Introducing Loreto Ministries CEO Cate Sydes
Carrying forward Mary Ward’s legacy
Loreto is very pleased to welcome Ms Cate Sydes BA, DipEd., MEd., MACE, as the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of Loreto Ministries.
For many years the Loreto Sisters and their colleagues have worked together to expand and enrich their ministries within the Province of Australia and South East Asia. This collaboration around the Loreto shared mission is evident across the schools’ network, a broad range of other ministries in Australia, Timor-Leste and Vietnam and the Boards and committees that provide the necessary guidance and support.
Loreto Ministries aims to reinforce the embedded values of Loreto education through a unified network of schools across Australia and South East Asia shaped by the charism of our Founder, Mary Ward.
Asked about her new position, Cate replied: “There seemed to be an opportunity to make a change to peoples’ lives. Loreto Sisters are renowned for their courageous works all over the world. They have led the way in education, particularly women and children’s education.”
Cate will support the governing Boards of the Loreto schools and also the development of emerging ministries in Vietnam and Timor-Leste. As Cate says, “it is a wide scope but extremely interesting.”
“I will ensure the Gospel and the Charism of Mary Ward is the cornerstone of all present and future ministries. I look forward to working with the schools.”
Cate comes to the position highly credentialed as an outstanding leader within the Catholic Church in the areas of education and services to young people. With a passion for justice and the education of young people she has for many years worked in support of the ministries of other Congregations such as the Jesuits and Marist Brothers and appreciates the importance of founding the mission on the charism of the Congregation.
For the last 10 years Cate has been CEO of Marist Youth Care (recently rebranded as Marist 180). In that time under her leadership the organisation expanded through innovative programs, business development and fundraising initiatives, there was a six-fold increase in the agency’s operations. Marist 180 has developed into one of the largest service providers in the nation helping at risk young people, their families and communities. Today Marist180 employs in excess of 360 staff plus 114 volunteers to work with over 4,000 young people and their families in Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra and Melbourne.
For the six years prior to joining Marist180 Cate held two positions concurrently with Wesley Mission Sydney. She was the National Manager Lifeforce Suicide Prevention Program and State Manager Accommodation Services and Independent Living Programs. In the six years preceding this she was the College Psychologist and a member of the Executive team at St Ignatius Riverview College, Sydney.
Cate is a past parent of Loreto Kirribilli in Sydney and is well versed and committed to the values of Loreto and the call to – seek truth and do justice.
“I really believe in the mission – These Loreto values are at the forefront for me as I enter this role. Education is the gift that allows people to flourish and make a difference in the world,” said Cate.
In 2015 Cate was a NSW State Finalist in the Telstra Business Women’s Awards, one of the most prestigious and highly recognised programs for Australian women in business. Her nomination in the category, Purpose and Social Enterprise, reflects a 36-year career focused on the welfare of children.
Cate has a Master’s in Education and Psychology, has completed an MBA and is a graduate of the Institute of Company Directors. At both national and state level Cate has been actively involved with a variety of Boards and is an active member of four not-for-profit Boards.
Excited about the future of Loreto Ministries, the Australian & South East Asian Province Leader, Margaret Mary Flynn ibvm said, “I am delighted to welcome our new Loreto Ministries CEO. I have every confidence that Cate will bring new life and potential to strengthen and expand Loreto ministries within the Province.”
Cate is married and has two children. She looks forward to meeting you on her travels.
Welcome Cate!
Words: Loreto Ministries Communications Manager, Elouise Hahn