Board of Directors

Garry’s career in Catholic education spans a diverse range of leadership roles, including serving as a Primary School Principal in the Archdiocese of Melbourne, and as an Assistant Director at the Catholic Education Office in Melbourne. He has also held positions as an Executive member of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority, and of the Catholic Education Commission Victoria Ltd, among others. His experience reflects his committed dedication to fostering excellence in Catholic education and supporting learning communities across Victoria.

Cathy began her professional life as a teacher and has gained experience across diverse environments, including mission leadership roles with the Archdiocese of Melbourne and the Diocese of Sandhurst.

In addition to an active involvement in parish life, Cathy serves as Deputy Chair of the Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Board, the Sandhurst Catholic Early Education and Care Board and is a member of the Catholic College Sale Board, the Sion Education Board and the FCJ Education Board. She holds degrees in Arts and Theology along with post-graduate qualifications in Religious Education and Leadership. Cathy is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and works as the Executive Director: Mission, Communication and Stakeholder Relations with Mercy Health.

The Hon. Martin Dixon has dedicated his career to advancing the Victorian Catholic Education sector. He began his professional journey as a classroom teacher, transitioning into leadership roles before commencing his first Principalship in 1981. Throughout his career, Martin has held several influential roles within the Catholic education system, including serving as the Deputy Chairperson (Primary) for the Catholic Education Office. In 2010, Martin’s expertise and dedication culminated in in his appointment as Minister for Education, a role in which he served for four years. Throughout his career, Martin Dixon has demonstrated commitment to fostering educational excellence, social justice and community engagement within the Catholic education sector.

Fr Jeff’s early education began at St Michael’s Primary School in Berwick and St Agatha’s Primary School in Cranbourne followed by secondary studies at St Francis Xavier College, Beaconsfield. He was ordained to the Priesthood for the Diocese of Sale in 2006 after completing a Bachelor of Theology and a Master of Theological Studies at Catholic Theological College. Fr Jeff is currently serving as Parish Priest at St Patrick’s Parish in Pakenham. Prior to this, he dedicated several years to serving as Parish Priest of St Michael’s Parish, Berwick from 2016 to 2024. Throughout his ministry, he has taken on various leadership roles including Sale Diocese Vocations Director, Youth Ministry Chaplain, and Member of the Priest Welfare Foundation. He is currently a Member of the College of Consultors, Member of the Bishop’s Council of Priests, Convenor of the Sale Diocese Clergy Life and Ministry Team, Regional representative for Clergy Life and Ministry Victoria & Tasmania, a founding member of Shining a Light: the Sale Diocese Domestic Violence Committee, and part of the Clergy Remuneration Fund.

After completing postdoctoral research in Germany, Gabrielle McMullen was appointed to the Faculty of Medicine at Monash University, while also serving as Dean of its Catholic residence, Mannix College (1981‐1995). She then joined Australian Catholic University as Rector of its Ballarat campus (1995‐2000) and Deputy Vice‐Chancellor (Academic) (2000‐2011). She has served on a wide range of education, health, theology and community service boards. Since 2020 she has been the Deputy Chancellor of the University of Divinity.

Ordained as a Priest in 2001 in Otukpo Nigeria, Fr Francis has dedicated his ministry to serving the Diocese of Sale. His pastoral journey includes serving as an Assistant Priest in the Morwell and Churchill Parishes and holding roles such as Chair of the Bishop’s Council of Priests in the Diocese and member of the Priests’ Remuneration Fund. Currently, he serves as the Dean of St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale. In addition to his pastoral duties, Fr Francis is the Chaplain to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of the Diocese of Sale and shares his theological expertise through lectures at the Yarra Theological Union. He is also a member of the University of Divinity in Melbourne, continuing his commitment to theological and spiritual leadership.

John brings over 40 years of extensive experience in business management, including negotiating government and private sector supply contracts. His expertise encompasses developing and implementing budgets for production and capital investment projects, as well as expanding international markets. He has first-hand experience with all aspects of import and export documentation, quarantine and biosecurity requirements and Letters of Credit Trading Terms.

Dominic is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Business and Economics at Monash University. Additionally, he holds the position of Course Director for the Master of Applied Marketing program and is the Marketing Specialization Leader for the Master of Business Program. His research focuses on understanding human behaviour and addressing significant societal challenges. Currently, his work explores issues related to nutrition and wellbeing, and poverty and inequality. His research has been published in journals, including the Journal of Retailing, European Journal of Marketing, Journal of Economic Psychology, Psychology and Marketing, and Journal of Consumer Affairs.