As CDF celebrates 70 years of empowering Catholic communities, we are delighted to announce that applications for the 2026 CDF Father James Wall Bursary are now open. To mark our 70th anniversary, the value of each bursary has increased from $5,000 to $7,000. Seven bursaries will be awarded across the Archdiocese of Melbourne and the Dioceses of Sale, Ballarat and Bunbury, supporting outstanding Year 10 students as they complete Years 11 and 12 at a Catholic secondary school. Honouring a founding vision Established in 2002, the Father James Wall Bursary honours the vision of CDF's founder, Fr James Wall. In 1956, at a time when Melbourne was experiencing a post-war population boom and government funding for Catholic schools was unavailable, Fr Wall established the Fund, as a new way for Catholic communities to invest in the future of education and support schools in growing communities. For 70 years, CDF has continued that mission, partnering with Catholic organisations to build schools, churches, health care services, aged care facilities and other projects that strengthen communities. The Father James Wall Bursary carries that same spirit forward, investing directly in young people who demonstrate the leadership, service and compassion that Fr Wall's vision was built upon. Since its establishment, the Bursary has supported 119 students, helping them complete their senior secondary education and grow into confident leaders making a meaningful contribution to their schools and communities. CDF CEO John McClusky said the increase in bursary value is a fitting way to mark the anniversary. " As we celebrate CDF's 70th anniversary, it is fitting that we honour Fr James Wall's legacy by increasing the value of these bursaries and continuing to invest in young people who are already demonstrating leadership, compassion and service within their school communities." 

Cyber criminals are constantly looking for the easiest way into your systems, and unfortunately, passwords alone are no longer enough. Even strong passwords can be compromised through phishing emails, data breaches, malware or social engineering attacks. Once a criminal has your password, gaining access to email, cloud platforms, financial systems and sensitive information can be alarmingly straightforward. This is where Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) becomes one of the most effective cyber security controls available. Think of it as a second lock on your front door: a stolen password may open the first, but MFA prevents criminals from walking straight in.

Announcement: 1 July 2026

Shining bright in crisp autumn sun, the colourful playground at St Agatha’s Catholic Primary School in Cranbourne stands quietly in peaceful silence until a sudden burst of upbeat music signals the beginning of recess and students stream out into the fresh air and sunshine with squeals of laughter and delight. Walking into this heartening scene, Principal Michelle Bruitzman is quick to greet students who surge around her with a smile. Celebrating its fiftieth year in 2026, St Agatha’s has been a keystone in the lives of thousands of families since it was established in 1976. “ We have students whose parents and grandparents went here as well as children of families newly arrived from all over the world ,” says Michelle.

Catholic communities across western Victoria came together from 25 to 29 May 2026 to celebrate Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Ltd (DOBCEL) Catholic Education Week, gathering under the theme "Peace be with you all" (Romans 15:33) to reflect on the faith, learning and belonging that lie at the heart of Catholic education. Schools across the Diocese embraced the week in ways that reflected their own unique character; liturgies, prayer experiences, student-led activities and acts of hospitality brought students, families and staff together in celebration. A highlight was the historic Mass celebrated at Sovereign Hill's recreated St Alipius Tent Church for the first time since COVID, connecting today's students and educators with the rich heritage of Catholic education in Ballarat.

In May 2026, Salesian College Chadstone officially opened and blessed its renewed Mannix Year 7 and 8 Learning Precinct - the largest single investment in the College's history, and a defining moment in its continuing commitment to faith-filled, contemporary Catholic education in Melbourne's south-east. The $17 million redevelopment that has transformed the Mannix Campus into a dedicated learning environment for students beginning their secondary school journey, almost doubling its capacity and creating a space designed from the ground up around belonging, wellbeing, faith and learning.

A new chapter in Catholic education is unfolding in Melbourne's growing north. In May 2026, Kolbe Catholic College officially opened and blessed its new St Catherine of Bologna Campus in Mickleham - a milestone that reflects both the extraordinary growth of the region and the enduring mission of Catholic education to form young people in faith, courage and compassion.

In just a few short years, Iona College Geelong has grown from a vision for Catholic education in Melbourne's south-west into a vibrant, flourishing community shaped by faith, connection and opportunity. Since opening in 2020, the College has expanded alongside the rapidly growing Charlemont and Armstrong Creek corridor, one of Victoria's fastest-developing regions. The Armstrong Creek community is projected to grow from approximately 11,000 residents in 2021 to more than 25,500 by 2041, and Iona College is playing an increasingly important role in meeting the demand for quality Catholic education that comes with that growth.