Introduction
Good morning, everyone.
My name is Jerry Nockles, and I’m a very proud old boy of Stannies. I was here between 1980 and 1984 – and for those of you paying close attention, you’ll notice that’s a five-year stretch, not six. For the scholarly and the curious I will come back to explain why it wasn’t six years a little later.
And this place does breed curiosity and scholarly pursuit: many schools pride themselves on teaching the three Rs – reading, writing, and arithmetic. But at Stannies, we improved on the three Rs’ – We had the five Rs: reading, writing, arithmetic, Religion, and Rugby!
Indeed, there used to be a sign on the front door of the library – it might still be there – that read, “Reading is important, but rugby is importanter!”
That pretty much sums up the balance we all tried to strike here!
2025 was the fortieth anniversary of my year – the class of 1985. And the boys of my cohort – now like me – men in their late 50s, make the effort to come back. They laugh about the times they had here but what brings them back is far deeper than a jovial reminisce about adolescent glory years – although there is much of that. But 40 years after leaving here – or 41 for me – I now find myself back here as the Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Social Services Australia, a role I began in January this year.
To give you a sense of what that means, CSSA is the national peak body for Catholic social service organisations across the country. We operate in around 700 sites nationwide, with a workforce of about 10,000 full-time employees and another 3,000 volunteers, delivering roughly $1.4 billion worth of services.
For some years now, my morning prayer has been simply, ‘Send me.’ It wasn’t always clear where that answer was leading me. I had learned important lessons in my life’s journey and wanted to shift the needle on poverty and disadvantage in this country. I worked for child-focused organisations like UNICEF and World Vision, and I thought politics would provide the best vehicle to make a difference for the disadvantaged and marginalised – particularly vulnerable children. So, in 2022, I ran for Parliament. I tried and fell short, but God has a plan for us. By trusting Him – albeit imperfectly, and despite the many times I have failed – I have found that He has placed me where I can do more than I ever hoped. I will speak more about these lessons as we go.
CSSA members provide a wide range of vital services including housing and homelessness support, prevention of domestic violence, justice and equity initiatives, assistance for refugees and asylum seekers, mental health support, and reconciliation efforts with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. They also engage in advocacy, community development, and leadership rooted in Catholic social teaching.
This is wonderful work, and I am genuinely blessed – truly the hands and feet of Christ in our communities, reaching out to those most in need with compassion and justice.
As I said, I started in January and my very first visit as CEO was to Centacare Central West and Orana right here in Bathurst. That was a deliberate choice because Bathurst is my hometown, and I wanted to start this next phase of my journey here. Bathurst remains at the core of my identity, and I still refer to it as ‘home’.
While I was back, I took the chance to visit my old primary school, St Philomena’s, and reconnect with the Sisters of Mercy. In fact, I met up with two of the Sisters who taught me when I was a small boy nearly 50 years ago – Sisters Michelle and Patricia. The Mercy Charism and the Vincentian Charism provided me a seamless and very valuable formation.
I also made sure to call in on Lindsay and Stannies. This was deeply important to me. My schooling and Catholic faith have brought me full circle to this moment – a twist of fate rich with meaning. And much like Stannies’ yearbook, Echoes, there are unmistakable echoes of my formation here that continue to resonate in my life today. To come back to this chapel, the marble hall, and to walk through this amazing building – a place that has left such an indelible mark on my life – was truly incredible.
The first thing Lindsay said to me was, “Welcome home.” And this really struck me, because it genuinely felt like I was coming home. I was deeply moved.
I must admit, just before that, I had a bit of a triggering moment standing outside Lindsay’s office in the corridor. I was standing right outside what used to be the Dean of Discipline’s office – a place where, with equal parts pride and shame, I admit I waited far too many times to receive the cane for some misdeed or another.
That day, I had a great chat with Lindsay. I was thrilled to hear how the College continues to grow and thrive. We talked about how my life has unfolded and the profound influence this place has had on me. Lindsay asked me to come back on Charism Day and speak about this – I think that was back in January or February, Lindsay? I was very happy to accept.
Today, I want to share how the Vincentian Charism and this wonderful school have shaped my life and continue to influence me.
This is a personal reflection – not just about history or doctrine but about lived experience. And so, I invite you to consider your own connection to the Charism and school as we journey together through this talk.
My Bathurst Upbringing and Early Formation
As I mentioned, I grew up in Bathurst, living from the age of three in public housing down the hill in Alfred Street, South Bathurst – near where the new St Philomena’s now stands.
Living two doors down was my lifelong friend Dean Oxley, who with Bev kindly put me up in their home last night.
Life was a challenge for my family at that time. My father had left my mother with five children when I was three. My eldest sister was 12, and my younger sister Elizabeth was just 12 months old.