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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.
In the fast-growing suburb of Weir Views, Melton, a new chapter in Catholic early learning has begun. The St Lawrence of Brindisi Children's Hub has officially opened; the first of 12 purpose-built Children's Hubs that MACSEYE plans to deliver across Melbourne by 2029, and a significant milestone in the effort to bring high-quality early learning to families in some of the city's most rapidly expanding communities. CDF has been proud to support MACSEYE since its inception in 2024, providing vital operational support as it scales to meet growing demand while empowering children so they can contribute to a thriving, resilient, and compassionate society.
In the heart of Creswick - a historic gold rush town nestled in Victoria's central highlands, just 16 kilometres north of Ballarat - St Augustine's Primary School has been a cornerstone of community life for over 170 years. Established in 1855 to meet the needs of families during the Gold Rush, the school has grown and evolved across generations while remaining anchored in its Catholic faith and its deep sense of place. Today, St Augustine's is home to 144 students from Foundation to Year 6. Committed to the holistic development of students, the school focuses not just on academic excellence but on social and emotional wellbeing; and it does so as an integral part of the wider St Augustine's Parish and the Creswick community it has served for so long. Now, thanks to a $3.6 million redevelopment supported by CDF, the Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Ltd (DOBCEL), and the Federal Government, this much-loved school is stepping confidently into its next chapter.
For some children, the classroom can feel overwhelming. Anxiety, trauma, learning challenges or difficult life experiences can make it hard to concentrate, participate or feel safe at school. For these students, reconnecting with learning often requires more than traditional support approaches. Since 2018, MacKillop Family Services’ Paw Pals program has quietly been helping students take meaningful steps forward, one gentle interaction at a time. Through the presence of specially trained therapy dogs and skilled facilitators, Paw Pals creates safe and supportive environments where children can regulate emotions, rebuild trust and re-engage with learning. For the past five years, CDF has proudly partnered with MacKillop Family Services to support the continued growth of this program across schools.
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, Bunbury and Ballarat. 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.
