On the invitation of the late Cardinal Gilroy, five laypeople and three priests arrived in Sydney to establish a residential college for men at The University of New South Wales.

By 1971, two residential colleges had been established: Warrane College (http://www.warrane.unsw.edu.au/), located on the campus of The University of New South Wales, accommodating men and Creston College (http://www.crestoncollege.edu.au/), located in Randwick, accommodating women. Kenvale College (http://www.kenvale.edu.au/), a Tourism and Hospitality Management training facility was also established at this time.

Today, there are approximately 500 members of Opus Dei in Australia, sixteen of whom are priests. A larger number of people who are not members participate in activities of spiritual formation around Australia. Evenings of recollection and classes on the Catholic faith are conducted at centres in Sydney and Melbourne. Retreats and seminars are held in two locations on the outskirts of Sydney at Kenthurst Study Centre (http://www.kenthurststudycentre.org.au/) and Bargo Conference Centre. Regular trips are made to Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart, Newcastle and Perth to conduct similar activities.

A number of Opus Dei members promote community outreach programs locally and abroad. Residential colleges and youth centres such as Nairana Study Centre and Eremeran Hills Study Centre, organize bi-annual service projects to rural Australia and countries such as Fiji, Vietnam and The Philippines. Projects involve young people carrying out refurbishment work, painting and delivering programs on nutrition, health and sports.

In 2001, the Archdiocese of Melbourne entrusted the parish of St Mary, Star of the Sea, West Melbourne, to priests of Opus Dei (http://www.stmaryswestmelbourne.org/). Currently serving as Parish Priest, is Fr Max Polak.  

The Vicar of Opus Dei for Australia and New Zealand is Fr Victor Martinez, based in Sydney. Enquiries about Opus Dei and its apostolic activities can be directed to the Information Office of Opus Dei on 02 9746 6379 or info@opusdei.org.au.