About Us

Who We Are

Our Parish Council is made up of representatives from each faith community, plus two ex officio members (Safeguarding Officer and Parish Secretary) and the parish clergy. The Council meets five times each year, usually on a Sunday.

MEMBERS OF THE PARISH COUNCIL

Grace Brizzi

Community of St Joseph’s, Red Cliffs

Grace is a committed member of the St Joseph’s Catholic Community in Red Cliffs. Renowned for her outstanding catering, which she has channeled into a successful business, Grace is committed to enhancing the parish’s ministry of hospitality.

Elivra Iamarino

Community of Our Lady’s, Merbein

Elvira, a lifelong resident of Merbein, is an active member of the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic community. For 30 years, Elvira has served the wider community as owner and director of Sunraysia Funerals, a ministry which aptly reflects her deep dedication to community life, and the importance of presence and care.

Carmel Russo

Parish Secretary & Admin Officer

Carmel is an ex-officio member of Parish Council in her capacity as Parish Secretary and Administrative Officer. This makes her “the face of the parish” — a role she has diligently and graciously exercised since 2012. Born and raised in Mildura, Carmel is a member of the St Joseph’s Red Cliffs Catholic community.

Clem Carlucci

Community of Sacred Heart, Mildura

Clem is a lifelong member of the Sacred Heart Catholic community, and is Chairman of the Mildura chapter of the Knights of the Southern Cross. Clem is committed to sustaining the youth ministry which so nourished him as a young adult.

Vince Pileggi

Parish Safeguarding Officer

Vince is an ex-officio member of the Parish Council, having been appointed Parish Safeguarding Officer. He is a lifelong member of the St Joseph’s Red Cliffs Catholic Community, and also serves on the Our Lady of the Rosary Fiesta Committee. A devoted husband and father, he is well-equipped to foster a child-safe culture in our parish.

George Schmidt

Community of St Francis Xavier, Irymple

When George and his family first moved to Sunraysia decades ago, St Francis Xavier was their nearest church. The Schmidts have since relocated to Mildura, but their affection for Irymple’s close-knit community means they travel the extra distance to worship there. George is active in liturgical and service ministries.

Di Eagle

Community of St Joseph’s, Red Cliffs

Di is a constant smiling presence at the St Joseph’s Catholic Community in Red Cliffs, where she is involved in several fund raising and social outreach programs. Di welcomes each and every suggestion which might deepen and enrich Sunraysia parish life.

Nancy Prevedello

Community of Our Lady’s, Merbein

Nancy is a life-long member of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic community in Merbein. She is well-known throughout the region for her leadership skills and her willingness to donate time and energy to community initiatives. Nancy is committed to enhancing the Sunraysia Parish’s application of Catholic Social Justice.

Rebecca Tam

Community of Sacred Heart, Mildura

Rebecca is the youngest member of our Parish Council, and also one of our newest parishioners. She was received into the Church in 2022, and balances teaching work at St Joseph’s College with the toil and wonder of raising two children under two! She wishes to share the joy she experienced in becoming Catholic.

Our Priests

Fr Matthew Thomas

Parish Priest

Fr Matt was born and raised in Geelong, and ordained in Ballarat in 2006. He has served as assistant priest at the Ballarat Cathedral and in Mildura, and as parish priest of Camperdown and Swan Hill. He was delighted to return in 2021 as parish priest of Mildura, Red Cliffs and Merbein and oversee the foundation of the new Sunraysia parish.

Fr John Corrigan

Assistant Priest

Fr John was born and raised in Ballarat, and ordained there in 2011. Until his move to Mildura in 2023, he has served exclusively in the southern zone of the diocese, living in Koroit, Hamilton, Casterton, Port Fairy and Warrnambool. Despite his Irish heritage and southern origins, he is much more suited to the Sunraysia climate!

Fr Bill Lowry

Assistant Priest

Fr Bill was born and raised in Woodend, and ordained in Ballarat in 2022. Prior to his 2025 move to Sunraysia, Fr Bill was assistant priest at Star of the Sea Parish, South West Coast. During his time as a seminarian, he gained valuable experience living and working in Mildura alongside Fr Michael McKinnon and, later, with Fr Matthew Thomas.