The new priests, including eight women, were ordained at Christ Church Cathedral in front of hundreds of family members, friends and parishioners.

Two ceremonies were needed to ordain the large number of priests.

Former Catholic nun Loy Thompson, of Bonnells Bay, was among the ordained, as were retired Wingham newspaper editor Bill Green, Integrated Living charity chief executive Peter Rothnie and Kincumber's Daniel Connor, whose wife gave birth to the couple's first child on November 9.

Last night's ceremony held significance for Wendy Jackson who honoured her grandfather, a former priest, by wearing his robes.

"I am very excited about the quality of the candidates and their significant connectedness with their local communities," Anglican Bishop of Newcastle the Right Reverend Dr Brian Farran said.