Thank You Bishop Paul: A Legacy of Compassion and Quiet Leadership
As Bishop Paul Bird prepares to retire after more than a decade serving the Diocese of Ballarat, CCV acknowledges his leadership, compassion and longstanding support for social services and the communities we serve.
As Bishop Paul Bird prepares for retirement in 2026, CCV takes this opportunity to acknowledge and thank him for his leadership, vision and steady support over many years.
Bishop Paul was appointed the eighth Bishop of Ballarat in 2012 and has served the diocese for more than a decade, guiding communities across western Victoria.
The Diocese of Ballarat spans a diverse and geographically expansive region stretching “from the Murray to the sea” — from communities along the Murray River in the north to coastal towns in the south, across farming regions, desert landscapes and rural communities that often face challenges such as drought, floods and fires. Throughout this time, Bishop Paul has led with quiet dignity and a deep commitment to the people he serves.
A leader who leads by example
Many who have worked alongside Bishop Paul describe him as a leader who prefers action over words.
Deanna Davis, General Manager Client Services Operations, reflects, “He was about getting in and doing the ministry, not talking about it. How you demonstrate is by doing. And he did lead by that.”
Those who know him well often speak about his thoughtful and reflective leadership style.
“He just leads with that quiet dignity, but also with reflection and such a deep understanding,” Deanna says.
“He was about getting in and doing the ministry, not talking about it. How you demonstrate is by doing. And he did lead by that.”
A genuine interest in our work and impact
Those working closely with Bishop Paul have also appreciated the genuine interest he takes in the work of CCV and the impact of our programs.
“He always takes such an interest in the stories,” Deanna says. “He wants to understand what’s happening on the ground and the difference our programs are making in people’s lives.”
Whether attending board meetings or engaging with staff across the organisation, Bishop Paul has consistently taken the time to understand how CCV’s services support individuals, families and communities.
Supporting communities across the diocese
Throughout his ministry, Bishop Paul has consistently supported social services, particularly in rural and regional areas where access to support can be limited.
“I think he understood the value of social services, particularly in rural and remote communities,” Nick Collins, Group Director of Client Services says. “He understood the value of working together to support people where they live.”
His support has extended not only through leadership and advocacy, but also through practical initiatives. These include support for counselling services in communities such as Ouyen, funding assistance in Mildura for asylum seekers and refugees who did not yet have access to services such as Medicare, and ongoing encouragement of programs supporting vulnerable individuals and families.
“I think he understood the value of social services, particularly in rural and remote communities. He understood the value of working together to support people where they live.”
Strengthening collaboration across Victoria
Bishop Paul has also played an important role in shaping the way Catholic social services work together across Victoria. He recognised the value of collaboration and shared advocacy to better support communities and those most in need.
Nick notes that Bishop Paul understood the purpose behind bringing Catholic agencies together.
“He saw the benefit of coming together across the state. It allowed the bishops to have a stronger collective voice for advocacy, to share resources, to learn from each other and ultimately provide more wraparound support for people in our communities.”
This vision helped strengthen the foundations for CCV as we know it today.
Leading safeguarding and accountability
Bishop Paul has been a strong advocate for safeguarding and accountability across the diocese. During a time of significant change for the Church, he supported the strengthening of safeguarding practices and ensured organisations across the diocese demonstrated their commitment to providing safe environments for children and vulnerable people.
“He was very much leading the work around safeguarding,” Deanna says. “Ensuring agencies such as ours responded to the audit requirements and demonstrated that we were providing safe environments for children and vulnerable adults.”
His leadership helped ensure that safeguarding and care for vulnerable people remained a priority across the diocese.
Bringing communities together
Bishop Paul’s leadership has extended beyond social services to education, community collaboration and the life of the wider diocese.
He was instrumental in the formation of what is now known as DOBCEL (Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited) and played an important role in the Diocese of Ballarat’s 150th anniversary celebrations, ensuring communities across the diocese were part of recognising both the history and the future of the Church in the region.
More recently, he brought together representatives from parishes, clergy and community organisations through the 2024 Diocesan Assembly to reflect on how the Church can continue to respond to the needs of people and communities into the future.
As Deanna reflects, “He really was a bishop for the people. Ensuring that the people in the community remain central. What we do revolves around them.”
“He really was a bishop for the people. Ensuring that the people in the community remain central. What we do revolves around them.”
With gratitude from CCV
On behalf of CCV, we express our sincere thanks to Bishop Paul Bird for his years of service as Bishop of Ballarat and for the leadership he has offered with generosity, humility and care.
We are deeply grateful for the encouragement and guidance he has provided to CCV, and for his commitment to compassion, justice and the dignity of every person.
While his retirement marks an important milestone, the impact of his leadership and ministry will continue to shape our work and the communities we serve for many years to come.
Thank you, Bishop Paul, for your vision, your support and your enduring care for the people of Ballarat and beyond.
