We recognise the privileged position that we hold in being able to serve the Western Australian community and are committed to advocating for equity in government funding for those families who pay their taxes, while also contributing to their child’s Catholic education through school fees. Unlike other states, WA’s Catholic schools do not receive any state government capital grant funding. Ahead of the state election in March, we have therefore called on all WA political parties to commit to providing capital grant funding to Catholic schools, along with commitments for funding in the Kimberley. You can find out more about our asks by visiting https://fairfunding.cewa.edu.au/.
In 2025 we also welcome new Bishops to the Dioceses of Broome and Bunbury. In November last year, Bishop Tim Norton SVD was installed as the third Bishop of Broome. Bishop Tim has a wealth of experience, including time working in Mexico City as a missionary and as the Provincial Superior for the Society of the Divine Word. Bishop Tim will bring great energy, enthusiasm and vision to the Diocese of Broome accompanied by a great commitment to First Nations people.
In January, Pope Francis appointed Fr George Kolodziej SDS, who has served as Chaplain for Catholic Education WA since January 2019, as the new Bishop of Bunbury. I have known Fr George for 30 years, and I am grateful to him for his wise counsel and spiritual support to me and our staff during his time here. Fr George is currently the regional superior of the Salvatorians in Australia. I wish him well in his new mission in Bunbury. He is a faith-filled man who will bring a great love of Jesus to the Bunbury Diocese.
A new year often brings with it significant change. I would like to welcome Annette Morey who has been confirmed as Deputy Executive Director of Catholic Education for a five-year term. Annette has done excellent work over the last twelve-months in the role, and I congratulate her on this substantive appointment. Another new face in CEWA’s Executive team this year is Dan Wood, who began as Director School Improvement and Wellbeing on 1 January. Dan has worked in Catholic education in Western Australia for twenty years, both in schools and in the Catholic Education Office. I look forward to working with Dan and Annette in their new roles and thank all my colleagues on the Executive for their service.
Finally, on the 4 July (the last day of Semester One), I will retire after 47 years working in Catholic Education. The Bishops of Western Australia, as the employer of the Executive Director, will commence a recruitment process in Term One. Please keep in your prayers the Bishops and any potential candidates for the position.
I wish you all a successful year ahead.
Yours sincerely
Wayne Bull
Executive Director
