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.

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.

On Wednesday 26 November 2025, Cathedral Hall at Australian Catholic University in Melbourne became a hub of inspiration and collaboration as CDF hosted the final Catholic Connect workshop for the year. Under the theme ‘ Inspiring Generosity: Encouraging Greater Giving for Purpose and Impact ,’ more than 80 leaders from across Catholic organisations and the for-purpose sector gathered to explore the evolving landscape of fundraising, philanthropy, and advocacy. Understanding the Landscape The afternoon began with John McLeod from JBWere Family Advisory & Philanthropic Services, who provided a comprehensive overview of giving trends across Australia. His presentation painted a picture of both challenge and opportunity: while the for-purpose sector has experienced consistent growth, with income rising 8% annually since 1996, organisations now face tighter margins as expenses outpace income growth. What emerged most powerfully from the data was the story of generational change. With Australia's ageing population and an estimated $5.4 trillion expected to transfer through inheritances over the next 20 years, the sector stands at a critical juncture. The JBWere findings highlighted that while fewer taxpayers are claiming charitable deductions, those who do give are becoming increasingly generous. The challenge ahead for Catholic organisations is to normalise charitable bequests and engage the next generation of donors.

This Advent season, CDF is inviting our community to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and participate in meaningful initiatives that bring hope, dignity, and joy to those who need it most. Across our network of schools, parishes, healthcare and social services, vulnerable families and individuals are preparing for what should be the most wonderful time of the year - but for many, it's become increasingly difficult. The cost-of-living crisis has pushed countless people to the brink, leaving nothing for luxuries and, for some, even the necessities feel out of reach. CDF is proud to stand alongside four client organisations this Christmas, each working tirelessly to ensure no one is left behind during the festive season.

Media Release The iconic Our Lady of Sion convent and school campus site in Sale is set to be revitalised after plans were approved for a $40 million investment in one of the largest education projects ever undertaken in the Diocese of Sale . The announcement follows more than four years of consultation and master planning for the site as the Diocese of Sale and Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Ltd (DOSCEL) worked with the community and heritage experts on plans to restore the heritage listed buildings and rejuvenate the entire site for 21st century education use. The $40 million redevelopment, supported by CDF, will deliver three distinct projects and create a state-of-the-art education precinct. The projects include: A complex restoration and preservation of the heritage listed convent building Construction of a purpose-built primary school facility Incorporation of a separate education professional learning and leadership development centre to be known as the Ratisbonne Leadership Centre The preservation and revitalisation of this much-loved Sale landmark has been recognised as a good heritage outcome that acknowledges the history and enhances the significance of the place. The Heritage Impact Statement makes note of this positive impact through 'the removal of unsympathetic elements, the reactivation of the heritage site through adaptive re-use and the forthcoming conservation works.' St Thomas' Primary School, Sale will move into a state-of-the art primary school facility on the site and will be re-named Our Lady of Sion Catholic Primary School to honour the rich history of the Sisters of Sion. A strong link to St Thomas' will be maintained with a $12.5 million purpose-built. Learning Neighbourhood to be known as the St Thomas' Centre. The new building has been made possible with the support of a $3.6 million Capital Grant from the Australian Government. The first two floors of the Sion convent building will be repurposed for contemporary primary education use for Years 4 to 6 and will include connected classrooms, along with STEM, Library, Art, multimedia, administration, and office spaces. The beautiful convent chapel will be an inspirational and prayerful space for students. The Ratisbonne Leadership Centre will occupy the top floor of the convent building which will be refurbished and re-purposed as a specialised facility to deliver teacher and school leader professional learning programs to support Catholic schools across the Diocese of Sale. With independent access and carparking, it will support DOSCEL’s efforts to promote expert teacher practice and deliver teaching and learning excellence. This exciting project is being led by Monto Project Managers, with Y2 Architecture as the lead Architects. Melbcon Builders are on-site, laying the groundwork for construction to begin, with a planned completion in early 2027. St Thomas' Catholic Primary School Principal, Ms Jodie Ware: “This new building is more than just bricks and mortar; it is a commitment to nurturing minds and shaping futures. This state-of-the-art building project represents a vision for the future. It will provide modern, safe, and inspiring spaces for staff and students to grow and thrive.” Catholic Bishop of Sale, Most Reverend Greg Bennet: “The preservation and revitalisation of this much-loved Sale landmark not only protects our heritage, but as custodians of the site we have been given the opportunity to create a beautiful new place of learning for our young people that will enable them to grow in their love of Jesus in an enriching environment. This learning environment is deeply connected to our mission to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.” Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, Mr Paul Velton: “St Thomas' Primary School was established by the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion more than 50 years ago so this in many ways is a return to its spiritual roots. It is also a wonderful opportunity to honour the past and invest in this new state-of-the-art school building for our students and ensure Catholic education continues to thrive on this site for another 125 years.” Architect concept images and video fly through below:

On Thursday 18 September, CDF Catholic Connect gathered leaders from across education, health, aged care, and community services for a workshop on Navigating Tomorrow: Protecting Your Mission Through Strategic Risk & Governance . The event explored how, in an era of increasing regulatory demands, emerging technologies, and societal change, organisations can protect their identity and mission while adapting and responding with agility. Lessons and Learnings from Risk Experts Three keynote presenters brought strong sector experience and deep insight: Jacinta Munro (Partner, Regulatory & Compliance, KPMG Australia) Funda Ozenc (Chief Quality Officer, Villa Maria Catholic Homes) Jayesh Kapitan (Partner, Risk Advisory, RSM Australia)