About Us
Who We AreOur parish is blessed to have a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who constitute the backbone of our faith community. With unwavering commitment and tireless service, we strive to create a welcoming and nurturing environment for all, embracing our shared Catholic faith.
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 on St Patrick’s Day, 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 to Sunraysia in 2021 as parish priest of Mildura, Red Cliffs and Merbein.
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 Shaiju Mathew MST
Visiting Priest
Fr Shaiju was born and raised in India, and in his youth joined the Missionary Society of St Thomas, which is a driving force in Syro-Malabar Catholic evangelisation. He moved to Mildura in 2020, and relocated to Robinvale in 2023. Since his arrival in Australia, he has served both Latin Rite Catholics and Syro-Malabar Rite Catholics throughout the Sunraysia region.