JIM D’ORSA
Jim D’Orsa’s contributions to Catholic education include numerous pioneering initiatives in Catholic schools, systems, and tertiary settings. He is currently associate professor at BBI-TAITE Sydney, Australia where he is engaged in researching and publishing in the areas of mission, leadership and theology.
THERESE D’ORSA
Therese D’Orsa was the first Professor of Mission and Culture at the Australian Institute of Theological Education (BBI-TAITE) and was dedicated to the evangelising mission of the Church throughout her extensive career as a Catholic missiologist and educational leader. During her extensive educational ministry, Therese held many leadership roles and led a range of initiatives in curriculum and formation at school and tertiary levels. She has been widely published in both missiology and education.
Dr ANGELO BELMONTE
Angelo is Team Leader of Faith, Learning and Teaching at Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst. He has been involved in Catholic Education for 35 years and has held leadership positions in schools and in school administration, such as Schools Consultant and, for a time, Acting Executive Director of Schools. For many years he has been leading Religious Education, teacher formation, and student ministry programs in the diocese. As well as his initial teacher qualifications, he also holds master’s degrees in Religious Education/Theology and Educational Leadership, as well as a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Queensland in the leadership and formation of Principals in Catholic schools.
AUDREY BROWN
Audrey has been Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Ballarat since 2012. She has been a teacher, teacher coach, principal and principal coach, all in regional Victoria. A lifelong learner who has engaged in study and research throughout her career, Audrey has post-graduate qualifications in educational leadership, Religious Education, theology, education law and educational system leadership.
Dr MONICA DUTTON
Monica is currently the Spirituality and Mission Animation Leader for the Sisters of the Good Samaritan. She has extensive experience in Catholic education, working as a teacher, leader and consultant in primary, secondary and tertiary settings. She has postgraduate qualifications in Educational Psychology and Religious Education and has focused more recently on formation and professional learning for staff.
Dr Jill GOWDIE
Dr Jill Gowdie is a widely respected school and system leader. She was named in 2025 as one of the 35 leading thought leaders in Catholic Education across the US, UK, Ireland, and Australia. A published author, Jill is also a recognised speaker, writer, and facilitator in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK. Her qualifications cross the disciplines of theology, leadership, education, spirituality, religious education, governance, and journalism, and include a PhD in Educational Leadership. She is a member of several national and international committees and associations, and currently serves as President of the Association of Practical Theology in Oceania.
Br MICHAEL GREEN FMS
Michael has been involved in Catholic education for over forty years as a teacher, secondary school principal, senior administrator, board member, author and lecturer. He seeks to bring this range of experience and scholarship to explore the pressing issues and opportunities for Catholic education today. In addition to his international reputation as a scholar of Marist spirituality, history and education, he has become well known for his broader critical commentary on the ways in which the spiritual families of the Church can contribute to its vitality in mission.
Dr TRISH HINDMARSH
Trish is the former Director of Catholic Education in Tasmania and has been a teacher and leader in Catholic schools in Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia. Her doctorate centred on approaches to ecological education in Catholic schools. Since retirement in 2014, she has continued to take an active interest in education, ecology, Church renewal and social justice. She is a member of the Catholic Earthcare Australia Council, the Tasmanian Catholic Justice and Peace Commission and the St Vincent de Paul Society. She has a particular commitment to the mission of Catholic education to bring Christ’s message of liberation and truth alive for students and their families.
JOHN MENEELY
John is currently Deputy Director of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Ballarat. He has extensive experience in faith leadership at both school and system level. John has a passion for religious education that is reflective of the authentic dialogue between faith and culture and has been involved in curriculum development in this field for fifteen years.
Br DAMIEN PRICE
Damien is an Edmund Rice Christian Brother of the Oceania Province. Damien has worked in Catholic Schools for over forty years. For the last twenty years, Damien has travelled widely throughout Australia and New Zealand conducting professional development and retreat days for the staff of Catholic schools. Damien has also worked extensively with Lutheran Education.
Prof RICHARD RYMARZ
Richard is the Head of Religious Education and Director of Research at the Broken Bay Institute–TAITE. Prior to this he held the Peter and Doris Kule Chair in Catholic Religious Education, St Joseph’s College, University of Alberta. He has had wide experience in educational research and teaching, especially work on Catholic schools, teacher formation, and moral and religious education. His most recent books examine moving from theory to practice in religious education and the history and future directions of teacher formation.
Dr PAUL SHARKEY
Paul is the Director of Catholic Mission, People and Culture at Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools. He was previously State Director of Catholic Education in South Australia. His PhD was a case study of teacher responses to a religious ethos program in a Catholic school. Paul has also completed postgraduate programs in theology, education, program evaluation and educational leadership and management. Paul is interested in exploring issues of mission, identity and culture in Catholic Education because of their profound significance for our sector at this time.
