The Order of Malta Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of John Murphy as our new President. John succeeds the Hon. James Douglas KHD, who served with great distinction since 2019, guiding the Association through a period of consolidation and renewal.

John has been an active and dedicated member of the Order of Malta since 2017, contributing significantly to the Order’s charitable initiatives both regionally, nationally and abroad as our National Hospitaller and also serving on the Grand Hospitaller’s council. Prior to his appointment as President, he led the expansion of the Association’s charitable works to include social engagement programs for vulnerable community groups, expanded outreach services to the homeless and initiated annual camps for disabled youth. His leadership in coordinating nationwide volunteer efforts and developing partnerships with Catholic and community organisations has also been critical to the success and growth of the Association in recent years.

Professionally, John brings decades of executive experience as CEO and Chairman of one of Australia’s largest privately owned media companies. His extensive background in strategic growth and development, operational management, and team leadership positions him uniquely to navigate the challenges and opportunities facing the Order of Malta Australia in the years ahead.

As President, John utilises his skills and talents to continue driving the mission of the Order, focusing on tuitio fidei et obsequium pauperum—the defence of the faith and service to the poor and the sick. His vision for the future includes enhancing formation for new members and chaplains, increasing volunteer engagement and continuing to grow the Association’s activities to benefit some of the most marginalised members of communities. He will also represent the Australian Association at both national and international events and collaborations, and ensure its activities continue to align and promote the Order’s global mission.

We congratulate John on this appointment and offer our prayers and full support as he begins this important service in the name of the Australian Association of the Order of Malta.

A quick Q&A with our new President:

Q: What opportunities do you see for the Order of Malta to assist the poor and sick in Australia?

A: We have a wide range of opportunities in different regions that people can get involved in and this will continue to evolve to meet the needs that exist. From palliative care to soup kitchens and mobile outreach for the homeless just to name a few. One element of our Order that people should understand is that we are a lay religious order and our works are not only caring for the sick and the poor but also providing an opportunity for our members to become holy. We are more than just another NGO or a fundraising club; we are an authentic Catholic orderthat sees Christ in the face of the needy. We will continue to find those that are not catered for, that are on the margins so our works will continue to develop to fit the needs of the sick, poor and underprivileged.

 

Q: The Order of Malta is known globally for its international aid in times of crisis. What role does the Australian Association play in these efforts?

A: Even though we are geographically isolated from the rest of the world we can make a direct impact in these crisis situations through cooperation and support of our global aid agency Malteser International and our fellow associations in Asia Pacific. Our sovereignty status allows us to have access to regions that other organisations may struggle with. Both Gaza and Myanmar are two recent examples where funds raised here in Australia were converted to supplies and aid on the ground within 48 hours of the call for help. We also have involvement with Timor-Leste in a medical clinic we are responsible for. We are working currently in setting up an extension of our national associations together with our international aid experts that will enable us to create more programs in the wider Asia Pacific region.

 

Q: You mention the Order of Malta is not just another NGO but a lay religious order. Could you explain this further?

A: We are the unique charism as a lay religious order, and our Order has its own unique spirituality. The spirituality of the Sovereign Order of Malta is deeply rooted in Catholic tradition, however, it is formed by our distinct mission: Serving the sick and the poor while defending the faith. Members go on a journey towards developing their personal holiness assisted by the structure of the Order. Through the service of others and a deliberate formation, we become more completely formed as Catholics and through the work with the poor and the sick, and with God’s grace, we become holy.