The listing ensures Saints Michael and John Cathedral, the second oldest Catholic cathedral in the state, will receive the highest form of recognition and protection.

It also paves the way for the restoration appeal for the property to develop and opens funding opportunities at both state and federal level.

Bishop Michael McKenna noted the announcement would let residents in the community know the restoration of the church is not just for the Catholic community, but also the wider community.

“It will open up doors for funding opportunities,” he said.

NSW Heritage Minister Robyn Parker presented Bishop McKenna with an official certificate to mark the occasion.

She said the cathedral dates back to 1861, but was actually dedicated by the first Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, Archbishop Polding, in 1865.

“It is a notable example of British architect Charles Hansom’s Victorian Gothic ecclesiastical architecture in NSW,” Minister Parker said.

“Nominated by the Catholic Diocese of Bathurst, the cathedral is important to the history of the establishment of the Catholic church in NSW, being built to serve the third Catholic diocese established in NSW in 1865.

“The establishment of the Bathurst Diocese, which

covers much of western and northern NSW, as well as the building of the cathedral, were significant steps

initiated by Bishop Polding.”

Minister Parker said the Bishop did this to establish a strong hierarchical organisation for the Catholic church in NSW and Australia.

Bathurst MP Paul Toole said the heritage listing also includes significant fittings and a collection of moveable heritage items, including pews, church furniture and crucifixes and statuary dating back to establishment in 1861.