Father Kevin Dillon leaves Geelong after 17 years of service

By Bodey Dittloff
Geelong Advertiser
May 2, 2017

http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/news/geelong/father-kevin-dillon-leaves-geelong-after-17-years-of-service/news-story/248f46c1d476509318a59249c3a14750

Father Kevin Dillon and Chris Pianto tying a ribbon around the St Mary's of Angels church fence, as part of the Loud Fence initiative to show support for child sex abuse survivors. Photo by Nathan Dyer

Much loved Geelong priest Father Kevin Dillon confirmed on radio he is leaving Geelong. Photo by Mike Dugdale

The St Mary of the Angels Parish priest is set to take up a new position in July at St Simon the Apostle Parish in Rowville, which is located in Melbourne’s far-eastern suburbs.

Speaking to 3AW radio today, Fr Dillon said the change of scenery was his decision alone as he edged towards the retirement marker of 75 years of age, but that leaving would “just about kill me”.

“I have loved the place here — Geelong is a fabulous town and I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved in a lot of areas in community involvement in addition to parish involvement,” he said.

“I’d rather be Cameron Ling than John Howard in the sense of, go out while you’re still going okay.”

Along with a range of parish commitments since his initial appointment in 2001, Father Dillon has worked with Anam Cara Geelong to establish a palliative care and respite centre; has helped to initiate homeless safe haven Samaritan House; and established counselling service Lifeboat Geelong.

Having also been a long-time critic of the church’s handling of sexual abuse claims, Father Dillon said he remained in contact with “a lot” of those affected and hoped to continue his advocacy.

“Running a huge parish like this with hospitals, nursing homes and schools … there’s only so many hours in the day,” he said.

“Hopefully I’ll be able to support them (victims) a little bit more as well.”