Farewell to a Force of Compassion: Sr. Leone Wittmack’s Inspiring Decade of Service at CatholicCare NT
After a decade of transformative ministry in the Northern Territory, Sr. Leone Wittmack, a Sister of Charity and a tireless advocate for the marginalised, is moving on from her role at CatholicCare NT. Since joining the organisation in 2015 as General Manager of Mission and Culture, Sr. Leone has left an indelible mark, fostering connection, compassion, and purpose across the vast regions of the Territory.
Sr. Leone’s journey to CatholicCare NT was shaped by a lifetime of global service. Her career began in nursing at St. Vincent’s Hospital in her hometown, but her commitment to care and justice soon took her far beyond Australia’s borders. She worked in healthcare in Rwanda, Cambodia, and Papua New Guinea, and played a senior role at St. Vincent’s Health, where she witnessed the profound human impact of the HIV/AIDS crisis. Later, as Executive Director of Catholic Religious Australia, she led with vision and unwavering compassion. These diverse experiences equipped her with a deep sense of empathy and mission, which she brought to CatholicCare NT.
At CatholicCare NT, Sr. Leone quickly found a home, both among the staff and the people they serve. Her warmth, energy, and joy became hallmarks of her leadership. Her passion for amplifying the voices of the vulnerable and ensuring their stories were heard was at the heart of her work. Sr. Leone met people where they were, embracing their journeys with open arms and always ready to listen.
One of Sr. Leone’s significant contributions during her time at CatholicCare was the development of the Values Integration Framework. Over 18 months of travels across the Northern Territory, from remote Titjikala to the Tiwi Islands, Sr. Leone engaged staff in heartfelt conversations about CatholicCare NT’s mission and values. Her values framework became a foundational document, influencing how staff interact with one another and the people they support. Under her leadership, these values became more than just words on paper—they were embodied in the very behaviours and decisions that define CatholicCare NT’s work today.
An extrovert by nature, Sr. Leone thrived on music, laughter, and connection. Her boundless enthusiasm and love for people were infectious, creating spaces of trust and genuine care wherever she went. Whether discussing staff’s work highs and lows or listening to personal and family concerns, Sr. Leone’s ability to connect deeply with others made her leadership on the Executive team invaluable.
As she moves on to her next chapter, CatholicCare NT bids Sr. Leone a heartfelt farewell. Her legacy, marked by a commitment to mission and a genuine love for those she served, will continue to shape the organisation for years to come. Though Sr. Leone doesn’t like goodbyes, her presence will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of working alongside her.
May God bless Sr. Leone as she embarks on this new journey, and may her next mission be filled with the same grace and joy she brought to her decade of ministry in the Northern Territory.