Our Congregational Leader

Annette Cunliffe was missioned as Congregational leader of the Sisters of Charity of Australia on 8th December 2008, a term that extends to December 2014. This is her second term in the role, having first held the position from December 1996 to December 2002.

Annette was born in Moree NSW but lived in Sydney from the age of a few months. She was educated there before becoming a Sister of Charity. Since then she has lived in NSW, Queensland, ACT and Victoria. Her ministries have been primarily in teaching and leadership in secondary and tertiary educational settings, most recently as a senior lecturer in the School of Educational leadership at Australian Catholic University.

In her previous term as Congregational Leader Annette was responsible for the ministries of the Congregation, including the incorporated Colleges, Hospitals, Aged Care Facilities and Outreach and other Social-welfare ministries as well as for the welfare of the Sisters. With the impending initiation of Mary Aikenhead Ministries much of the administration of the Congregational Ministries will be undertaken by the Trustees of the new Company, allowing more time for other aspects of leadership.

Annette is committed to a style of leadership that is empowering of others, and strengthens relationships and trust. She relies greatly on the four women who have been elected as Councillors for the six years. Her hobbies include sport, reading and enjoying music and the beauty of nature. The six years since her last time in her role have allowed her to read, reflect and research in the area of leadership, and to enjoy a little more time for her hobbies and to enjoy with family and friends.