Community & Business
11 July, 2024
New CEO for Catholic education
A FRESH new face has stepped into the role of CEO for Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns, with Diarmuid O’Riordan taking over the organisation's top spot.
Mr O’Riordan (pictured) is no stranger to the region, having served as deputy executive director of catholic education in Cairns from 2014 to 2016 and is currently deputy executive director of Brisbane Catholic Education.
He said he was looking forward to returning to Cairns and to building on the work being done in the 30 schools of the diocese, educating more than 12,000 students from Tully in the south to Waiben (Thursday Island) in the north.
“I’m looking forward to a new challenge and a great privilege and responsibility in delivering a world-class education for our students across Far North Queensland,” he said.
“My wife Jacqueline and I loved living in Cairns, and we’re eagerly looking forward to returning.
“It’s a great place, with great people, and I’m determined to provide the best leadership and support possible to our students and staff.”
The administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Cairns, Fr Kerry Crowley, said he was very pleased to have Mr O’Riordan come on board and hoped he would make a positive legacy with the organisation.
“Diarmuid has built his career in Catholic Education, with more than 20 years of experience as an educational leader, including being Principal of three large schools and working as a successful leader in school systems,” he said.
“I’m certain that he will provide strong, dedicated and caring leadership to our schools and offices.”
Current executive director, Bill Dixon, will retire at the end of 2024, after more than 10 years in the role.
