CDF Announcement: Chief Executive Officer Transition
August 1, 2025

Announcement: 1 August 2025

After ten years of dedicated service, Matthew Cassin has tendered his resignation as Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Development Fund and CDF Community Fund. 


Under Matthew's leadership over the past decade, CDF has achieved exceptional lending growth, navigated several amalgamations, organisational transformation, and strengthened the Fund’s financial performance. His vision during this time has positioned CDF as a leading financial institution, serving Catholic communities in new and innovative ways. 


Archbishop Peter A Comensoli, Archbishop of Melbourne and Chair of the CDF Board, stated:

Nature's Symphony

Pictured: Matthew Cassin

Button

“I wish to personally express my deep appreciation to Matthew for his stand-out and committed service to the Church in Melbourne, Victoria and beyond. Matthew’s leadership, combined with the hard work of the CDF team, has been a wonderful enabler of the Church’s mission. I wish Matthew every blessing in the next stage of his professional and personal journey.”
 
The solid foundation established under Matthew's leadership provides an excellent platform for the continued growth of CDF. The improvements to products, processes and account security which have been implemented over the years, will continue to evolve as the needs of our customers grow. Our commitment to this strategic direction and exceptional service remains our highest priority. 


Andrew Carman, CDF's Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed Interim CEO, ensuring continuity during this transition, as the executive search for a permanent successor commences. 


The CDF Board and Staff remain committed to maintaining stability for all customers and partners. Our mission of supporting Catholic endeavour continues unchanged, and we are well-equipped to deliver the trusted service you expect. 


We are deeply grateful to Matthew for his unwavering dedication, leadership, and profound commitment to the mission of Church. His legacy of service has strengthened our organisation immeasurably, and we wish him every success in his future endeavours. 


Should you have any questions during this time, please contact your CDF Relationship Manager or our Client Services Group on Tel: 1800 134 135. 



We thank you for your continued support and trust in Catholic Development Fund.

Share this article:

Related articles

A place of hope for the Bunbury Diocese: St Joseph's Church Albany named first Diocesan Shrine

April 2, 2026
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.

Bishop Mark Ordained and Installed as Ninth Bishop of Ballarat

By Michelle Ross-FitzGerald • March 25, 2026
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.

A Legacy of Faith and Service Takes Root at Mount Duneed

By Michelle Ross-FitzGerald • March 12, 2026
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.
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.