Kevin Hogan (Page, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Father Relihan is a name that echoes in the hearts and minds of the Casino community. The 12th of June this year marks the 80th anniversary of his ordination as a Catholic priest. He gave 50 years of service to his parish in Casino. Known as the builder priest, he ensured that institutions such as St Michael's Home for the Aged expanded to benefit the wider community. He developed retirement complexes comprising a total of 96 units for the over-50s. He was a strong advocate for St Mary's Catholic College, but, more than this, he gave of himself. In times of joy with births and marriages, in times of sadness with the loss of loved ones, Father Rel was there to comfort and support. He was bestowed a Medal of the Order of Australia in 1981.

He had a great love of greyhounds, owning many himself. He retired in January 1992 due to ill health and he passed away in August of 1998. In 2001 a shared multipurpose facility between St Mary's Parish, St Mary's Catholic College and St Mary's Primary School was built and named the Relihan Centre in honour of this amazing man. Today, the day of his ordination, we will remember and Casino will remember Father Rel.