CDF was proud to join the official opening and blessing of St Lawrence of Brindisi Children's Hub in Weir Views, Melton — the first of 12 purpose-built Children's Hubs that @macseye_melbourne (MACSEYE) plans to deliver across Melbourne by 2029.
The Hub will support up to 235 kindergarten places alongside before- and after-school care, sitting alongside St Lawrence of Brindisi Catholic Primary School to create a connected learning ecosystem grounded in Catholic values.
As Fr Alex Balingit Clemente shared at the blessing: "This place begins small, but is filled with great promise. Here, children will grow in wisdom, confidence, and love."
With Melton one of Melbourne's fastest-growing corridors, CDF is proud to be walking alongside MACSEYE as they build something truly significant for families across the city.
Read the full story: .au/first-of-many-cdf-supports-opening-of-new-macseye-childrens-hub
Pictured: CDF's Aaron Gupta with MACSEYE Managing Director Heather Finlayson, Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn MLC and MACS Executive Director Dr Edward Simons.
For over 170 years, @staugustinescreswick has been at the heart of Creswick, and thanks to a $3.6 million redevelopment, it's stepping confidently into its next chapter.
The transformation has delivered new learning and specialist areas, while carefully restoring the school's historic chapel and original buildings, preserving the identity and story that has shaped this community since the Gold Rush era.
CDF was proud to support this project alongside Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited (DOBCEL) and the Federal Government, helping ensure every child who walks through St Augustine's doors has the opportunity to grow in confidence, curiosity and faith.
As Vicar General Fr Marcello Colasante shared: "A tangible expression of sustainable investment in our local community - learning spaces that will give children confidence to grow in their own abilities."
Read the full story on the CDF Blog.
Pictured: CDF’s Claire and Aasha with Diocese of Ballarat Vicar General Fr Marcello Colasante, and CDF's Maxine with school students and staff, at the school's official opening and blessing.
This Mother's Day, CDF joined @mercyhealthfoundationaus for their annual Mother's Day Lunch. The event raised vital funds for Mercy Perinatal and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at @mercyhealthaus , and honoured the extraordinary work of clinicians, carers and families who walk alongside Victoria's smallest and sickest babies every day.
As one of only four NICUs in the state, Mercy Perinatal provides truly lifesaving care - supporting families through some of the most challenging and precious moments of their lives with compassion, expertise and hope.
It was wonderful to hear from Rebecca MacFarling (CEO Mercy Health Foundation), Dr Nelu, clinicians and NICU families. We were also moved by a beautiful reflection shared by Monika Lancucki (Executive Director Mission, Communications & Stakeholder Relations at Mercy Health Australia) written as a mother, and as a steward of the Mercy mission, to honour the babies, families and carers whose lives converge in the NICU every day.
To all mothers and mother figures, wishing you a happy and blessed Mother's Day.
Pictured: CDF Staff at the Mercy Health Foundation Mothers Day Lunch.
CDF was delighted to attend the official opening and blessing of new science labs and classrooms at Harkaway Hills College; a wonderful milestone for this thriving independent Catholic girls' school in Victoria's South East.
Representing CDF, Tamara Fernando and Aaron Gupta joined the College community to mark the occasion alongside staff, students and families.
Since opening in 2016 with just 16 enrolments, Harkaway Hills College has grown into a flourishing Pre-Prep to Year 12 school - a remarkable journey that continues alongside its partner school, Lysterfield Lake College for boys, established in 2022.
CDF is proud to have supported this growth through loan funding, helping to deliver facilities that foster learning and strengthen Catholic education for generations to come.
Thank you to PARED and the Harkaway Hills College community for welcoming us to share in this special moment.
Pictured: Principal Mary Broadsmith and Member for Bruce Hon Julian Hill MP, with students and community members.
Learn more: https://www.pared.edu.au/
Last Sunday, the CDF team had the pleasure of visiting St Therese's and Our Lady of the Nativity Parishes in Essendon West.
It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with parishioners and share how personal accounts with CDF Community Fund can make a real difference to Catholic education, social services, health and parish life across the Dioceses.
A warm thank you to Fr John Hannon and Fr Tony Feeney for their generous welcome and for the opportunity to spend time with your communities.
Pictured: Fr John Hannon and Fr Tony Feeney with CDF’s Bernard Docherty, Anton Pan-Cassin and Natalia Nour
This week, CDF is proud to support @mackillopfamilyservices Services as a matched giving partner for the Paw Pals Appeal — meaning every donation made this week will be doubled.
Paw Pals brings therapy dogs into classrooms to support young people experiencing anxiety, trauma and learning challenges — helping them feel safe, confident and ready to learn.
Every dollar goes further this week. Support the appeal here:
.au/paw-pals-2026
Pictured: CDF's Michelle Ross-FitzGerard and Hillaria Juliana with Robyn Miller, CEO, MacKillop Family Services; Sam Patterson, Director Community Engagement; and the MacKillop Fundraising and Philanthropy team, at the Paw Pals Fundraising Morning.
Earn 5.35% p.a.* on a 12‑month Term Investment with CDF Community Fund.
Purpose or returns?
With CDF, you can have both.
To apply and view the product and disclosure information, visit catholicdevelopmentfund.org.au/communityfund/offer
CDF is proud to support @mackillopfamilyservices ' Paw Pals program; bringing therapy dogs into classrooms to help children experiencing anxiety, trauma and learning challenges feel safe, confident and ready to learn.
The impact speaks for itself. So far 1,749+ students have been supported through 6,709+ sessions delivered.
From 20 to 24 April, CDF is a Matched Giving Partner, meaning every donation made will be doubled, helping Paw Pals reach even more children who need it most.
Learn more and double your impact today: .au/helping-children-feel-safe-to-learn-with-mackillop-family-services
#PawPalsAppeal
Congratulations to @bccbunburycatholiccollege WA, on the completion of their new stairs and universal access ramp to the College Hall; a wonderful improvement that makes campus life better for everyone.
Delivered by local builder Smith Constructions, the new facilities provide safe, accessible pathways for students, staff and visitors alike, and represents a meaningful upgrade that reflects the College's commitment to an inclusive and welcoming community.
CDF was proud to support the funding of this project, and it's wonderful to see the space already being brought to life by the College's Property Services team.
Well done to all involved, especially Business Manager Emily McKelvie, Property Services Manager Darryl Alietti, and the team on the ground who helped make it happen.
A significant milestone for the Diocese of Bunbury.
St Joseph's Church in Albany has been declared the first Diocesan Shrine for the Diocese of Bunbury; a recognition of nearly 150 years of faith, community and service in the region.
The formal declaration took place on 22 March 2026, with Bishop George Kolodziej celebrating the Elevation Mass alongside pilgrims and visitors from across the diocese.
CDF was proud to be part of this celebration. Read the full story on our blog.
Pictured: Former Bishop of Bunbury, Bishop Gerard Holohan, with CDF team members Sally and Melanie; and Bishop @George Kolodziej and Diocesan priests with pilgrims.
A great few days at the @vacpsp Conference last week!
The biannual event brings together Catholic primary school leaders from across Victoria to connect, share insights and strengthen collaboration. And this year, CDF was pleased to present our workshop, 'Lead with Clarity: Master Planning and Capital Works Made Easy' as part of the conference program.
It was a wonderful opportunity to spend time with principals, better understand the priorities shaping their school communities, and share how CDF can support future planning with clarity and confidence.
Pictured: The CDF Team with conference delegates.
We were honoured to attend the episcopal ordination and installation of The Most Rev Mark Freeman as the ninth Bishop of the Diocese of Ballarat.
Held on Thursday 19 March, the feast of St Joseph, at St Patrick's Cathedral, Ballarat, it was a significant and joyful occasion, bringing together clergy, community leaders and representatives from across the region.
We congratulate Bishop Mark Freeman as he begins his ministry and look forward to working alongside him and the community in Ballarat.
Read the full article on the CDF Website.
