Bunbury Bishop George Kolodziej SDS has appointed Kerrie Merritt as the diocese’s new chancellor from February 2026.
In announcing Ms Merritt’s appointment yesterday, Bishop Kolodziej said he was “confident that Kerrie’s dedication and wisdom will be a great blessing to our diocesan community as we continue to serve Christ and his people together”.
“Kerrie brings to this role a deep faith, 20 years of outstanding leadership experience and a sincere commitment to the mission of the Church.”
Ms Merritt has worked in Catholic education for 43 years, including 27 years with Catholic Education WA in the Bunbury Diocese.
In January 2020, she took on the role of CEWA regional director for Bunbury, which gave her opportunities to work closely with the diocese’s 28 schools and collaborate with clergy and Church leaders from the 27 parishes.
“This is an exciting time for our diocese,” Ms Merritt said. “I am so fortunate to be able to be a part of the journey of the People of God in the Diocese of Bunbury and to be given the opportunity to share in Bishop George’s vision for ‘connectedness’ in the life of the Church.”
Ms Merritt believes that she is ready to step up to the role of chancellor.
“With over 20 years of leadership experience, my personal commitment to my faith and my strong relationship with the Bunbury Diocese, my hope is that this role will be a natural progression, where I will be able to share my skillset and be a part of the synodal journey of our Diocese.”
When asked about the challenges that the chancellor role pose, Ms Merritt said: “I do know that I have a lot to learn moving from an education space to this new role; but this in its own way excites me as well. I am truly blessed and grateful to have been given this opportunity”.
Ms Merritt’s primary role is to fulfill the canonical duties and responsibilities of the chancellor and to work effectively and collaboratively alongside the Office of the Bishop of Bunbury in serving the work of evangelisation under the authority of the Bishop.
FULL STORY
Bishop of Bunbury names Kerrie Merritt as new Chancellor of the Diocese of Bunbury (Bunbury Diocese)
