Organisations | Catholic Connect | 29 July 2026
Catholic Connect
29 July 2026
Economic Outlook: Navigating Change with Confidence and Purpose
Panel presenters
Ivan Colhoun - Keynote Presenter
Consulting Chief Economist, CreditWatch
Ivan is a highly experienced Chief Economist, advisor and keynote speaker on the Australian economy and financial markets.
Most recently, he was Chief Economist, Corporate & Institutional Banking for National Australia Bank, but has also been Chief Economist for Qantas and Chief Economist (Australia) for ANZ and Deutsche Bank. Ivan has consulted to SEEK, IATA and Virgin Australia and is currently Consulting Chief Economist to CreditorWatch and Consulting Economist to Perpetual Corporate Trustee, Marex and Bank of Sydney.
Martin Teulan - Panel Facilitator
Executive Director, AMPJP
Martin Teulan is Executive Director of the Association of Ministerial Public Juridic Persons (AMPJP), the national body representing many of Australia’s major Catholic health, aged care, education and community service ministries. In this role, he works closely with Church and sector leaders to support governance, leadership, mission integration and strategic collaboration across the Catholic for-purpose sector.
Virginia Bourke
Chairperson, Mercy Health
As Chair of the Mercy Health Boards, Virginia Bourke brings experience across a range of sectors including health, aged care, community services, education, training and publishing. She has particular expertise in the governance of charitable not-for-profit organisations.
Prof. Elizabeth Labone
Chief Executive Officer, VCEA
Professor Elizabeth Labone is the Chief Executive Officer of the Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA). As CEO, Elizabeth is responsible for the leadership, stewardship and management of the VCEA.
A highly experienced senior executive leader with extensive experience in the field of education, particularly Catholic education, Elizabeth brings expertise in governance and compliance, strategic development and stakeholder engagement with government and industry to the VCEA.
John McClusky
Chief Execuitve Officer, CDF
John McClusky has recently been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Catholic Development Fund (CDF), bringing more than 30 years of senior leadership experience across banking, corporate finance and international markets.
John has held executive leadership roles across Australia, Asia, the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe, building extensive expertise in strategic finance, capital markets, institutional banking and organisational leadership.
Workshop overview
Economic Outlook: Navigating Change with Confidence and Purpose
Catholic organisations across education, health, aged care, social services and ministry are facing growing economic pressure and operational complexity. Rising costs, workforce challenges, shifting funding environments and global instability are demanding more from leaders, requiring decisions that balance organisational sustainability with mission and values.
In response to conversations emerging across the sector, this Catholic Connect workshop will offer a forward-looking economic discussion, exploring the trends shaping the broader landscape and what they mean for Catholic organisations and the communities we serve.
The workshop will feature a keynote economic overview from Ivan Colhoun, followed by a panel discussion exploring leadership, financial stewardship, workforce pressures, sustainability, and the opportunities that can emerge even in uncertain times. Panellists include Martin Teulan (Executive Director, AMPJP), Virginia Bourke (Mercy Health), Professor Elizabeth Labone (Chief Executive Officer, VCEA) and John McClusky (Chief Executive Officer, CDF).
The session will also provide an opportunity to connect and network with leaders from across the Catholic and for-purpose sectors.
Key Discussion Areas:
- Economic trends shaping the future operating environment
- Financial stewardship and sustainability in a changing landscape
- Workforce challenges and operational resilience
- Strategic planning and leading through uncertainty
- Balancing mission priorities with financial responsibility
- Identifying opportunities for innovation and impact
Why Attend
- Hear a forward-looking economic overview from a leading economist
- Gain practical perspectives from experienced Catholic sector leaders
- Explore strategies to strengthen resilience and long-term sustainability
- Connect and collaborate with peers from across the Catholic and for-purpose sectors
- Leave with fresh thinking to support your organisation's mission during uncertain times
This is a complimentary event. Places are limited, please register early to secure your attendance.
Agenda:
- Light networking lunch
- Welcome
- Presentation
- Panel Discussion
- Workshop and Questions
- Summary and Close
Want to join the conversation?
Date: Wednesday 29 July 2026
Time: 12.30pm to 3.00pm
Venue: Australian Catholic University Greg Craven Centre
Level 7, St Teresa of Kolkata Building, 115 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy 3065
Host: Catholic Development Fund (CDF)
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.
