Yesterday Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP presided over a conferral ceremony where National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) chair Nicholas Moore AO was made a Knight of the Order of St. Gregory the Great (KSG) in recognition of his extraordinary legacy as a faithful Catholic leader in the commercial sphere, his work in advancing Catholic education and his lifetime of remarkable service to society more broadly.
Archbishop Fisher said Nicholas Moore had shared many gifts for the betterment of his communities and the building up of God’s Kingdom.
“Through family and parish life, various charitable initiatives and mentorships, contributions to education, the arts and research, advocacy to government he has served humbly and with dedication.”
Nicholas, who led Macquarie Group for a decade until 2018, and has been chair of the NCEC since 2020 said he was delighted to receive the award, highlighting his pride in collaborating with Catholic education leaders, particularly in support of students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“Last year we celebrated 200 years of Catholic education in this country, and it is such a wonderful element of the Church’s presence here, and an important legacy that 20 percent of our children are being educated well, and importantly, educated in the faith,” he said.
“It’s a great honour that I’ve been able to participate in that.”
A man of profound personal faith and an active member of Holy Family Catholic Parish in Mosman, Sydney, Nicholas is recognized for his dedication to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those he serves through extensive charitable work. He chairs various organizations that address a wide range of causes, including promoting Catholic education, aiding underprivileged children, and supporting the arts and medical research. In 2015, he initiated the City Link Mentor Program, which assists financially disadvantaged students in the Catholic school system, helping them achieve their potential for university success. Many beneficiaries of Mr. Moore’s efforts come from refugee backgrounds, with substantial funding often provided by him personally to support their education.
NCEC executive director Jacinta Collins congratulated Nicholas on the recognition of his outstanding work and commitment to Catholic education.
“Nicholas’ leadership in chairing the NCEC and various organizations that uplift Catholic education, support underprivileged children, and promote the arts and medical research is truly inspiring,” she said.
“The initiation of the City Link Mentor Program in 2015 exemplifies Nicholas’ dedication to empowering financially disadvantaged students, particularly those from refugee backgrounds, and his personal investment in their education speaks volumes about his character. His efforts not only transform lives but also enrich our society as a whole. I would like to personally thank Nicholas for his guidance At the NCEC and his immeasurable contribution to Catholic education.”
Nicholas Moore received the honour alongside Daniel Kwok with a special mention to Stephen Sedgewick AO who was conferred in September due to illness and passed away last month.