For over two decades, the CDF Father James Wall Bursary has been one of the most meaningful expressions of CDF’s mission; directly supporting the next generation of Catholic leaders.
Established in honour of CDF’s founder, Father James ‘Jim’ Wall, the bursary continues his legacy of nurturing faith, leadership, and service within our Catholic school communities.
Each year, seven Year 10 students from across the Archdiocese of Melbourne and the Dioceses of Ballarat, Bunbury and Sale are recognised for their outstanding contributions to their schools and wider communities. Each recipient receives a $5,000 bursary to support their Year 11 and 12 school fees, helping them continue their education journey in a Catholic secondary school.
One of the highlights of this program is not only rewarding deserving students, but the opportunity it provides to CDF; travelling to each school community to present these awards at school assemblies and presentation ceremonies. Meeting the recipients, their families, teachers, and school staff face to face, and seeing first-hand the environments where this remarkable work takes place is a privilege and an honour the CDF team looks forward to each year. These presentations remind us of the importance of this bursary and the vibrant, faith-filled communities it serves.
At the end of 2025, we were proud to celebrate seven extraordinary students who each embody the values of Father Wall’s service, leadership, and faith.
Meet the 2025 Recipients
Caden – St Joseph’s College, Ferntree Gully
Caden is someone who leads quietly but powerfully. He is known for stepping up when needed, representing his school with respect and integrity, and contributing generously to college life in countless ways.
But his impact reaches well beyond the school gates. Whether coaching junior cricketers, supporting younger children through Auskick All-Abilities, or returning to his former primary school to help with programs, Caden has a natural instinct to include, encourage, and uplift others. .
Pictured: Caden with Nicola Mant (CDF), Nigel V. (College Business Manager), Cathy Livingston (College Principal) and Andrew Carman (CDF).
Grace – Bunbury Catholic College, Bunbury
Grace’s contribution to Bunbury Catholic College has been consistently thoughtful and impactful over the years. She has advocated for student wellbeing, helping create a more inclusive school environment. Her commitment extends well beyond the school grounds; she is an active surf lifesaving volunteer and seeks ways to offer leadership grounded in kindness and purpose.
Grace also embraces opportunities to grow and help others grow; whether through national leadership programs or by helping lead STEM learning initiatives for younger students at local primary schools. In all she does, Grace reflects the Bunbury Catholic College motto: acting justly, loving tenderly, and walking humbly.
Pictured: Grace with Kerrie Merritt (Catholic Education WA), Melanie McLean (CDF), and Ben Priest (College Principal).
Hyoojoo – Killester College, Springvale
Hyoojoo stood out for the way she leads, not just through achievement, but through generosity of spirit. Whether contributing to the arts or building connections across the college and beyond, she has a remarkable gift for bringing people together and creating a genuine sense of belonging.
Her service extends beyond the College; she has tutored primary students through the Vietnamese Women’s Association, volunteered as a Dandenong Youth Leader and Amplify Leader, and contributed to community events designed to be inclusive, accessible and welcoming for all young people.
Pictured: Hyoojoo with Annie Rosati (Killester College Principal) and Gerard Bibile (CDF).
Logan – Padua College, Mornington
Logan was recognised for her outstanding leadership, academic excellence, and genuine commitment to serving others across the community and at Padua College.
From representing peers as House Captain and Peer Mentor, to contributing to the Respectful Relationships Team, FIRE Carriers and the Alpha Youth Program, there isn’t a challenge to difficult for Logan. She has demonstrated excellence across a wide range of subjects and beyond the classroom has also represented her college in multiple sporting disciplines. In her service, she gives generously supporting various fundraising initiatives; her leadership is one that opens doors for others.
Pictured: Logan with Tamara Fernando (CDF) and Andrew Carman (CDF).
Marvin – St Mary MacKillop College, Swan Hill
Marvin embodies what it means to use education in service of others. At St Mary MacKillop College in Swan Hill, he has excelled academically, earning a place in the competitive work experience program at the Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research.
But it is his heart for service that truly sets him apart: mentoring new Vietnamese students, tutoring peers in mathematics, volunteering in aged care settings, and supporting people living with disability through community sports programs.
A proud moment for St Mary MacKillop College too, this is the second year running that a student from the College has received the CDF Fr Wall Bursary.
Pictured: Marvin with Michelle Haeusler (College Principal) and Gerard Bibile (CDF).
Rose – Catholic Ladies College, Eltham
From academic honours and a Principal’s Award to her roles as Year Level Leader, Peer Support Leader, and member of the Principal Student Advisory Council, Rose has given generously to her school community while excelling in her studies.
Beyond the classroom, she has represented Queensland as a triathlete and will represent Australia internationally next year.
Rose’s leadership, her generosity, and her consistent willingness to contribute reflect the kind of hope that the College’s founders, the Sisters of Charity, devoted their lives to nurturing: a hope expressed through action, service, and care for others.
Pictured: Rose with Andrew Carman (CDF), Stephanie Evans (CLC Principal), Simon Gridley (CLC Business Manager) and Milton Balazs (CDF)
Ruby – Catholic College, Sale
Ruby exemplifies the vision and mission of Catholic College Sale through her academic engagement, leadership, and practical service to others. She has represented her peers through the Student Voice Cabinet, participated in the Gippsland Social Innovators Day, and helped establish the first Catholic College Sale Marist Girls Cricket Team.
Beyond school, Ruby gives generously through fundraising and community service, reflecting the Marist–Sion values at the heart of Catholic College Sale; being strong of mind, gentle of heart, and committed to making a positive difference.
Pictured: Ruby with Andrew Carman (CDF), Tamara Fernando (CDF) and Brett Van Berkell (College Principal).
Congratulations to all seven of the 2025 CDF Father James Wall Bursary recipients. Each a wonderful example of what it means to lead with purpose, serve with generosity, and live the values of your school and Catholic community. We look forward to seeing the continued impact of your leadership in the years ahead.
To learn more about the CDF Father James Wall Bursary and the difference it continues to make for young Catholic leaders, visit: CDF Father James Wall Bursary.
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CDPF Limited, a company established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, has indemnified the Catholic Development Fund ABN 15 274 943 760 (the Fund) against any liability arising out of a claim by investors in the Fund. In practice, this means your investment is backed by the assets of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne. The Fund is required by law to make the following disclosure. Investment in the Fund is only intended to attract investors whose primary purpose for making their investment is to support the charitable purposes of the Fund. Investors’ funds will be used to generate a return to the Fund that will be applied to further the charitable works of the Archdiocese of Melbourne and the Dioceses of Sale and Bunbury. The Fund is not prudentially supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority nor has it been examined or approved by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). An investor in the Fund will not receive the benefit of the financial claims scheme or the depositor protection provisions in the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). The investments that the Fund offers are not subject to the usual protections for investors under the Corporations Act (Cth) or regulation by ASIC. Investors may be unable to get some or all of their money back when the investor expects or at all and investments in the Fund are not comparable to investments with banks, finance companies or fund managers. The Fund’s identification statement may be viewed here or by contacting the Fund. The Fund does not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence.
