After almost six years of dedicated service, we prepare to farewell Bishop Shane Mackinlay as he steps into his new ministry as Archbishop of Brisbane.
Through times of listening, change and renewal, Bishop Shane has helped shape a stronger, more connected Diocese and his leadership has touched parishes, schools and communities across Sandhurst
We hear from those who worked closely with Bishop Shane, on what they believe his most enduring legacy will be.
Rev. Fr Joe Taylor VG
“Bishop Shane arrived nearly six years ago and has made a significant contribution to the life of our Diocese of Sandhurst. COVID-19 slowed all of us down, including the outreach of the Bishop. For me, four things stand out about his legacy:
- First, Bishop Shane worked tirelessly for the pastoral life of each parish. He has visited, met with, planned with, and enlivened, the pastoral workers of our parishes. We now have a well-formulated diocesan plan, driven by the Sandhurst Mission and Pastoral Council, which the Bishop formed. Bishop Shane has implemented an extensive parish Visitation Program and this has enabled a better way for parishes to reflect on, and improve their pastoral praxis. It has also enabled parishes to work more closely together.
- Second, Bishop Shane has shown special care for the clergy. He has always been available – a phone call away. He has met with us regularly, on pastoral and social occasions. He has also visited the families of our overseas priests in India and the Philippines.
- Third, Bishop Shane will leave us with new Chancery and CESL offices. This will enable us to be more central to the Cathedral; none of us will miss the unsightly corner! The workspaces will be so much better than the current cupboards. The new Chancery will serve us for years to come.
- Fourth, Bishop Shane has made a very considerable contribution to the direction of the universal Church through his work at the Plenary Council and the Synod on Synodality. This has taken a huge effort on his behalf and we are so grateful for his contribution to the shape of the universal Church.
We are all conscious that bishops have commitments on three levels: their local diocese, the broader Australian Church, and the Vatican. Bishop Shane has had significant responsibilities in these three areas. Ad Multos Annos!
Mick Chalkley, Chair Sandhurst Mission and Pastoral Council
As a founding member of the Sandhurst Mission and Pastoral Council and the current Chair, I have had the opportunity to spend a significant amount of time in the past few years to get to know Bishop Shane and what his vision for the Sandhurst Diocese was and indeed the greater Catholic Church.
Bishop Shane has been a great advocate for what it means to be a Synodal Church; a church that is centred on genuine collaboration with all its members. When Bishop Shane was appointed to our Diocese, he wasted no time in setting out a plan for authentic conversation. He enabled a Diocesan Gathering and then established the Sandhurst Mission and Pastoral Council, with the aim of entering into dialogue with priests and laity from across the Sandhurst Diocese. He then prioritised this group with time and resources, to discuss wide-ranging matters affecting our Church, both locally and globally.
Bishop Shane has impressed me with the depth of his knowledge in all areas of our Church. He has shared this knowledge with us on many occasions. This has enabled the members of the SMPC to develop their own understanding of the challenges facing our Diocese and parishes, and how we might develop a plan to facilitate growth and sustainability of our parishes.
A significant legacy that Bishop Shane leaves our Diocese is the Strategic Mission and Pastoral Goals which will help our Diocese and parishes develop plans to move towards a more mission-focused church.
We have had Bishop Shane’s leadership for a short time, but we should be grateful for the gifts and talents he has shared with us during his time in Sandhurst and wish him all the best as he moves to the Archdiocese of Brisbane.
Dr Chris Cotter, Director, Mission and Pastoral Life
Bishop Shane brought exceptional clarity, coherence and intentionality to his work as chief pastor and teacher of our Diocese. He exercised leadership with a commitment to openness, inclusion and transparency, and listened attentively before speaking or offering his perspective on a subject. Bishop Shane ensured that prayerful listening, dialogue, discernment, and critical thinking became instituted in the way we collaborate as a Diocese, for example, through the Sandhurst Mission and Pastoral Council. In my view, this approach cast a bold vision for the future and helped to map out concrete (yet flexible) plans to take at least the next few steps towards that vision.
In this way, Bishop Shane encouraged us to embrace Pope Francis’ challenging call to become a truly synodal Church; inviting our faith communities to discover together the voice of the Holy Spirit calling us to conversion in every aspect of our lives, so that we might become a more Christ-centred Church of service to our world. He genuinely loved spending time with people in our parishes and schools, and the pastoral visitations in 2024 and 2025 were a real highlight for him.
It has been a privilege and a joy to work with Bishop Shane over the last four years.
Greg Westbrook, Acting Business Manager I General Counsel
Bishop Shane Mackinlay’s time at the Diocese of Sandhurst has been marked by vision, leadership, and a deep commitment to strengthening both the Church and the wider community. Two key aspects of his legacy stand out.
First, his steadfast support of Catholic Risk and Insurance Services (CRIS). When CCI entered run-off, a significant gap was left in the Church’s insurance needs. Bishop Shane recognised this challenge and championed the establishment of CRIS, ensuring protection for the Diocese and the broader Australian Catholic Church. His advocacy extended nationally, as he actively promoted CRIS among his fellow bishops, helping secure its foundation and future.
Second, his foresight and enthusiasm for the Cathedral Precinct project have set the stage for a vibrant new chapter in Bendigo’s story. The Cathedral Square development will create a welcoming civic space and tourism landmark, combining contemporary design with respect for the Cathedral’s heritage. Bishop Shane described the precinct as enhancing Sacred Heart Cathedral’s role as “The heart of the Diocese and a landmark presence in the city.” His vision ensures that this project will enrich both the faith community and the wider Bendigo region for generations to come.
Bishop Shane’s leadership has been defined by courage, innovation and a genuine commitment to serving people—leaving a lasting legacy in both spiritual and practical ways.
Rev. Fr Vijay Bandanadam, Parish Priest, St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Benalla Parish
Bishop Shane is not only a shepherd to his people but also a true friend. His kindness, guidance and joyful spirit have been a great support in my ministry here in the Diocese. Our friendship has grown in trust and mutual respect, and I am grateful for the encouragement he continues to give me in my vocation.
A couple of years ago, Bishop Shane made a journey to India where he embraced the culture with a cheerful and open heart. He visited families of Sandhurst priests in different states, enjoyed sightseeing, and delighted in the diverse variety of Indian food. His simplicity and free nature touched many of my family members, as well as the other families who warmly welcomed him.
I was blessed to accompany Bishop Shane to both North and South India, and together we had a wonderful chance to travel, explore, and learn of the beauty of Indian culture. I also introduced Bishop Shane to my Pro-Provincial Superior and other priests of the Holy Spirit congregation who received him with joy. His visit was not just a trip, but a sign of friendship, faith and joy that will be remembered deeply within my family.
As a parish, we thank God for Bishop Shane’s friendship and for the gift of his presence in our lives, which continues to inspire and strengthen us in faith.
Congratulations to Bishop Shane. We wish Bishop Shane every blessing as he begins his new ministry as Archbishop of Brisbane. May God guide him with wisdom, joy and strength in shepherding his people.
