Diocesan Finance CouncilThe Diocesan Finance Council (DFC) of the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle plays a pivotal advisory and canonical role in the stewardship of diocesan financial affairs.
Members
Brett Gleeson - Chair
Brett Gleeson’s career began in radio management before transitioning to adult education as Executive Director of WEA Hunter. He founded Gleeson Consulting Services in 2002, focusing on strategy, governance and project management. He later led the Business Growth Centre and served as General Manager of the Newcastle Show Association, followed by Maitland Show Association. Brett has extensive board experience across government and community organisations and is a long-standing member of the Diocesan Advisory Board. He holds qualifications in business, management and governance.
Michael Page
Michael is an experienced executive and board director with a 40-year career spanning the private sector and not-for-profit organisations across education, health, aged care, disability, housing, construction, banking and community services. He has held leadership roles with Westpac, Hastings Funds Management, Lendlease and Leighton Contractors, and contributed to major social infrastructure projects. He has non-executive board experience across Catholic, Anglican and community organisations. Supported by qualifications including a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and GAICD accreditation, he brings expertise in governance, finance, strategy, property development and risk.
Anna Starrett
Anna Starrett is a senior executive and Chartered Accountant with over 30 years’ experience in finance, governance and leadership across diverse sectors. She has held executive roles in Finance, Operations and General Management. Her expertise spans corporate governance, risk management, stakeholder engagement and is complemented by strong board experience and audit and risk oversight. Anna brings a values-driven, community-focused approach, shaped by long-standing service on the Diocesan Advisory Board. She is a Graduate of the AICD and holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Masters qualification in Organisational Leadership.
Charlie Chedid
Charlie Chedid is an experienced entrepreneur and leader in property and construction sectors, having founded ventures including Construction Concierge Australia. Charlie brings expertise in strategic planning, financial stewardship, risk and quality management and systems development. He has a proven record in stakeholder management, business growth and high-value property operations. Charlie is committed to community and faith-based service, demonstrated through youth ministry leadership, parish music involvement and fundraising initiatives that reflect his dedication to evangelisation and service.
Martin Thomas
Martin Thomas FIML MAITD is a senior executive, board director and association leader with more than 30 years of leadership across the not-for-profit, health, education, training and community sectors. He has served the Dental Assistants Professional Association, Scouts Australia, St John Ambulance NSW and The CEO Institute, and has contributed to numerous boards and committees. Martin is a member of the Diocesan Finance Council, supporting faith-based community service. His leadership is shaped by his faith, lifelong connection with the Church, parish life, and commitment to service, stewardship, sound governance, and practical outcomes for people, organisations and faith communities.
Dallas Whitehead
Dallas Whitehead is a senior executive with more than 30 years’ experience in financial management, risk and strategic planning across banking, investment and property sectors. He has held leadership roles including Chief Operating Officer HT Retirement, Chief Investment & Risk Officer at One Global Capital and Finance Director at Parkview Group, with earlier senior positions at CBA, St George and NAB. Dallas demonstrates strong parish engagement, volunteer service and a commitment to contributing to diocesan mission through his service on the Diocesan Finance Council.
Skills and experience
Each of us is gifted with varying talents, skills and experiences. In essence, we seek people who are passionate about supporting the future of our Church and building on our history to fulfill our mission – to serve all in the community so they may experience life to the full.
These differing perspectives and skills combine to complement others, challenge our thinking and build a truly synodal church.
The skills and backgrounds that might align with what we seek for this Council or Board are outlined below. Applicants do not have to fit any or all of those listed. We welcome expressions of interests from all those who feel called to contribute their insight, skills and experience.
The range of experience we need to support this Council may include people with backgrounds and experience in:
- Catholic mission and identity
- Finance
- Accounting
- Auditing
- Risk
- Property Development
- Legal skills are also valued in this Council
Meeting Dates
*dates subject to change
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Thursday 29 January 2026
8:30am to 3:15pm *Optional Good Governance Day
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Thursday 26 February 2026
4:00pm to 6:00pm
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Wednesday 29 April 2026
4:00pm to 6:00pm
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Tuesday 19 May 2026
4:00pm to 6:00pm
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Wednesday 21 October 2026
4:00pm to 6:00pm
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Thursday 12 November 2026
4:00pm to 6:00pm
Statutes and Protocols
Statutes and Protocols are ad experimentum during the first year, and may be updated from time to time during that year. The role of the relevant Council or Board will be to, at the end of the first year, consider the drafts and participate in updates to make the process fit for purpose.
Apply Now
We welcome you to express your interest in the Diocesan Finance Council. Email [email protected]
