We welcome our new Board Chair for CatholicCare Victoria
We are excited to announce that, as of 16 May 2023, Ross Castle has been appointed to Board Chair for CatholicCare Victoria.
Ross has served on the Board since CatholicCare Victoria's establishment in January 2021, and has provided sound leadership and guidance ever since.
Ross has over 40 years' experience in the international insurance industry, with a focus on managing the complex needs of major corporations and financial institutions. He is currently General Manager, Client at Catholic Church Insurance where he has overall responsibility for CCI’s client engagement strategy.
We welcome Ross to his new role, and we thank John Sheldon for his many years of dedicated service on both the CatholicCare Melbourne/Gippsland and CatholicCare Victoria Boards.
Photo: Ross Castle, Chair of the CCV Board.
Building Thriving Communities: words from Ross Castle on the launch of 14 new social housing homes
It was with great pride and excitement that as Chair of CatholicCare Victoria, on June 15th 2023, we gathered in Delacombe to witness a significant milestone in our journey towards creating thriving communities.
CatholicCare Victoria Housing (CCVH) proudly unveiled the first completed homes, representing the initial phase of our ambitious project to provide over 270 homes across regional Victoria.
This remarkable achievement has been made possible through joint funding from the Victorian Government and our partnership with CCVH. It is truly a testament to our commitment to fostering environments where communities can thrive.
The completion of the 14 new homes marks the beginning of a series of projects that highlights our unwavering dedication to social housing.
We are both steadfast in our resolve to break the cycle of disadvantage that plagues many communities in regional Victoria. Through this initiative, we aim to empower individuals and families, offering them a fresh start and a chance to build a better future.
Photo from left to right: Tony Busuttil, Chief Operating Officer CCV; George Housakos, Board member CCVH; Kevin Murnane, Board member CCV & CCVH; Maureen Waddington, Board member CCV; Fiona Williams, CEO CCVH; John Murphy, Board member CCV; Frank O'Connor, Board member CCV; The Hon. Colin Brooks, Minister for Housing; Juliana Addison MP, Member for Wendouree, Parliament of Victoria; Ross Castle, Board Chair CCV; Anne Paton, Group Director Engagement CCV.
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the CCVH team and CEO Fiona Williams, for their tireless efforts in laying the foundation for this remarkable journey. Their dedication and passion have been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.
The visionary leadership of Most Rev Peter Comensoli, Most Rev Paul Bird CSsR, Most Rev Gregory Bennet, and Most Rev Shane Mackinlay in bringing together and aligning the social services agencies of the Catholic Dioceses in Victoria has created the necessary and important scale to embark on this journey. Their commitment to our cause has played a pivotal role in making this possible and promoting the wellbeing of those in need.
A special acknowledgment is due to the Ballarat Catholic Development Fund for their generous grant, which has allowed many new tenants to acquire essential appliances, providing them with a positive start in their new homes. This gracious gift is a tangible gesture of support to the residents, and we are truly grateful for their invaluable contribution.
At CatholicCare Victoria, our clients' needs are at the forefront of everything we do. Housing is a fundamental building block that empowers individuals to lead fulfilling lives. The 14 new homes in Delacombe offer comfortable and contemporary accommodation in a fantastic neighbourhood, creating an environment where residents can thrive.
Looking ahead, CCV and CCVH will continue to collaborate in our mission to deliver not just houses, but thriving communities throughout Victoria.
By providing affordable housing solutions and supporting those in need, we aim to enable individuals to remain in their communities, even when affordable options are scarce.
It is truly exhilarating to witness the coming together of our housing capabilities, combined with social services and Homes Victoria, as we deliver the first of many much-needed homes across regional Victoria. Together, we will make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.
Thank you to all those who support CatholicCare Victoria, for your unwavering support and commitment to our vision.
Yours sincerely,
Ross Castle
Chair of the Board
CatholicCare Victoria