Catholic education plays a critical role in Australia’s education system but its value is not always well understood.

In this episode of Catholic Education Matters, our executive director Kate Fogarty is joined by Dallas McInerney, CEO of Catholic Schools NSW, for a conversation about leadership, funding and the future of Catholic education in Australia.

With a background spanning financial services, government regulation and international policy, Dallas brings a unique perspective to education leadership, one shaped by governance, complexity and clear thinking.

Together, Kate and Dallas explore:

• Why funding is mission-critical to sustaining Catholic education.
• Why the narrative around non-government school funding is often misunderstood and how it has been misrepresented.
• The need for clearer, more confident advocacy across staff, families and local communities.
• What Catholic education contributes not just to students, but to communities and society.

As the next funding cycle approaches, this conversation is a timely reminder: we cannot assume understanding. The story of Catholic education must be clearly and consistently told.

Whether you are leading a school, teaching in a classroom, supporting from the central team or part of the wider Catholic education community, this is a conversation about leadership, advocacy and the future of education in Australia.

ABOUT CATHOLIC EDUCATION SANDHURST

Catholic Education Sandhurst is home to 51 Catholic schools and six early learning centres across regional and rural Victoria, educating 15,298 students. We empower regional young people, their families, our staff and communities to have 'life to the full' (John 10:10).

Visit www.ceosand.catholic.edu.au or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.