Lismore Diocese

What Lismore Diocese does

The Diocese of Lismore is a Catholic religious organization covering the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Australia, spanning the geographic corridor from Tweed Heads in the north to Laurieton in the south. Established in 1886 and led by Bishop Greg Homeming OCD, the Diocese coordinates 22 parishes and operates a portfolio of ministries including Catholic schools, St Vincent's Lismore Private Hospital (operating for over a century), and the Emmaus Village aged and dementia care facility (12 homes) operated by St Agnes' Parish in Port Macquarie. The Chancery office in Lismore employs approximately six administrative staff, with clergy and operational staff at parishes, schools, and healthcare facilities managed separately. The organization serves a regional Catholic community through pastoral care, sacramental ministry, faith formation, charitable outreach, and capital stewardship.

The Diocese operates a diversified portfolio of programs and assets. Pastoral services include Mass Online streaming, Catholic Life Magazine, Invercauld House retreat facilities (recipient of a 2024 Outstanding Visitor Experience Award), and faith formation programs such as ASPIRE for young adults and online learning through a partnership with the University of Dayton's Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF). Charitable operations include the Benevolent Fund (tax-deductible), the Parish Pantry, Lunch with Friends, and The Good Pantry (with approximately 2,500 members). Youth ministry includes the recently re-established Diocesan Youth Council and participation in the Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF). Capital stewardship is provided through the Diocesan Investment Fund (DIF), which extends loan financing to Catholic entities including aged care facilities. The organization maintains a standard website (lismorediocese.org) and engages the community via YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn; no proprietary technology platform or artificial intelligence capability is disclosed.

The Diocese is a registered not-for-profit religious entity with no publicly disclosed financials. Revenue derives from several streams: tax-deductible donations to the Benevolent Fund, non-deductible donations to Catholic Life Magazine and Mass Online, returns from the Diocesan Investment Fund, parish assessments and contributions, and operating revenue from separately managed healthcare (St Vincent's), aged care (Emmaus Village), and schools. Major capital deployment in recent years includes a flood appeal in 2022 that raised more than $1.7 million and subsequent donations totaling over $1.4 million to community partners including Resilient Lismore ($455,000), Social Futures ($450,000), Good Pantry ($250,000), and Momentum Collective ($250,000). The Diocese has no subsidiaries and operates under the canonical governance of the Bishop with advisory bodies including the newly established Diocesan Pastoral Council (2025) and Diocesan Youth Council (2025).

Name

Lismore Diocese

Legal name

Diocese of Lismore

Website

https://lismorediocese.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Diocese of Lismore is a Catholic religious organization serving 22 parishes across the Northern Rivers region of NSW, Australia, operating parishes, Catholic schools, St Vincent's Hospital, Emmaus Village aged care, charitable programs, and the Diocesan Investment Fund.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Religious and Diocesan Services

NAICS

Religious Organizations (8131), Continuing Care Retirement Communities (623311), Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) (62311), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

akta.pro primary industry

Denominational & Ecclesiastical Governance Bodies (Dioceses, Synods, Conferences) (BPAGAJAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Local Congregations & Worship Communities (Churches, Mosques, Temples, Synagogues) (BPAGAJAA), Faith-Based Healthcare Ministries (Hospitals, Clinics, Medical Missions) (BPAGAJAH), Ministerial Training Institutes (Clergy Formation) (EDAHAKAE)

Keywords

• Catholic diocesan services
• Faith formation programs
• Catholic healthcare
• Dementia aged care
• Community charitable services

Headquarters

HQ city

Lismore

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Diocesan Investment Fund (DIF): The Diocesan Investment Fund provides loan financing to community projects including Emmaus Village dementia care facility and other parish initiatives. It generates returns for investors while funding community development.
2. Donations - Benevolent Fund: Tax-deductible donations supporting people experiencing hardship due to financial strain, unemployment, domestic violence, homelessness, and those rebuilding their lives. Donations over $2 are tax deductible.
3. Catholic Life Magazine and Mass Online: Non-tax-deductible donations supporting Catholic Life Magazine (printing, production, distribution) and Mass Online technology and streaming resources.
4. Loan Financing Returns: DIF provides loan financing for community projects like Emmaus Village, generating returns that support the fund's operations and community investment mission.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Diocese of Lismore is a Catholic ecclesiastical jurisdiction in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Australia. It provides spiritual and pastoral services through 22 parishes spanning from Tweed Heads to Laurieton, operates Catholic schools, runs St Vincent's Lismore hospital and Emmaus Village dementia care, administers charitable funds (Benevolent Fund, The Good Pantry), offers faith formation programs (ASPIRE, VLCFF), streams Mass online, and manages the Diocesan Investment Fund for community project financing.

Product overview

Lismore Diocese operates a diverse portfolio of religious, charitable, healthcare, and educational services. The core offerings include spiritual formation programs (ASPIRE, VLCFF courses), healthcare through St Vincent's Hospital Lismore and Emmaus Village dementia care, charitable initiatives (Benevolent Fund, Parish Pantry, The Good Pantry, Lunch with Friends), publications (Catholic Life Magazine), digital services (Mass Online), investment services (Diocesan Investment Fund), youth ministry, and arts programs (Diocesan Art Prize). The Diocese functions as a religious organization providing pastoral care, community support, and faith-based services across 22 parishes spanning from Tweed Heads to Laurieton.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Benevolent Fund: Tax-deductible charitable fund supporting people experiencing hardship due to financial strain, unemployment, or crises
• Catholic Life Magazine
• Mass Online

Products and services

• Benevolent Fund Tax-deductible charitable fund supporting people experiencing hardship due to financial strain, unemployment, domestic violence, homelessness, or those rebuilding their lives. Donations over $2 are tax deductible.
• Catholic Life Magazine Diocesan magazine publication covering Catholic life, news, and faith content, supported by non-tax-deductible donations covering printing, production, and distribution.
• Mass Online Online streaming service for Mass celebrations allowing remote participation in liturgical services. Supported by non-tax-deductible donations for technology and streaming resources.
• Emmaus Village Dementia care facility featuring 12 beautifully appointed residential homes with amenities including a chapel, salon, cafe, cinema, and workshop, providing person-centred care inspired by the Hogeweyk model.
• Diocesan Investment Fund (DIF) Diocesan investment fund providing loan financing for community projects and accepting investments from community members, generating returns for investors while funding community development.
• ASPIRE: Young Adult Spiritual Formation Monthly evening spiritual formation program for young adults aged 18-35, held in-person at Doyle House Lismore and online via Zoom, teaching Carmelite spirituality and hosted by Bishop Greg.
• Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF) Online faith formation courses covering pastoral leadership, catechesis, Church history, scripture, liturgy, and spirituality, offered through a partnership with the University of Dayton as one of 75 dioceses worldwide participating.
• Diocesan Art Prize Annual art competition with category prizes for different age groups, group awards, photography categories, and People's Choice Awards exhibited across multiple pilgrim churches, with the 2026 theme being 'The Face of Compassion'.
• St Vincent's Lismore Hospital Catholic hospital providing surgery, rehabilitation, oncology, and palliative care services to the Northern Rivers region, guided by Catholic values.
• Parish Pantry Food assistance program providing non-perishable food items to anyone in need, operating Monday to Thursday at St Joseph's Parish, Tweed Heads.
• Lunch with Friends Meal program partnering with Fred's Place (St Vincent de Paul) to provide ham and salad rolls and 100 hot meals distributed at Fred's Place every Thursday to homeless and disadvantaged people in Tweed Heads.
• The Good Pantry Low-cost grocery market operating in Lismore (Monday-Friday) and Goonellabah (Wednesdays), serving 2,500 members with low-cost grocery items, free bread, fruit, and vegetables.
• Youth Ministry Programs Diocesan youth ministry including five parish youth groups, Diocesan Youth Council, youth events, and collaboration with the Diocesan Youth Network for young people across the Diocese.
• Invercauld House Retreat and Conference Facility Retreat, accommodation, and conference facility offering special discount rates to not-for-profit organisations, recipient of the 2024 NSW Tourism Outstanding Visitor Experience Award.
• Catholic Schools Network Network of Catholic schools providing faith-based education from early childhood through secondary, including St Joseph's Early Childhood Services and St Joseph's Regional College.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 600 homes redeveloped and 13,000+ people supported through flood recovery efforts
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and major.

• Emerging Futures Collaborative LimitedminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 January 2026Formed specifically to walk alongside religious congregations in Australia, assisting with management when congregations no longer have capacity to oversee day-to-day administration. Invited by Presentation Sisters to support governance transition.
• Resilient LismorecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Diocese donated over $455,000 to Resilient Lismore, which redeveloped over 600 homes and supported more than 13,000 people across Northern Rivers towns. The Diocese also acquired property at 25 Holland St for Resilient Lismore operations.
• The Good PantrycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Diocese contributed $250,000 to support The Good Pantry, a low-cost food market serving 2,500 members with grocery items and free produce. The Diocese also acquired warehouse space for this organization.
• Social FuturesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Diocese donated $450,000 to Social Futures, a community service organization that supported more than 217 Richmond Valley residents through rental and mortgage assistance.
• Momentum CollectivemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Diocese donated $250,000 to support Momentum Collective's Private Rental Subsidy Program focused on preventing homelessness in the Tweed Valley.
• Northern Rivers Community FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn partnership with the Northern Rivers Community Foundation, the Diocese donated $50,000 to support smaller charitable groups impacted by the floods.
• University of Dayton - VLCFFminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Diocese partnered with University of Dayton's Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF), one of 75 dioceses worldwide participating. The partnership offers online faith formation courses with 50% discount for Diocese of Lismore participants.
• St Agnes' Catholic ParishcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSt Agnes' Parish owns and operates Emmaus Village dementia care facility with loan financing from the Diocesan Investment Fund. CEO Tony Leahy highlighted the significance of DIF support for the facility's development.
• Fred's Place (St Vincent de Paul)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLunch with Friends initiative at St Joseph's Parish partners with Fred's Place, a drop-in centre run by St Vincent de Paul offering meals, shower facilities, and laundry services for disadvantaged people.
• Catholic SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Diocese operates and supports Catholic schools across the region, with schools participating in initiatives like the Diocesan Art Prize, Youth Ministry, and the 'Hope' boat visiting Catholic schools for the Jubilee Year.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Archdiocese of Sydney: The largest Catholic archdiocese in Australia, operating parishes, schools, hospitals and charitable services across greater Sydney under the same Catholic ecclesiastical governance model as the Diocese of Lismore.
• Diocese of Wollongong: A Catholic diocese in the Illawarra and Southern Highlands region of NSW with a comparable mix of parish, school and community outreach ministries operated at a similar scale to Lismore.
• Diocese of Parramatta: A Catholic diocese in western Sydney operating parishes, schools, and welfare agencies with the same diocesan governance and parish-based service delivery model as Lismore.
• Archdiocese of Brisbane: The Catholic archdiocese covering southeast Queensland, including parts of the Gold Coast hinterland adjacent to the Lismore Diocese's Tweed Heads parishes, with matching parish, school and social-service structures.
• Diocese of Wagga Wagga: A Catholic diocese serving a similarly regional/rural NSW footprint, operating parishes, schools and welfare services on a comparable scale and model to the Diocese of Lismore.
• Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle: A Catholic diocese serving the Hunter and mid-north coast regions of NSW with a comparable parish, school and community-services structure to Lismore and overlapping geographic territory around Port Macquarie.
• Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne: Australia's second-largest Catholic archdiocese, running an analogous network of parishes, schools, hospitals, aged care and social outreach programs under Catholic diocesan governance.

Broad incumbents

• Australian Catholic Bishops Conference: The national assembly of Catholic bishops that coordinates policy, formation and mission across all Australian dioceses including Lismore, representing the umbrella governance and shared-services layer above individual diocesan operations.
• St Vincent's Health Australia: The national Catholic hospital and aged-care network that operates Catholic health services — including St Vincent's Lismore Hospital — across multiple Australian states, providing the broader institutional context for Lismore's healthcare ministry.

Others

• Caritas Australia: The Australian Catholic aid and development agency that partners with dioceses (including Lismore) on charitable, social-justice and emergency-relief programs; an adjacent ecosystem participant rather than a direct operator of parish-based services.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/LismoreDioceseAU
• Facebookfacebook.com/DioceseOfLismore
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/lismore-diocese

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Lismore Diocese