A heart for young people, a life for Christ - celebrating Carmel Donnelly’s impact

Ask Carmel Donnelly what matters most in her work and she'll say it’s her students.

“I love working with young people - sharing Jesus and the mission,” Carmel said.

This passion has defined more than 20 years of Carmel’s career, helping young people encounter Christ through faith, community, and outreach.

Now the Xavier Catholic College, Hervey Bay Campus Minister has been recognised with the Australian Catholic University Award for Excellence in Strengthening Catholic Identity at the recent Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) Excellence Awards.

Xavier Catholic College Acting Principal Reagen Collier said at the heart of Carmel’s ministry was a simple but profound belief, faith must be lived, not merely taught. 

“Her approach reflects the words of the Gospel of Matthew, encouraging people not to hide their light, but to share it boldly and generously with others,” he said.

“Throughout her time at Xavier Catholic College, Carmel has helped shape a vibrant culture where Catholic identity is woven into everyday life.”

Faith in action

Going one step further, Reagen adds “faith is never something Carmel simply talks about”.

“She shows people how to live it,” he said.

“A defining feature of Carmel’s leadership is her commitment to social justice as an expression of Catholic identity. 

“She believes students learn most effectively when they encounter the Gospel through action and service.” 

Under Carmel’s guidance, Xavier Catholic College has embraced numerous initiatives that encourage students to respond to the needs of others with compassion and empathy.

Programs such as the Caritas Ks Walk, which raises awareness of communities without reliable access to clean water, the Circle of Silence, supporting asylum seekers and refugees, and Vinnies School Sleepout, Orange Sky Laundry, and Rosies on the Street, highlighting the realities of homelessness, have challenged students to see the world through the lens of Catholic social teaching. 

Carmel said it was about helping young people discover faith, purpose, and hope.

“There are so many things that I can share or expose about Jesus, and the world, and how it can be a better place,” she said.

“There is someone greater than us, and we don’t need to do it on our own, we can do it together.”

Carmel’s influence can be seen in the many faith and formation opportunities she has introduced and nurtured throughout the College community. Carmel has coordinated Xavier Catholic College’s participation in major Catholic youth events including the Australian Catholic Youth Festival, Ignite Conference and Ignite Summer Camps. Through these experiences, students have been encouraged to deepen their relationship with God while discovering a wider Church community that supports and inspires them.

Beyond the classroom

Reagen said Carmel has also worked tirelessly to build connections with families, creating a welcoming and supportive College community where every person feels they belong. 

“Through volunteer parent networks and pastoral support initiatives, she has ensured that families facing challenges receive practical assistance and genuine care,” he said.

“This ability to bring people together around a shared sense of faith and purpose is what makes Carmel a recognised leader in strengthening Catholic identity.”

For Carmel, it is the Xavier Catholic College community that continues to inspire her.

“I’ve been there since the very start of the school,” she said.

“The welcoming, the belonging, the sense of community, the passion of our staff, and the way our students respond to that is so wonderful.

“I am blessed to know that what I am actually doing is working.”

Beyond her school community, Carmel also serves the Hervey Bay Catholic Parish, coordinating sacramental programs for Confirmation, First Holy Communion and Reconciliation while also supporting both Rite of Christian Initiation of Children and The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults programs.

“I am trying to do what the Lord wants me to do,” Carmel said.

For more information about Xavier Catholic College, Hervey Bay or to enrol click here.

Did you know?

Catholic education has been a core part of the Fraser Coast community since 1870. Find a Catholic school in the Fraser Coast today! Click here.

Image caption: Xavier Catholic College, Hervey Bay Campus Minister Carmel Donnelly. ©Brisbane Catholic Education (2026).