Greg Whitby retires as Parramatta Diocese’s schools executive director

After more than 40 years in education, the leader of Parramatta Diocese’s schools has announced his retirement amid allegations he used school funds to buy a priest properties.

After more than 40 years in the education system, including the past 16 years helming the Parramatta Diocese as its executive director, Greg Whitby has announced that he will retire at the end of the year.

Mr Whitby, who started teaching in 1974 and was the director of schools for Wollongong Diocese for seven years before joining Parramatta, took to Twitter on Thursday morning to announce the departure before issuing a formal statement.

“It has been a blessing to have the opportunity to help make a difference to the lives and

learning of so many children and young people through my work of school and system

leadership,’’ he said.

As the executive director, Mr Whitby led 80 Catholic schools across western Sydney and the Blue Mountains as Executive Director of Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta since 2006.

The State Government is investigating the Parramatta Diocese and alleges Mr Whitby bought two properties for a priest using school funds to buy parish properties.

A diocese spokeswoman said the NSW Legislative Council Education Committee Estimates hearing was yet to be finalised.

In a letter to parents, Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen said he accepted Mr Whitby’s decision after outstanding service with the Parramatta Catholic Education Diocese.

“In our 36-year history as a diocese, Catholic schools education has been served well by excellent leadership,’’ he said.

“Greg has been a brave, courageous, and innovative champion for Catholic education.’’

Parramatta Catholic Diocese executive director Greg Whitby in 2020. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Bishop Long said Mr Whitby oversaw remarkable change between 1988 and 1998.

“I take this initial opportunity to thank him for his leadership, contribution, and enthusiasm in promoting Catholic Education for all, in Australia and beyond,’’ he said.

“There will be opportunities to thank Greg and acknowledge his contribution to education and the Diocese of Parramatta over the coming months.

“A process to search for Greg’s successor will begin shortly.’’

In 2018, Mr Whitby was appointed an Order of Australia (AM) award for his outstanding contribution to education and the transformation of schooling for young people across greater western Sydney and he was also awarded the Papal Knighthood in the Order of St Gregory the Great in 2013.

The 69 year old, who has taught at several schools including Liverpool Boys’ High, John Therry Catholic College at Rosemeadow, and was the principal at Emmaus Catholic College at Kemps Creek, has also been outspoken in his role.

Two years ago, he labelled the government’s response to the NSW Curriculum Review as “nothing more than a dog’s breakfast”.

The former Western Sydney University business faculty lecturer has also been leading the contentious $120 million redevelopment of the Westmead Catholic Community Education Campus, which has sparked backlash from parents and the public, who deem it an overdevelopment.

The site is already struggling with traffic from three schools on campus and is opposite Westmead Hospital.

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