Farewell to one of our own – our beloved Harold Chatfield

August 16, 2018

Harold Chatfield was a much loved CatholicCare team member at our Waitara Family Centre where he worked as a Homelessness Support Worker between February 2015 through to August 2017. Harold was working for FaCs as a Senior Client Services Officer when he was tragically killed on 6 July 2018.

Harold was extremely well regarded in the sector, reflected in the acknowledgement he received when he left CatholicCare by Matt Keane MP, Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation, who referred to Harold as “inspirational in how he worked with some very difficult homeless cases” and subsequently when he heard of Harold’s sudden passing expressed deep sorrow to lose such a caring soul.

Harold was known for his generosity, kindness and integrity. Through his work, he made a difference in many people’s lives. Harold would advocate for people’s dignity, even if it meant doing personal care work for homeless clients in hospital, because staff wouldn’t, and taking before and after photos of clients in new clothes donated by local services to make them feel special. He assisted colleagues during tertiary education in Aboriginal Studies and even playing Santa for the children.

Before coming to CatholicCare, Harold held many positions in the community sector – with St Vincent de Paul as a Homelessness Caseworker, and in the ACT working with substance misuse and indigenous incarceration projects for Winnunga Nimmityajah Aboriginal Medical Centre.

Harold achieved a humanitarian award in Canberra for his contribution to the community, and co-authored papers and research with colleagues into greater holistic supports for Aboriginal People within the prison system. Harold will be sadly missed by all those who knew him.

Harold, may you rest in peace.