Announcement: CDF Deputy Chair Appointment
July 1, 2026

Announcement: 1 July 2026

Catholic Development Fund (CDF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Damian Murphy as Deputy Chair of the CDF Board, effective 1 July 2026. 


Damian has served as a CDF Board Director since 2021 and brings longstanding experience in financial services, complemented by non-executive experience with the Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA) and Australian Catholic University (ACU). 


As Damian commences in his new role, we would like to acknowledge and extend sincere thanks to Tim O'Leary, who has served as Deputy Chair since 2020. Tim's steady leadership and commitment to the Fund over this time has been significant. At the request of Archbishop Comensoli, Chair of the CDF Board, Tim will remain a CDF Board Director and continue to work closely with Damian and CEO, John McClusky, to provide continuity to the Fund. 


Archbishop Peter A Comensoli stated: "Please join me in congratulating Damian on his appointment and in thanking Tim for his valued contribution as Deputy Chair." 


We look forward to this next chapter of Damian's leadership and to the continued strength and service of CDF for the benefit of Catholic organisations and communities. 



Should you have any queries, please contact your CDF Relationship Manager or CDF Client Services Group.

Pictured: Damian Murphy

Share this article:

Related articles

Fifty Years On: St Agatha's Catholic Primary School Continues to Grow

June 22, 2026
Shining bright in crisp autumn sun, the colourful playground at St Agatha’s Catholic Primary School in Cranbourne stands quietly in peaceful silence until a sudden burst of upbeat music signals the beginning of recess and students stream out into the fresh air and sunshine with squeals of laughter and delight. Walking into this heartening scene, Principal Michelle Bruitzman is quick to greet students who surge around her with a smile. Celebrating its fiftieth year in 2026, St Agatha’s has been a keystone in the lives of thousands of families since it was established in 1976. “ We have students whose parents and grandparents went here as well as children of families newly arrived from all over the world ,” says Michelle.

Celebrating Faith, Service and Community During Catholic Education Week 2026

June 17, 2026
Catholic communities across western Victoria came together from 25 to 29 May 2026 to celebrate Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Ltd (DOBCEL) Catholic Education Week, gathering under the theme "Peace be with you all" (Romans 15:33) to reflect on the faith, learning and belonging that lie at the heart of Catholic education. Schools across the Diocese embraced the week in ways that reflected their own unique character; liturgies, prayer experiences, student-led activities and acts of hospitality brought students, families and staff together in celebration. A highlight was the historic Mass celebrated at Sovereign Hill's recreated St Alipius Tent Church for the first time since COVID, connecting today's students and educators with the rich heritage of Catholic education in Ballarat.

A Home that Welcomes: Salesian College Chadstone Opens Renewed Mannix Precinct

June 15, 2026
In May 2026, Salesian College Chadstone officially opened and blessed its renewed Mannix Year 7 and 8 Learning Precinct - the largest single investment in the College's history, and a defining moment in its continuing commitment to faith-filled, contemporary Catholic education in Melbourne's south-east. The $17 million redevelopment that has transformed the Mannix Campus into a dedicated learning environment for students beginning their secondary school journey, almost doubling its capacity and creating a space designed from the ground up around belonging, wellbeing, faith and learning.
More

CDPF Limited, a company established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, has indemnified the Catholic Development Fund ABN 15 274 943 760 (the Fund) against any liability arising out of a claim by investors in the Fund. In practice, this means your investment is backed by the assets of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne. The Fund is required by law to make the following disclosure. Investment in the Fund is only intended to attract investors whose primary purpose for making their investment is to support the charitable purposes of the Fund. Investors’ funds will be used to generate a return to the Fund that will be applied to further the charitable works of the Archdiocese of Melbourne and the Dioceses of Sale and Bunbury. The Fund is not prudentially supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority nor has it been examined or approved by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). An investor in the Fund will not receive the benefit of the financial claims scheme or the depositor protection provisions in the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). The investments that the Fund offers are not subject to the usual protections for investors under the Corporations Act (Cth) or regulation by ASIC. Investors may be unable to get some or all of their money back when the investor expects or at all and investments in the Fund are not comparable to investments with banks, finance companies or fund managers. The Fund’s identification statement may be viewed here or by contacting the Fund. The Fund does not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence.