John Batersby and Leo Dunne

Brisbane, Qld, Australia

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

Over the weekend I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Leo Dunne. Leo was in Sydney attending a meeting. He suffered a stroke and passed away at about 10.00pm on Friday night. He was 79.

Leo was a giant of parent advocacy for Catholic schools, and indeed all schools, as he served on various groups and committees at state and national level over many years.

He was still active championing the cause of education until his passing. His meeting on Friday was for a programme he was working on to support Indigenous parents and communities to help their children with reading.

Here at QCEC, Leo was Chair of the Finance Committee and a member of the Political Advisory Subcommittee, positions he has held for many years.

Leo served on the QCEC from 1980 -2000, including a period as Deputy Chair, and on the National Catholic Education Commission from 1984 - 1992.

Leo's involvement with the Parents and Friends began with the formation of an association in his home town of Dalby in 1963. He became the inaugural Executive Officer of the Parents and Friends Federation, serving in that role from 1982 - 2000, and was President of the Australian Parents Council for more than a decade from 1992.

Together with Alan Druery, Executive Director of QCEC, the two formed a formidable team representing the interests of Catholic education to government during a time of great challenge and change.

Leo was very clear in his vision for Catholic education and its aims. He would do his research thoroughly and invariably present a strong case, but always in a respectful way.

All of us owe a huge debt of gratitude for the generosity and goodness of a great man who made an enormous contribution to Catholic education.

On behalf of the Catholic education community, our thoughts and prayers are with Leo's wife Joyce and his children Stephan, Peter, Neville, and Paula at this difficult time.

The arrangements for Leo's funeral are: Mass held on Friday 4 February at 1.30pm in the Cathedral of St Stephen.

Kind regards

Mike Byrne

Executive Director

Kathy Fyson
Personal Assistant - Executive Director
Queensland Catholic Education Commission
143 Edward Street, BRISBANE Q 4000
GPO Box 2441, BRISBANE Q 4001
Ph: + 61 7 3336 9312
Fax: +61 7 3336 9305
Email: kathyf@qcec.catholic.edu.au