On the third floor of the MacKillop Senior Centre at Saint Ignatius College Drysdale, on the Bellarine Peninsula, a small group of students take up positions in a comfortable alcove outside the main classrooms. Some pull tables together and spread-out folders and books, others face each other in pairs in animated discussion, while others work in contented independence on their laptops. The centre, completed in March 2024, and its many well-designed informal and formal learning spaces, is part of a broader vision that helps achieve the college’s mission to provide the best quality co-educational Catholic education in the Geelong region. “It’s a beacon of opportunity and collaboration”, says College Principal Michael Exton.
Built with the assistance of CDF through a $17.4 million loan, the $24 million Centre, which opened in 2024, is the fifth building completed in four years on the spacious 12.4-hectare campus.
The centre takes its name from Australia’s first saint, Mary MacKillop who firmly believed in the transformative power of education, seeing it as a means to empower individuals, enrich communities and bring about positive change in society. Catering for year 10, 11 and 12 students, the centre is a key pillar of the College Master Plan, and a plan that aims to build a community of better learners through belonging and connection.
"Education is about body, mind and spirit and we strive to provide opportunities for students to experience a range of areas in which they can flourish and realise their potential"
Michael Exton, St. Ignatius College, Geelong Principal
With light filled stairwells, timber finishings, study nooks, collaboration spaces and integrated technology, the centre is an enhanced learning environment and inspiration for future success.
“We wanted a senior school feel, like a university, and for it to be the launching pad for students’ next steps – be it university, TAFE, or the workforce - and a place for the older students to be somewhere they belong and connect with each other and their teachers”
Michael Exton, St. Ignatius College, Geelong Principal

Incorporating Christian symbolism in its design, including a prominent cross on its central tower, the building emphasises the Ignatian tradition of faith-based education that strives for the development of a well-rounded person of competence, conscience, and compassion.
“We want our students to be of service to the world and have a generosity to make a contribution to the best of their ability, whatever that may be,” says Michael.
To help in their search for God in all things, the College also provides opportunities for students across all year levels to broaden their worldview through participation in local and overseas immersions, Outdoor Education and Community Service programs. Partnering with local community groups like Rotary, Lions, Geelong Mums, Feed Me Bellarine, and the Salvation Army, students are encouraged to follow in the footsteps of St Ignatius and strive for ‘Magis’.
“Magis is the ‘the more’”, explains the college’s Director of Community Engagement, Elana Cole.

“It’s a search for the greater, the more effective. It means to be of service to the community, to find God in all things, and to seek more effective action and impact”
Elena Cole, St. Ignatius College, Geelong Director for Community Engagement
To further encourage students to engage in the world beyond the school grounds, the college also opens its doors and grounds to the wider community.
“Our local Catholic primary schools, and community groups use the gym, basketball courts, and oval and we extend invitations to a wide range of groups for our events”, says Elana.
The Learning Centre’s 400-seat theatre is a perfect place to invite guests and has already hosted career forums, indigenous talks, alumni presentations, and companion nights that foster a three-way journey between student, parent/ carer and school.

“It’s important to share these spaces and make our community feel welcome”, says Elana.
“CDF has helped ensure we have the financing we need to realise the Master Plan and create the facilities we need to achieve our mission”
Michael Exton, St. Ignatius College, Principal
The spacious grounds mean there is ample room for future development to meet a growing population and the school’s vision to support a positive and caring Christian community, and Michael knows CDF will be there when required.
“We’re very grateful for our relationship with CDF. We’re mission aligned and the team has been supportive and ensure the finance is there for the betterment of the school and offer a quality Catholic education for our families in our community”.
To help CDF continue to meet strong loan demand from the Catholic community, you too can put your faith in action and save for a greater reward than money alone. Not only will you earn a competitive rate of interest, but your savings will assist schools like St Ignatius College, Geelong and other Catholic organisations to continue the work the Gospel calls on them to do.
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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.
