The Australian Catholic Communications Congress began in May 2009 and has taken place every three years since (apart from the “pandemic” break).
It is an initiative of the Australian Catholic Media Council (ACMC) in liaison with the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference’s Media and Communications Department.
The first Congress was held from May 4-6, 2009. It was attended by 120 people at the Menzies Hotel in Sydney and had the theme: “Throw open the doors … “
The keynote speakers were Tom Peterson, president of the US-based Catholics Come Home; Professor Greg Craven, the Australian Catholic University vice-chancellor; Sr Hilda Scott, a Benedictine Nun and star of the ABC TV series The Abbey; and Fr Tom Rosica, CEO of Salt and Light Television in Canada.
Second Congress
The second Congress was held from April 30-May 2, 2012, again at the Menzies Hotel in Sydney.
It had the theme “Communicating the Word: Timeless Messages, New Media” and was attended by 129 people.
Keynotes speakers included Monsignor Paul Tighe, the secretary of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications; Khoa Do, a filmmaker and former Young Australian of the Year; and Julie Posetti, an ABC journalist and presenter.
Third Congress
The third Congress was held at the Rydges Hotel (now known as the Miller) in North Sydney from May 4-6, 2015.
It had the theme “What is our voice? Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Matt 12:34) and 170 people attended.
Keynotes addresses were given by Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications; Jane Jeffes, the executive producer of ABC Religion; John Anderton, chairman of Butterfly; Dan Box, journalist from The Australian; Annette Blackwell from Australian Associated Press; Martyn Frost from Red Jet Pictures; and Mark Brolly from The Tablet.
2018 Congress
“Communicating Hope and Trust” was the theme of the 2018 Congress, attended by 142 people from September 5-7 at Rydges South Bank in Brisbane.
The keynote speaker was former Vatican journalist and editor in chief of the Vatican News Service, Greg Erlandson.
The Congress was not staged in 2021 due to the COVID pandemic which led to lockdowns across Australia.
Early birds enjoy a discount!
From May to June, registration fees are available at a lower price for early birds. Go to the Eventbrite event page to view pricing.
