16 May 2017
Dear Colleagues,
Following a thorough national search and the identification of a number of highly-qualified candidates, the Bishops Commission for Catholic Education is pleased to announce Christian Zahra will serve as the next executive director of the National Catholic Education Commission.
Across a range of spheres – including politics, community development and business – Christian has been a major contributor to Australian society over the past two decades. In this new role, he will help to shape the educational opportunities of the one in five children and young people being educated in the 1,737 Catholic schools across the country.
As well as spending two terms in the Federal Parliament, Christian has also provided leadership to a number of organisations, both in management and governance, with a focus on improving the lives of people, particularly those experiencing disadvantage. Most recently, he led the Wunan Foundation, which supports Indigenous Australians through a range of programs, social enterprises and partnerships.
Christian has always been a strong advocate on behalf of his communities and stakeholders. He will speak clearly and passionately on behalf of Catholic school students, teachers and families in this new role.
On behalf of the Bishops Commission for Catholic Education, I congratulate Christian on his appointment. We look forward to working closely with him to support and enhance the Catholic Church’s enormous contribution to school education in this country.
Yours in Christ
Most Reverend Timothy Costelloe SDB
Chair, Bishops Commission for Catholic Education
