Parish Finance Council

The Parish Finance Council (PFC) meets every two months to assess the income and expenditure of the parish and to plan for the long term sustainability of the parish. Members are appointed by Fr Michael and bring a range of skills and experience to the group which oversees the financial stewardship of the parish and acts as an advisory council to the parish priest on behalf of all parishioners.

Meet the members of the current council

Fr Joe D’Souza (Parish Administrator)

Matt de Dassel

Together with my wife Sharon and four children, we have called Sawtell Parish home for the last 20 years. I taught at St John Paul College as a Science teacher and then Ministry Coordinator before taking a position with the Catholic Schools Office as School Evangelisation Consultant. Our family loves and cares for our Parish and I have enjoyed being involved in the strategic planning around our building program, aged care and service to the poor priorities. I have a growing desire to see our Parish move from its strong position into a truly Missionary Parish, reaching out to those in our community and making Missionary Disciples.

Liz Watts

My name is Liz Watts and I am the current Principal of our parish school. I am privileged to lead a staff committed to reflecting the love of Jesus to our children and their families. My colleagues say I am solution-focused, optimistic and like to “get things done”. My four amazing sons and wonderful husband bring much joy into my life.

Dave Robson

I have been a parishioner for 30 yrs and living in Sawtell. Married to Helen, father of 5 and grandfather of 7 children. Owner & Practice Principal of Robson Financial Planning. An active member of the PFC and SCCA Board for past 10 yrs. A passion in securing the financial future of Sawtell Parish whilst providing for the current needs of our parishioners, from children to the frail and aged.

Katrina Bennett (née Littler)

I was born in Coffs Harbour and my family has been part of the Sawtell Parish for over 40yrs. My husband Gerry and I have two young daughters, who both attend MHOC Primary school. It is a little bit of déjà vu for me because I was in the original Kindergarten class for MHOC (1980) and I am now part of the MHOC Alumni Committee. I am currently employed as the Australian & NZ Research Manager for Macquarie Capital, Macquarie Group. I am fortunate that Macquarie allows me to work remotely from Coffs Harbour because we chose to relocate from Sydney to Coffs Harbour in 2014. Prior to relocation, I was the National Head of the Research & Knowledge Management Departments for Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC). I have over 15yrs National and International management experience but I have always felt the pull of the beautiful Coffs Coast region and am proud to be a part of the Sawtell Parish community.

Craig Hyde

Brendan Biddle

Michael Darragh

My career spans over 30 years in Health and aged care, with diverse senior level experience including the hospital sector with NSW Health, and aged care with residential and community care, rehabilitation, dementia care, retirement living and day centres.I have provided leadership to several leading aged care and retirement living organisations, and hold qualifications in general and geriatric nursing, have a Bachelor of Health Science (Management), a Master of Business Leadership, and am currently undertaking PhD studies part-time on aspects of leadership for the aged care sector.

I have represented the aged care sector on several aged care advisory committees, have had several years’ experience in China developing international standard aged care and academic linkages around the globe. I have presented at national and international conferences, lectured on aged care and dementia at colleges and university, and written numerous guides and training materials.

Parish Finance Council