It now operates as a provider of financial services to the Diocese, assisting with the management of finances not only for the Diocese but also for its agencies, its 57 schools and the 39 parishes in the Hunter Manning region.

“To help us support the Diocese its agencies, schools and parishes, the CDF is able to accept funds from external clients for Term Investments and for Notice Saver accounts,” explains Anne Campbell, Client Services Manager for the CDF.

“The CDF is also a provider of financial services to all the Catholic schools and all the parishes of the Diocese.

“We also provide loans to the Diocese for a range of projects and activities,” she adds.

So why should anyone invest in CDF?

The funds invested in the CDF are used to provide financial support to the Diocese which enables the Diocese to carry out a range of activities such as:

• building new schools - such as St Bede’s Catholic College in Chisholm which opened its doors earlier this year and Catherine McAuley Catholic College in Medowie which is a $26 million development due to open in 2022
• expanding St Nicholas Early Education through the building and opening of new early education centres at Cardiff, Chisholm and Lochinvar as part of a program to expand the number of long day care centres under the St Nick’s brand to 20 within five years
• building affordable housing – the Diocese has delivered 74 dwellings to the community with sites at Maitland, Mayfield, Booragul and Mount Hutton
• acquiring and refurbishing offices for CatholicCare in Singleton, Muswellbrook and Forster
• delivering refugee services through the refugee hub which identifies, reaches out and supports those in our community who are disadvantaged, marginalised, oppressed or isolated by cultural, ethnic or religious differences
• the DARA’s Van which provides food and friendship to more than 150 marginalised people in our community – the homeless, socially isolated, financially stressed and all who are vulnerable and who may require support and assistance, as well as access to information and other services
• supporting the Diocese’s work in youth ministries, chaplaincy and parish services – we spend about $1 million a year on this
• supporting Zimmerman Services which provides a range of services to assist survivors and their families on their individual healing journeys

If you would to find out more about Term Investments or Notice Saver accounts, please contact the CDF on 1800 810 330.

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