Welcome
Nambucca Vally Catholic Parish Welcomes You!
Welcome
Nambucca Vally Catholic Parish Welcomes You!
About Our Parish
Our Lady Star of the Sea, Nambucca Heads
Our Lady Star of the Sea, Nambucca Heads
Our Lady Star of the Sea, Nambucca Heads
St. Patrick's Church , Macksville
Our Lady Star of the Sea, Nambucca Heads
Our Lady Star of the Sea, Nambucca Heads
Corpus Christi Church, Bowraville
Our Lady Star of the Sea, Nambucca Heads
Corpus Christi Church, Bowraville
Nambucca Parish Website Church: Where Faith and Community Meet
Our History
Learn more about the rich Catholic heritage of our parish and the faithful who built it from humble beginnings.
The Parish of Bowraville lies within the Nambucca Valley, bounded by the parishes of Bellingen to the north and Kempsey to the south. It includes the towns of Bowraville and Macksville, as well as Nambucca Heads, Missabotti, Valla, Burrapine, Warrell Creek, and Taylor’s Arm.
Early Catholic Settlers
The first Catholic settlers arrived around 1862, many being Irish families from the Macleay district. They established communities at Bowraville and Macksville, earning their livelihood through timber cutting, dairying, and agriculture. Despite hardship and isolation, they held fast to their Catholic faith, assisted by pioneering priests such as Father O’Sullivan, who travelled from Kempsey to celebrate Mass in settlers’ homes.
First Churches
The first church in Bowraville was built in 1873 by local parishioners John Howie, Edwin Crispin, and John Byrnes. At Macksville, a church was built in 1887 on land donated by Hugh McNally, later replaced by a Gothic-style church in 1912.
The Parish of Bowraville was officially established in 1908, with Father J.J. Durkin as its first parish priest, followed by Father J.J. Cohalan, who led major works including the building of Corpus Christi Church (1928) in Bowraville and Christ the King Church (1926) at Taylor’s Arm.
The Sisters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart
In 1905, four Sisters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart—Sisters Joseph Schaap, Hilda Riordan, Evangelist McDonald, and Eustelle Sayers—arrived from Kensington to establish a convent and school in Bowraville. Their arrival marked a new era of Catholic education and culture in the Nambucca Valley. The convent was completed in 1906 with the support of parishioners and local families.
The Sisters dedicated themselves not only to teaching but also to ministering among the Aboriginal community of Bowraville. They provided education, music lessons, and compassionate care, and became trusted protectors of families during the era of the Stolen Generations, often ringing the church bell to warn when government officers approached.
A Legacy of Faith and Service
Throughout its history, the Bowraville Parish has been blessed by the zeal and faith of its clergy, religious, and parishioners, whose sacrifices laid the foundations of the Catholic community we cherish today. Their enduring legacy continues to inspire our parish to live out the Gospel with faith, service, and love.
Contact Us
Nambucca Catholic Parish
78 Wallace Street, Macksville,2447 NSW, Australia
Phone No: 0265681107, Nambucca Presbytery: 0265686642
Office Hours
Mon | Closed | |
Tue | 08:30 am – 04:00 pm | |
Wed | 08:30 am – 04:00 pm | |
Thu | 08:30 am – 04:00 pm | |
Fri | Closed | |
Sat | Closed | |
Sun | Closed |
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