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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)
A new program called Generations of Value has been introduced in Catholic primary schools across Australia at the start of Term 3, 2025. The program aims to help children appreciate the unique contributions of people at all stages of life, showing them how society is stronger and more vibrant with generations working together. The program was developed by Mercy Health Foundation , Australian Catholic University (ACU) , Meaningful Ageing Australia and Catholic Health Australia , and sponsored by Catholic Development Fund (CDF). One of the main instigators, the foundation’s partnerships manager, Mark Trayli ng, says the thinking behind the program stemmed from a comment by his grandfather, a naval man, that when people lose their last parent, they become a ship without a rudder. ‘I appreciated the sentiment because it underscored how much we rely on previous generations for guidance ,’ Mr Trayling says. ‘ But upon reflection, I’d modify that image: while growing up, it’s helpful to have two hands on the tiller and someone pointing to the North Star—so that later in life, we’ll know how to steer on our own. Generations of Value is a reflection of this sentiment .’ Older people now are healthier, more educated and more involved than they ever have been.
Saturday 12 July 2025 marked a moment of extraordinary joy and deep spiritual significance for Melbourne’s Syro-Malabar Catholic community, with the consecration of the new St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Parish in Dandenong South. Located in the heart of Victoria’s growing south-eastern corridor, the newly built church is the culmination of years of prayer, planning and tireless effort from the devoted community. The consecration liturgy was led by His Beatitude Mar Raphael Thattil, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, and drew more than 2,000 faithfuls from across the state and beyond. The Syro-Malabar community in Melbourne’s South-East has seen remarkable growth over the past decade, prompting the establishment of the St. Thomas Parish in 2015 to meet the spiritual and pastoral needs of its faithful. In the early years, parishioners gathered for Masses and catechism in shared or rented spaces, all the while nurturing the hope of building a permanent church.
CDF Catholic Connect brought together over 150 people from Catholic and mission-driven organisations to explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can advance their purpose while maintaining human-centered values.
Media Release A new online hub for Catholic events, CathEvents, has officially launched, providing a central platform for Catholics across Australia to find, share, and promote events that foster connection, faith, and Catholic leadership. CathEvents has been developed through the foresight and leadership of the Association of Ministerial Public Juridic Persons (AMPJP), in partnership with and supported by the Catholic Development Fund (CDF). This innovative initiative is designed to serve as Australia’s pre-eminent site for Catholic events, creating new opportunities for individuals and organisations to engage with one another and grow in their fa ith. For some years, Catholic events have been promoted to members on the AMPJP website, but in response to the call of the Plenary Council and Synod on Synodality to increase formation, AMPJP has established CathEvents as a national service to all Catholics and Catholic organisations. "CathEvents represents an important step in connecting Catholic communities around Australia. It is a place where anyone—whether from a parish, school, ministry, or community group—can easily find and share events that bring many more people together in faith and fellowship," said Moira Najdecki, Chair of AMPJP. The platform features a wide variety of events, including retreats, workshops, conferences, faith formation sessions, leadership training and special celebrations. It is designed to be user-friendly, enabling organisations to submit events for free and allowing visitors to search by category, location, and date. "We are proud to support CathEvents as part of our commitment to strengthening Catholic communities," said Brendan Hoy, General Manger Client Services at CDF. " This platform will provide a valuable resource for all those across the sector seeking to learn, grow and engage more deeply with their faith or one another." Key Features of CathEvents: Comprehensive listing of Catholic events nationwide. Easy-to-use search and filter functions. Free event submission for Catholic organisations and groups. Focus on community connection, faith formation and leadership development. CathEvents is now live and can be accessed at: www.cathevents.org.au Catholic organisations, parishes, schools, and individuals are warmly invited to visit the site, explore upcoming events, and contribute their own events to share with the wider community. Please note - CathEvents is not associated with CathNews, and is a separate service to the Australian Catholic community. About AMPJP The Association of Ministerial Public Juridic Persons (AMPJP) is a national association of Catholic entities entrusted with the mission of governance and leadership within the Church. Its member organisations minister in health, aged care, community services and education. AMPJP promotes collaboration, formation, and shared mission among Catholic organisations. About Catholic Development Fund (CDF) CDF provides financial solutions to Catholic organisations that balance margin and mission for the common good. Guided by Catholic Social Teaching, CDF supports Catholic schools, parishes, healthcare, aged care, and social service facilities, primarily through funding capital development projects, that strengthen the Church’s mission and ensure its lasting impact on the community. For media enquiries, please contact: Martin Teulan Executive Director, AMPJP 0408 867 046 executive.director@ampjp.org.au For website enquiries and advertising, please contact: Tony Biviano Project Leader 0448 465 128 cathevents@ampjp.org.au
Disclosure Statement: 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, Bunbury and Ballarat. 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.
