Headquarters:
2 St Mary's Road, Sydney, NSW 2000
Year founded:
1824
Number of employees:
105
Phone:
0 9235 0500
Email:
fleur.cane@syd.catholic.edu.au
Website:
smccsydney.syd.catholic.edu.au
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/company/smccsydney
“We prioritise embracing cutting-edge technologies, creative problem solving and continuous improvement to enhance our premium funding solutions and provide exceptional value to our clients”
Kerrie McDiarmid
College Principal
Christopher Maoudis
Assistant Principal – Senior School
David Timillero
Assistant Principal – Middle School
Leadership
Appointed principal of St Mary’s Cathedral College in 2023, Kerrie McDiarmid brings over 27 years of teaching and leadership experience. Recognised as one of The Educator’s Most Influential Educators, she is known for her innovative vision and commitment to educational transformation. McDiarmid previously led St Clare’s College Waverley and has held roles at Marist College Kogarah and the University of Notre Dame. Her leadership is marked by a passion for whole-school improvement, a growth mindset and empowering both staff and students. Under her guidance, St Mary’s has been recognised for groundbreaking teaching approaches and a strong focus on student success.
College Principal
Kerrie McDiarmid
Christopher Maoudis became assistant principal of senior school at St Mary’s Cathedral College in 2023, bringing over 20 years of experience in education. Previously deputy principal at St Clare’s College Waverley, he has also served as director of learning and teaching. Maoudis is dedicated to fostering innovative, data-informed teaching and building staff capacity through collaboration and reflective practice. He has taught senior English, religious education and history, always encouraging excellence and teamwork. Known for his strong rapport with staff, students and parents, Maoudis’s leadership has consistently driven positive change and strong educational outcomes.
Assistant Principal – Senior School
Christopher Maoudis
Appointed assistant principal of middle school in 2023, David Timillero is known for his deep commitment to student growth and wellbeing. With leadership experience at Bethlehem College, Ashfield, and Holy Spirit Catholic College, Lakemba, he has focused on building strong relationships within school communities. He integrates life skills and moral education into the curriculum, nurturing resilience, empathy and respect. Timillero’s leadership is marked by initiatives that support both academic achievement and personal development, ensuring students are prepared for the complexities of modern life. His dedication leaves a lasting, positive impact on every school community he serves.
Assistant Principal – Middle School
David Timillero
BRETT BASTOW, IQUMULATE PREMIUM FUNDINGs
Leadership
Leadership
Suzanne Georgiou
Assistant Principal – Junior School
Suzanne Georgiou was appointed assistant principal of junior school at St Mary’s Cathedral College in 2024. With extensive experience as deputy principal at St Charles’ Primary and Galilee Catholic Primary, she specialises in gifted education and curriculum reform. Georgiou is passionate about using contemporary teaching approaches and educational research to drive student achievement. Her leadership is defined by energy, dedication and a strong focus on inclusive learning. Georgiou’s excellent communication skills empower students, staff and parents, always placing their wellbeing at the centre of her decisions. She is committed to building a vibrant, supportive learning culture.
Assistant Principal – Junior School
Suzanne Georgiou
Belinda VanderGert
Assistant Principal – Liberal Arts
Belinda VanderGert joined St Mary’s Cathedral College as assistant principal of liberal arts in 2023, bringing over 20 years of educational leadership experience. She has played a key role in curriculum development and student wellbeing initiatives across Sydney and Melbourne. VanderGert champions innovative teaching practices and has led the implementation of the Character Education program, promoting resilience and ethical growth. She fosters a collaborative environment where academic excellence and personal development go hand in hand. VanderGert’s leadership is defined by her commitment to inclusivity and empowering every student to reach their full potential in a supportive school
Assistant Principal – Liberal Arts
Belinda VanderGert
Stevens & Associates Lawyers is a leading and trusted employment law firm based in Sydney known for delivering high-quality legal expertise in the area of employment law and industrial relations across Australia, alongside a proven track record of effectively and swiftly resolving a variety of workplace law issues.
In the past year, the firm’s growth has been notable. It has:
• experienced a 213% growth in the number of client matters, increasing from 149 client matters in the 2022 financial year to 390 client matters in the 2023 financial year
• improved its online visibility, leading to over 50 online enquiries each month and a conversion rate of client leads of up to 40%
• significantly expanded the breadth and type of matters that it advises on day to day, which has increased the firm’s skillsets, diversity and resilience
• expanded its community outreach by collaborating with local Sydney venues for client seminars and continuing active participation in a Sydney small/family business group
Stevens & Associates Lawyers has adapted to digital trends by implementing an effective strategy with SEO and web design, resulting in a structural shift that has seen increased representation of employees where the firm previously mainly advised employers.
The firm’s recognition as a “Fast Firm” attests to its momentum in the employment law space.
“IQumulate is on a technology journey, and we’re just getting started”
Wayne Tower,
IQumulate Premium Funding
Thomas Hunter
Assistant Principal – Mission
Steph Leeson
Business Development Manager
Margaret Leau-Sulusi
Business Development Manager
Pam Chhabra
Manager – Residential Strata
Appointed assistant principal of mission in 2023, Thomas Hunter is passionate about character education and student development. He leads both ATAR and vocational programs, emphasising high expectations and broad skill development. With experience working and volunteering for charitable NGOs, Hunter encourages students to make a difference and engage deeply with ethical and cultural questions. He is especially focused on religious education and outreach, fostering a collaborative, meaningful environment. Hunter looks forward to supporting students across the new K–12 co-educational context, helping them grow from their earliest years through to graduation.
Assistant Principal – Mission
Thomas Hunter
Steph Leeson immigrated from the UK 14 years ago and began her Westpac career as a specialist lender. Now a business development manager, she supports mortgage advisers across Auckland and Northland, offering expert guidance and support. Leeson is highly regarded for her lending knowledge, responsiveness and collaborative approach. Her dedication was recognised nationally as a finalist for the 2025 NZ Adviser BDM of the Year award, reflecting her impact within the third party channel.
Business Development Manager
Steph Leeson
Margaret Leau-Sulusi brings over 20 years of banking experience to her role as business development manager, having started with Westpac in 2005. Her background includes lending support, senior lending roles and branch management. Leau-Sulusi partners closely with mortgage advisers, providing product expertise and strategic guidance to drive strong client outcomes. Known for her collaborative style and responsiveness, she is passionate about building trusted relationships and delivering customer-focused results.
Business Development Manager
Margaret Leau-Sulusi
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Commercial Manager
Stephen McMillan
One culmination of these efforts has been the real-world, needs-based IQEdge solution. A one-stop online quoting tool designed for both the Australian and New Zealand markets, IQEdge delivers quotes in under 60 seconds. Plus, the solution offers quote comparison and quote versioning capabilities, enabling users to review vital historical and financial data in a single page view.
IQEdge can streamline and automate application processing, underwriting document verification and payment collection, cutting the need for manual labour and minimising processing errors. A digital “self-service” platform, IQEdge, reduces the need for customer and administrative support. Meanwhile, borrowers can access their accounts, make payments and manage their policies independently and through sales and support teams, which are always available for further assistance.
“We’ve created a quality platform that simplifies the quoting process yet amplifies the customer experience,” says Gordon. “It’s a real game changer.” IQumulate offers an online digital quoting tool to clients. The best-in-market solution enables IQumulate to tailor funding offerings to brokers that align with their prefered distribution channel.
Read on
IB Top Brokerages
Award Winner
Award Winner
ST MARY’S CATHEDRAL COLLEGE SYDNEY
SPECIAL REPORT
Home
Bio
Read on
Award Winner
SPECIAL REPORT
Home
Bio
Read on
Award Winner
SPECIAL REPORT
Home
Bio
Medal
Strata cover
Brokers’ Pick
Broker's Pick – Personal Accident and Illness Insurance
Turnaround time – claims
BDM support
Broker communication, training and development
Overall service level
BDM support
BDM support
What does IQumulate have in mind for the future?
“IQumulate is on a technology journey, and we’re just getting started,” says Wayne Tower, CEO. “Through continuous engagement with our clients, partners, marketplace and industry, we will listen to the needs as they arise and position our business to be agile and respond to changes as they occur.
“Faster decision-making innovations such as AI-powered decision support systems can expedite the underwriting and approval process, leading to quicker responses to clients. This can improve client satisfaction and potentially attract more business, creating a competitive advantage with the potential to allow IQumulate to command premium pricing or capture a larger market share.
“As forward-thinkers with a digital and ‘do it better’ mindset, we collectively and proactively look to learn and improve on our customer experience for our clients, paving the way for successful business outcomes for our clients and our business in the coming years ahead.
“We’re excited for the future and look forward to what’s on the horizon.”
Adam Basaldella
Manager – Claims
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Product Manager
Claire Watson
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Commercial Manager
Stephen McMillan
Claire Watson
Product Manager
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Product Manager
Claire Watson
Claire Watson
Product Manager
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Product Manager
Claire Watson
“We also maintain open lines of communication with advisers so they know what to expect and can plan accordingly”
Hayley Burgess, ANZ Bank New Zealand
“We’ve invested heavily in resourcing and process improvements to reduce friction and speed up approvals”
Hayley Burgess, ANZ Bank New Zealand
Ivan Verescuk
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director
Shaun O’Brien
Head of Underwriting
Emily Walker
Head of Strata and Development
Rex Oakman
Head of Operations and Risk
Sandy Newton
Head of Underwriting
Andrew Mitchell
Manager – NSW
Michael Prokopis
Manager – Southern Region
Pam Chhabra
Manager – Residential Strata
Jeffrey Valdivia
Manager – Commercial Strata
Adam Basaldella
Manager – Claims
St Mary’s Cathedral College Sydney, nestled in the city’s vibrant CBD, is a beacon of educational innovation, blending tradition with a forward-thinking attitude.
Committed to ensuring every student reaches their full potential, the culture is defined by:
data-driven focus on academic improvement
faith-centred focus on character development
creating a supportive and inclusive environment
Central to the college’s progressive ethos is the Phronesis Program, named after the ancient Greek concept of “practical wisdom”. This embeds character virtues and ethical decision-making into every aspect of teaching. Flexible and responsive, the program addresses timely issues, such as empathy and inclusion, through dedicated lessons.
At St Mary’s, students are not only challenged and inspired by a rigorous curriculum but are also encouraged to become independent, creative and critical thinkers. The joy of learning is palpable, with students applying classroom knowledge to real-world situations, fostering both intellectual curiosity and practical wisdom.
The school stands out for its contemporary liberal arts lens, which permeates the curriculum and encourages interdisciplinary exploration. The city’s cultural institutions are woven into daily lessons, activating Sydney itself as an extended classroom.
Signature initiatives, such as the Finding Wonder Festival of Learning, immerse students in iconic sites: St Mary’s Cathedral, the Royal Botanical Gardens, the Art Gallery of NSW and the Museum of Sydney, culminating in a photographic exhibition that celebrates the wonders of the city.
As a world-class chorister school, St Mary’s recognises the transformative power of music and students are given the opportunity to develop their talent in this area. The college’s Middle School (Years 5–8) undertakes integrated learning experiences, for example, it merged geography and science units to design proposals for a vertical green wall, demonstrating authentic engagement with real-world challenges. The winning concept was selected by industry experts from the University of New South Wales and the green wall construction firm Vertikal.
St Mary’s further leverages its city location to forge sustainable and notable partnerships, which include:
Sydney FC Elective: 100% of students reported improved skills and clearer career planning by engaging with professionals beyond the pitch (eg nutritionists and designers).
CSIRO STEM Professionals in Schools Program, which brings industry experts into junior classrooms.
Waterstons’ Cybersecurity program increased interest in cybersecurity careers. Students described the experience as “eye-opening,” while industry partners praised their curiosity and engagement.
University Accreditation: In 2025, 41 Year 9 students earned formal credentials through the Entrepreneurship and Investing course with the University of Technology Sydney.
St Mary’s evaluates its innovation by using a blend of:
academic data
student feedback
external recognition
The college’s future plans include expanding its dual campus model, enhancing bespoke facilities and deepening the assessment of human capabilities in partnership with the University of Melbourne.
In addition, it is evolving its assessment model to better capture process-based learning, particularly in the Middle School, by tracking student growth in metacognition, collaboration and ethical reasoning.
St Mary’s Cathedral College exemplifies how tradition and innovation can coexist.
IQumulate invests in education and people, which are vital to attracting new business and talent to the company.
“We have long tenures for several of our key staff, including some in leadership positions, and this sound working knowledge of our business, practices and industry provides great insights and a wealth of experience to offer our clients,” says Bastow. “Our new head of sales, Graeme Gordon, formerly manager for New Zealand, joins us in Australia to drive our sales strategy and lead our team to successful outcomes for our clients and our business. We look forward to great things ahead with Graeme as he continues to be active and present in the New Zealand market as well as building sound working relationships and new connections in Australia.”
Clients can also expect a lot from working with IQumulate.
“Through active engagement with our trusted broker network, IQumulate provides relevant information, education and training content,” says Graeme Gordon, head of sales. “Our clients can expect IQumulate to support their business in several ways, providing an understanding of what premium funding solutions are available and how IQumulate can spread the cost of insurance and help borrowers get the right level of insurance cover to free up their cash flow for other expenses or business growth opportunities. Premium funding is often considered a tool for those who simply cannot afford to pay their premiums in full. While this is certainly a significant driver for many, it is also successfully used by profitable companies who use premium funding to manage their cash flows more wisely or better manage their liquidity.”
Medal
Recruitment Solutions Software
Benefits
Compensation
Culture
Diversity, equity and inclusion
Innovation
Reputation
Sustainable programs
Overall
Resourcing has been treated as a deliberate lever for growth. ANZ has expanded assessor teams, trained them to combine technical expertise with empathy, and equipped them with the market knowledge to make faster, more reliable decisions.
Advisers depend on turnaround times that meet client expectations.
“We’ve invested heavily in resourcing and process improvements to reduce friction and speed up approvals,” says Hayley Burgess, ANZ head of mortgage adviser distribution. “We also maintain open lines of communication with advisers so they know what to expect and can plan accordingly.”
People development follows the same philosophy. New hires are chosen for both skill and attitude, and training goes beyond technical proficiency. Programs cover credit assessment, economic literacy and client engagement, with equal weight on empathy and communication. Advisers often work with clients under stress, and ANZ expects its people to balance expertise with human understanding.
