Year in Review 2025 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst 21 In 2025 we said goodbye to Bishop Shane Mackinlay and congratulated him on his appointment as Archbishop of Brisbane. We welcomed Fr Brian Boyle as Administrator of the Diocese and commenced our period of waiting for the appointment of the ninth Bishop of Sandhurst. Whilst Fr Brian is unable to make novel decisions as Administrator, there are still many matters to attend to. Catholic Risk and Insurance Services (CRIS): In order to provide CRIS with the necessary strategic leadership during its next phase of growth, Cameron Fraser was seconded to CRIS as its inaugural Chief Executive Officer. The year saw CRIS obtain an Australian Financial Services Licence (Wholesale Brokerage), attract Diocesan Bishops as additional members of the company, increase its subscriber base and commence the strategic work in respect to Alternative Risk Transfer models, all whilst successfully placing insurance for Catholic entities around the country. Diocesan Development Fund (DDF): The DDF was established by the late Bishop Noel Daly in July 1980. Since that time, the operations of the fund have been undertaken by the Diocese of Sandhurst. To ensure that the CDF network continues to meet regulatory requirements, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference encouraged individual funds to partner with other funds to: reduce key person risk in individual dioceses; strengthen skills and experience in such joint funds; increase focus on regulation and governance; and, enhance the ability of funds to assist the wider Catholic community. With this in mind, prior to his installation as Archbishop of Brisbane, Most Rev. Shane Mackinlay signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Archbishop of Melbourne to outsource daily operations of the Sandhurst DDF to CDF Melbourne from 1 December 2025, while ensuring that the Diocese of Sandhurst retains ownership and governance of the Sandhurst DDF. This significant transition was achieved relatively smoothly with the considerable work of Peter Trendos and long-term DDF officer, Debbie Lambert. Chancery: In 2025, the Chancery partnered with the Archdiocese of Melbourne to successfully recruit a Human Resources Partner. Kass Ritchie joined the Chancery in a partnership that allows Sandhurst to access the HR expertise of the larger Melbourne HR Team and, at the same time, ensures the in-person support of a skilled practitioner in Sandhurst. This appointment allowed Garry Dewhirst to step out of the HR role and into a new casual role, as he transitions into retirement. With a brief to establish a Risk framework and to increase risk education and awareness throughout the Diocese, Andrew Johnson joined the Diocese as our Safety, Risk and Compliance Officer. Cathedral Square: As work ceases from the Christmas break, it’s evident that 2026 will be a significant year for this project. This year we saw the finalisation of the design of the building and, following a comprehensive tender process, a building contract was entered into with regional builder AW Nicholson. Demolition of the old parish hall and paint shop swiftly followed, and the site is now clear and ready for piling to commence in 2026. Whilst it is very early in the construction program, all is on track for completion in October 2026. In conclusion, I would like to acknowledge the passing of Monsignor Frank Marriott in 2025, and the 63 years of service he provided to the Diocese. Mons. Frank will be missed. I would also like to acknowledge those who have contributed to life in the Diocese this year. The names are too plentiful to list here, but those contributions have played a significant part in the life of the Diocese in 2025. Thank you to everyone who has contributed in a positive way to life in the Diocese and to the mission of the Church. Greg Westbrook Acting Diocesan Business Manager Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Greg Westbrook Acting Diocesan Business Manager Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst
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