Diocesan Governance CouncilThe Diocesan Governance Council (DGC) is a key advisory body within the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, established to support the Bishop and the Trustees in navigating the complex landscape of legal, compliance, and governance responsibilities.
Our Members
Anna Starrett - Chair
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.
Allan Murray
Allan Murray has over 30 years’ experience in audit, risk and compliance across energy, healthcare and government, with roles at AGL, Origin Energy and Roads & Maritime Services NSW. He has international experience across Asia and Chile and was Director Audit and Risk for the NSW Department of Regional NSW prior to his retirement. Allan is a Certified Internal Auditor, a Professional Member of the Institute of Internal Auditors, and a Certified Professional Risk Manager. He holds an MBA and Diploma of Commerce.
Kedra Egan
Kedra Egan is a governance, risk and compliance leader with more than twenty years of experience in financial services and regulated environments in Australia and New Zealand recognised for her calm, considered approach. She has held senior executive and non-executive roles, working with boards and regulators to strengthen governance and improve risk maturity. Kedra has served as Responsible Manager under Australian Credit License and the Australian Financial Services Licence regimes. Kedra currently an Independent Member of the Lake Macquarie City Council Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee and has previously served on community focused boards, including the Alcoholics Anonymous NSW Board.
Stephen Bartlett
Stephen offers over 40 years’ experience in financial management, governance and strategic leadership across local government, regional organisations, Catholic agencies and NSW panels. He has served as Chair and Board Member of Destination Country & Outback NSW and held a long-term directorship with Centacare New England North-West. With qualifications in local government management, environmental law and accounting, he brings expertise in governance, risk, policy, procurement and stakeholder engagement. He actively participated in parish life as a Eucharistic Minister.
Fr James Lunn
Reverend James Lunn is a priest of the Diocese of Maitland Newcastle, ordained in June 1998 at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hamilton. He holds a Bachelor of Theology and Diploma in Religious Studies from St Paul’s Theological College, following earlier qualifications in commerce, management, arts and mathematics from the University of Newcastle. Fr James has served in a range of parish and pastoral leadership roles across the Hunter region, including Muswellbrook, East Maitland, Singleton and Cessnock Kurri Kurri. He has also served as Dean of the Hunter Deanery. He currently serves as Parish Priest of Cessnock and Kurri Kurri parishes and contributes to diocesan governance through his membership of the Trustees, College of Consultors, Council of Priests and the Diocesan Governance 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
- Legal (commercial specialty in particular)
- Risk Management
- Human Resources / People & Culture
- Strategic Planning
- Financial skills
- Policy Development
Meeting Dates
*dates subject to change
Governance Council
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Thursday 29 January 2026
8:30am to 3:15pm *Optional Good Governance Day
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Thursday 12 February 2026
4:00pm to 6:00pm
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Thursday 11 June 2026
4:00pm to 6:00pm
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Thursday 13 August 2026
4:00pm to 6:00pm
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Tuesday 10 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 Governance Council. Email [email protected]
