used at the recent Australian Plenary Council.