Celebrating over 20 years of emerging student leaders with the CDF Fr James Wall Bursary
February 22, 2024

Pictured: Bede and his mother with Brendan Hoy; CDF GM Client Services and Aaron Gupta; CDF Relationship Manager.

For over 20 years the CDF Fr James Wall Bursary has recognised the achievements of students in the Catholic community.


Year 10 students from Catholic colleges in Melbourne, Sale and Bunbury have had an opportunity to demonstrate not only excellence in academics and sport but also leadership and social service in their local community.


In 2023, CDF was proud to award six students with a $5,000 bursary to assist with school fees and expenses in the final two years of Catholic education.


The six students were recognised by the CDF team at college award ceremonies, not only to present the Fr James Wall Bursary but also learn about the outstanding achievements of many students across the community.


Congratulations to all the 2023 Fr James Wall Bursary recipients:

2023 Recipient Highlights:


Bede (pictured at top) from Nagle College, Bairnsdale has taken an active role volunteering in the community where he assists with activity at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School – his community involvement saw him raise an incredible $10,000 for the Leukemia Foundation on his own merit. While keeping busy with high-school studies, Bede also challenged himself on a special project, working alongside professors and staff at Swinburne University astrophysics department.


Callum from St Joseph’s College, Geelong is a member of the St Joseph’s Inclusive Community team, where he has been working with a disability inclusion coach to help create a more inclusive and accessible school environment for all students, including those with physical or mental impairments. A worthy recipient of the Bursary.


Jake from Padua College, Mornington, is an active leader in the Respectful Relationships Team at the college. He played a pivotal role in working with the school’s leadership team to develop a program aimed at assisting students to better care for their health and wellbeing – mirroring the values of compassion and empathy that underpin the College’s philosophy.

Maddison from Caroline Chisholm College, Braybrook is a college ambassador, campus captain and has displayed great passion and dedication to the College’s leadership and faith portfolio. Whilst keeping herself busy with an array of activities she also actively volunteers with St Vincent De Paul, MacKillop Paw Pals and Friends of Kororoit Creek in her local community.


Preston from St Mary MacKillop College, Busselton, not only excels academically but also passionately participates in sporting and community engagements, including volunteering at local Iron Man events and the Disabled Surfing Australia Assocation. Whilst also playing an active role in the College’s SRC, Preston took charge with the student voice survey, leading a collegiate culture of inclusion, cooperation and community development.

Sienna from Clonard College, Geelong is a passionate social justice leader and has been the driving force behind the Brigidine Asylum Seeker Program Food Drive, the Winter Coat Appeal, Justice Meal Deal, Clean Up Wadawurrung Country, and the St Thomas Reading Program. In 2023 Sienna was also chosen to represent her College at World Youth Day in Portugal.


Congratulations to all the 2023 recipients!

Pictured: Sienna with GM Client Services Brendan Hoy and CDF Relationship Manager Aaron Gupta.

Since 2002, CDF has sponsored a total of 105 bursaries, for deserving Catholic secondary school students.


Learn more about the CDF Fr Wall Bursary.

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