Daniel Eugene HurleyAM (born 21 April 1940) is an Australian clergyman who was the sixth bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Darwin, having served in this position from 29 August 2007 until he retired on 27 June 2018.
During his priestly ministry, he served in the parishes of Port Lincoln, Port Pirie, Cummins and Whyalla. He was also a keen sportsman as a priest, playing intercity cricket for many years. In 1973, he won the Grewar Medal for the most outstanding playing in the Port Pirie Cricket Association.
He also served as an Army Chaplain from early on in his ministry. In the 1990s, he also worked part-time at the University of South Australia, lecturing in Australian sociology, philosophy and counselling.
While Bishop of Darwin, he served as Deputy Chair of Caritas Australia and Chair of the Bishops’ Commission for Relations with Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders. He became a strong advocate for the marginalised and forgotten people of regional South Australia and the Northern Territory. He also promoted the welfare of Aboriginal people throughout Australia, aspiring to make real change in their communities.
Retirement
On 21 April 2015, Hurley turned 75 and was canonically retired to submit his resignation to Pope Francis. His resignation wasn't accepted for another three years. He finally retired on 27 June 2018, when Bishop Charles Gauci was announced as his successor.
In the 2019 Australia Day Honours, Hurley was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for "significant service to the Catholic Church in Australia, and to the community of the Northern Territory".
