For some children, the classroom can feel overwhelming. Anxiety, trauma, learning challenges or difficult life experiences can make it hard to concentrate, participate or feel safe at school. For these students, reconnecting with learning often requires more than traditional support approaches. Since 2018, MacKillop Family Services’ Paw Pals program has quietly been helping students take meaningful steps forward, one gentle interaction at a time. Through the presence of specially trained therapy dogs and skilled facilitators, Paw Pals creates safe and supportive environments where children can regulate emotions, rebuild trust and re-engage with learning. For the past five years, CDF has proudly partnered with MacKillop Family Services to support the continued growth of this program across schools.

On Sunday 22 March 2026, the Catholic community in Albany gathered for a moment that had been generations in the making. St Joseph's Church, Albany was formally declared the first Diocesan Shrine for the Diocese of Bunbury - a recognition that affirms what so many in the community have long known: this is a place where faith endures, and where people come to seek hope. The Elevation Mass, celebrated by Bishop George Kolodziej SDS DD and led locally by Parish Priest Fr Vincent Comple OSJ, brought together clergy, pilgrims and visitors from across the diocese to mark the occasion. It was the culmination of a weekend of prayer, reflection and celebration that honoured both the history of the Church in Albany and the beginning of this new chapter. A weekend of prayer and pilgrimage The celebrations unfolded across three days. Friday opened with a Holy Hour and Mass celebrated by Bishop George. On Saturday, pilgrims walked through Albany retracing the history of the Catholic Church in the region, before gathering for Mass and fellowship. Sunday's Elevation Mass brought the weekend to a close, followed by a community celebration of this important milestone.

Media Release: Catholic Diocese of Ballarat The Catholic Diocese of Ballarat joyfully celebrated the ordination and installation of Fr Mark Freeman as the Ninth Bishop of Ballarat on Thursday 19 March at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Ballarat. The celebration brought together bishops, clergy, parish representatives, ecumenical guests, civic representatives, and members of the wider community to witness this significant moment in the life of the Church. The ordination and installation were led by Archbishop Peter A Comensoli with assisting bishops from all over Australia. In addition to around these 500 people packing St Patrick’s Cathedral, the ceremony was livestreamed to hundreds of people across the country.

On 27 February 2026, a new chapter for Catholic education in Victoria began as community leaders, families and Church representatives gathered in Mount Duneed, Geelong, for the official sod-turning ceremony of Mary Glowrey Catholic Primary School . The moment marked more than the start of construction. It celebrated the beginning of a school community inspired by the life of Venerable Mary of the Sacred Heart Glowrey; a Victorian-born doctor, religious sister and missionary whose life was defined by faith, courage and service. Supported by a $10.5 million loan from Catholic Development Fund (CDF), the new project will deliver a vibrant new Catholic primary school for the rapidly growing Mount Duneed and Armstrong Creek communities in greater Geelong. When complete, the $21.6 million development will provide contemporary learning spaces designed to nurture both academic growth and the formation of young people in faith.

In modern Australia, Catholic organisations are called to act with integrity in a pluralist society that may not always prioritise the same values. Their core objectives—be it education, healthcare, or community and social services - generally reflect that identity; the ‘back-end’ operations that sustain them, however, may be subject to forces that detract from mission. A recent CDF Catholic Connect workshop, hosted by Catholic Development Fund (CDF) in partnership with Catholic Social Services Victoria (CSSV), challenged leaders to look deeper into how policies and processes reflect the Catholic mission. The session, ‘Aligning Organisational Practices with Mission’, explored how Catholic Social Teaching can be intentionally embedded across core operations, from procurement and investment to hiring and governance. Lessons and Learnings with Industry Experts Four panel and workshop presenters brought strong sector experience and deep insight: Tarang Jain ( Modern Slavery Liason Officer / Group Procurement Lead ESG, St Vincent’s Health Australia ) Melissa Halliday ( Community Development Project Coordinator, ACRATH ) Dr John Ballard (Board Director Mercy Education and Catholic Development Fund / Leadership and Governance Consultant) Anna Brazier ( Climate Justice Coordinator, Jesuit Social Services )

Media Release: Catholic Diocese of Ballarat The Catholic Diocese of Ballarat marked the conclusion of a distinguished chapter of leadership, pastoral care and dedicated service to the community with a Mass of Thanksgiving on 2 March 2026 for Bishop Paul Bird as he retires as Bishop of Ballarat. Bishop Paul has served the Diocese of Ballarat since 2012. Upon turning 75, Bishops are requested to offer their resignations to the Pope. Bishop Paul turned 75 in 2024 and offered his resignation but was asked to stay on till a successor could be found. On January 7, 2026, Pope Leo appointed Fr Mark Freeman to be the new Bishop of Ballarat. At the same time, Pope Leo appointed Bishop Paul as Apostolic Administrator, to care for the diocese until Bishop Elect Mark is ordained and installed as the ninth Bishop of Ballarat on 19 March 2026.

On 20 February 2026, St Clare - Villa Maria Catholic Homes' landmark retirement living precinct in Kew - was officially blessed by the Most Rev Peter A. Comensoli, Archbishop of Melbourne. The occasion brought together residents, partners and supporters to give thanks for what had been built, and to look forward to what it would make possible. For CDF, the sole lender of the major project, the occasion was a meaningful reminder that careful stewardship and mission-aligned lending create outcomes that endure - not just beautiful spaces, but dignity, security and hope for people who need it most.

For over two decades, the CDF Father James Wall Bursary has been one of the most meaningful expressions of CDF’s mission; directly supporting the next generation of Catholic leaders. Established in honour of CDF’s founder , Father James ‘Jim’ Wall, the bursary continues his legacy of nurturing faith, leadership, and service within our Catholic school communities. Each year, seven Year 10 students from across the Archdiocese of Melbourne and the Dioceses of Ballarat, Bunbury and Sale are recognised for their outstanding contributions to their schools and wider communities. Each recipient receives a $5,000 bursary to support their Year 11 and 12 school fees, helping them continue their education journey in a Catholic secondary school. One of the highlights of this program is not only rewarding deserving students, but the opportunity it provides to CDF; travelling to each school community to present these awards at school assemblies and presentation ceremonies. Meeting the recipients, their families, teachers, and school staff face to face, and seeing first-hand the environments where this remarkable work takes place is a privilege and an honour the CDF team looks forward to each year. These presentations remind us of the importance of this bursary and the vibrant, faith-filled communities it serves. At the end of 2025, we were proud to celebrate seven extraordinary students who each embody the values of Father Wall’s service, leadership, and faith.

The Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) returned in 2025 with extraordinary energy, bringing more than 6,000 young people together from across the Australia and Oceania region for three days of prayer, workshops, worship and the Eucharist. Hosted by the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne and with CDF as a major sponsor, the festival transformed the city into a vibrant gathering place for young Catholics. From the opening Pilgrimage Walk to the closing Commissioning Mass, ACYF highlighted the beauty of the Catholic Church in Australia.