Meet Father Kevin
Fr Kevin Dillon AM
Fr Kevin Dillon AM is the Founder and Chairman of Lifeboat Geelong and has dedicated much of his priestly ministry to supporting people whose lives have been profoundly affected by church-related sexual abuse.
Ordained as a Catholic priest in Melbourne, Fr Kevin served in several parishes before being appointed Parish Priest of St Mary’s Parish, Geelong, in 2001. Throughout his ministry he has been recognised for his compassionate leadership, pastoral care and commitment to serving those who are vulnerable or marginalised.
“What they seek is recognition of the harm done them.”
Fr Kevin Dillon
In Geelong, Fr Kevin initiated and helped establish a number of significant community projects, including Wing & A Prayer, a Christian book and gift shop and information centre; Samaritan House, providing accommodation and support for men experiencing homelessness; and Anam Cara House, offering respite accommodation and care for people in need.
Over many years, Fr Kevin developed relationships with survivors of church-related sexual abuse from across Australia. Through listening to their stories, advocating on their behalf and publicly supporting initiatives that acknowledged the experiences of survivors, he came to understand that recognition of the harm they had suffered was often as important as practical assistance. He has long believed that healing begins when survivors are heard, believed and treated with dignity and respect.
In 2013, Fr Kevin founded Lifeboat Geelong in response to the needs expressed by survivors themselves. What began as a small initiative has grown into a respected community organisation that brings together volunteers, professionals and supporters committed to providing practical assistance, advocacy, connection and hope for those affected by abuse.
Since retiring from full-time parish ministry in 2022, Fr Kevin has devoted much of his time and energy to Lifeboat while continuing to serve as a supporting priest at Our Lady of the Pines Parish, Donvale, and Saints Peter and Paul Parish, Doncaster East. Through both his pastoral ministry and his leadership of Lifeboat, he continues to accompany survivors and advocate for their healing and wellbeing.
His work remains grounded in a simple conviction: that every person deserves to be acknowledged, valued and accompanied on their path towards healing.