Annette Morey, currently Deputy Executive Director of Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA), has been appointed as CEWA’s new Executive Director, effective at the start of Semester Two, 2025.
The appointment was confirmed by the Bishops of Western Australia following a comprehensive consultation and discernment process and signals a new chapter for Catholic education in the state.
Background
In a letter dated 24 April 2025, the Bishops of Western Australia announced the conclusion of their search for the next Executive Director of Catholic Education Western Australia.
The process, conducted in partnership with executive search firm Gerard Daniels, involved an interview panel chaired by Bishop Tim Norton SVD DD and included Ms Eva Skira AM, Ms Siobhan Allen, Dr Edward Simons, Mrs Therese Temby and Mr Peter Yensch.
Candidates from across the nation were assessed on their capacity to guide CEWA through its next strategic phase before Morey was selected.
A Career of Service
Morey brings over 32 years of dedicated leadership within Catholic school communities in WA.
She began her career serving as a leader at St Norbert College, before moving to Prendiville Catholic College and then Mater Dei College, where she was widely praised for her commitment to faith formation and academic excellence.
Beyond her school roles, Morey has contributed to system governance through service on key Catholic Education Commission of WA committees and working parties, including the School Improvement Committee, the Aboriginal Community Committee and the Audit and Risk Committee.
Nationally, she has represented WA as WA Director of Catholic Secondary Principals Australia and President of the Associated and Catholic Colleges of Western Australia.
In 2023, she was appointed by the Minister for Education to the Post-School Success Review Expert Panel, and between 2020 and 2023 served on the School Curriculum and Standards Authority Principals Advisory Committee.
Her academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Biology) and a Master of Education (Leadership) from Edith Cowan University, as well as a Master of Religious Education from the University of Notre Dame Australia—an educational foundation she says underpins her evidence-based approach infused with theological insight.
Vision and Mandate
As Deputy Executive Director, Morey was instrumental in shaping and implementing CEWA’s Strategic Initiatives 2030, which focus on Christ-centred learning, teaching excellence, student wellbeing and sustainable communities.
She forged strong relationships with the Minister for Education, the Department of Education and the Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia (AISWA), strengthening CEWA’s advocacy and innovation credentials.
Morey has articulated a vision of “Christ-centred, child-focused education,” aiming to nurture young people who are both academically prepared and spiritually grounded.
Community and Stakeholder Response
Reaction across the Catholic education community has been enthusiastic.
Eva Skira AM, Chair of the Catholic Education Commission of Western Australia, expressed gratitude to the Bishops for selecting “a distinguished leader of faith and learning” and paid tribute to outgoing Executive Director Wayne Bull’s 47 years of service.
“We look forward to celebrating Wayne’s service as Executive Director, and to acknowledging his 47-year commitment to Catholic education in Western Australia,” Ms Skira said.
Principals, staff and families have welcomed the appointment as a sign of continuity and confidence in CEWA’s future direction.
Looking Ahead
Morey will undertake a progressive handover with outgoing Executive Director Wayne Bull during Term Two, ahead of her formal start at the beginning of Semester Two.
Bull, retiring at the end of Semester One after nearly five decades in Catholic education, will ensure a smooth transition.
Coinciding with CEWA’s Jubilee Year celebrations, Morey’s appointment comes at a moment of reflection and renewal across Catholic parishes and schools.
Under her leadership, CEWA is expected to deepen community engagement, champion equity of access—especially in regional and remote areas—and advance the Strategic Initiatives 2030 vision for faith-filled, future-ready learning environments.