Catalyst Education Pty Ltd and For Purpose Investment Partners (FPIP) are proud to announce the acquisition of ARC Training, a NSW-based Registered Training Organisation (RTO) with a strong track record in aged care, disability care, and business training. This acquisition strengthens Catalyst’s ability to deliver high-quality, learner-focused education and ensure a well-trained workforce for Australia’s most vital care sectors.
"At Catalyst Education, we believe that education has the power to change lives. By welcoming ARC Training into our group, we are expanding our ability to support more learners, empower more communities, and provide greater opportunities for those pursuing careers in the care sector," said David Barnett, Chair of Catalyst Education. "This acquisition enhances our capacity to deliver high-quality, accessible training that equips people with the skills they need to make a real difference."
With this expansion, Catalyst Education is better positioned to support the increasing demand for skilled workers in the care industry. “I am grateful that Catalyst Education will be the new owner and steward [of ARC Training]. Our organisations have very similar vision and values, and I can see the group growing stronger together into the future”, said Cameron Ryan, previous CEO of ARC Training.
By integrating ARC Training’s expertise and reach with Catalyst’s existing RTOs - Selmar Institute of Education and Practical Outcomes, more learners will have access to nationally recognised, industry-aligned education that leads to meaningful employment.
"This acquisition is not just about growth - it’s about impact. The care sector relies on passionate, well-trained professionals, and we are committed to equipping learners with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in these critical roles," David added.
Executive Director of FPIP, Michael Traill said “Skills education is vital to the social sectors where we seek to make a difference through impact investment, including aged care and early childhood education and care. We are building impact at scale with a platform of aligned businesses and the combined strength of ARC Training and Catalyst Education means we will reach more learners and employers in the vital markets of NSW, SA and the ACT while generating long-term value for investors.”
This acquisition represents a shared commitment to ensuring that the care and education sectors continue to thrive and evolve. As part of Catalyst Education, ARC Training will continue to combine purpose with action, working to drive workforce development, strengthen communities, and create lasting impact. We are excited for the future and look forward to what lies ahead as we work together to create a stronger, more connected Australia.
For Purpose Investment Partners is providing ~$7m financing, delivering peace of mind for eight NDIS participants and their families on Sydney's northern beaches
19 August 2025 - For Purpose Investment Partners (FPIP) has provided ~$7m in long-term mezzanine debt financing to support eight NDIS participants in their 'forever homes' at the Beacon Hill Disability Housing project on Sydney's northern beaches.
The financing follows the successful repayment of the project's $4 million construction debt and ensures the continued provision of safe, secure and purpose-built accommodation for residents with high support needs. The pilot project, established in partnership with the Sustainable Development Group (SDG) and Sydney Anglican Property, was completed in late 2024. Together, we transformed underutilised church-owned land into vital social housing infrastructure by providing Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).
"This long-term financing provides stability and certainty for the eight residents who call this place home," said Tim Shaw, Executive Director of FPIP. "Our partnership with Sydney Anglican Property shows how shared values and patient capital can create meaningful social impact. We're establishing a financial foundation that enables these residents to flourish in their community with the comprehensive support they deserve."
The Beacon Hill project exemplifies how purpose-driven investment can address critical housing shortages while supporting vulnerable Australians. The development provides high-quality, accessible homes designed for people with disability support needs.
"The Anglican Church is committed to using our land assets to serve the community and support those most in need," said Ross Jones, CEO of Sydney Anglican Property. "This partnership with FPIP has transformed unused church land into a lasting social asset that provides secure, dignified housing for the tenants. The successful refinancing ensures these residents have the certainty of a permanent home, while their families have peace of mind knowing their loved ones are well-supported.”
Evolve Housing manages the SDA property, while Fighting Chance provides Supported Independent Living (SIL) services. Together, they deliver comprehensive support that enables tenants to live independently in their community.
The project builds on FPIP's impact investment approach to drive sustainable financial returns alongside measurable social outcomes. We continue to work with mission-aligned partners to expand access to quality housing across Australia, including SDA and Social and Affordable Housing.
Australia's superannuation system, projected to reach $9 trillion by 2040, represents an unprecedented opportunity to mobilise patient capital for social infrastructure that delivers both institutional grade returns and essential community services. The Economic Reform Roundtable presents a defining moment to unlock this pool of capital through proven investment models that align financial performance with measurable social outcomes. At For Purpose Investment Partners (FPIP), founded by Michael Traill AM, we have demonstrated that ethical, long-term investment in aged care, disability services, and education is delivering both financial and social value without compromise.
The Economic Reform Roundtable represents Australia's moment to lead. By aligning our world-leading superannuation system with proven impact investment models, we can demonstrate that superior financial returns and transformative social outcomes are not competing objectives - they are the twin engines of sustainable economic growth.
Read our full submission to the Economic Reform Roundtable, which includes our five recommendations to reform the economy through social impact investment.
For Purpose Investment Partners founding Chair Don Luke has confirmed his planned retirement from the board will take effect at the end of June 2025. As the founding Chair, Don has been instrumental in shaping the direction, growth and guiding values of For Purpose.
Executive Director Michael Traill AM said "Don has brought passion, a practical and insightful depth of experience in all the things that matter to us at For Purpose and a deep belief in our mission and cause. His generosity of spirit and engagement has been fundamental from the outset. We would quite simply not be in the position of having a broad-based portfolio of investments in the sectors we wanted to make a difference in, with the potential to take the next leap of funding and growth to the institutional market, without his presence and guidance.
"Don’s unique background and perspective in having been a founding CEO at Sun Super through to his role of Chair at Australian Retirement Trust, and an impactful 5-year stint as CEO of Anglicare Queensland, speak to the heart of who he is; his thoughtful and measured approach has been significant to how we think about the world. I am deeply grateful for the experience and insight Don’s leadership has provided for myself and our team, and for the high standards he set in how we thoughtfully approach discussions and decisions."
Chair Don Luke said “It has been an enormous privilege to be the founding Chair of For Purpose and be part of establishing an organisation that is truly unique in its mission to combine the best of business and for-purpose thinking to create positive impact in social sectors. It has been an honour and a professional pleasure to work with the board and the management team.”
Don will continue to be involved in providing feedback and advisory support to For Purpose, a measure of his ongoing dedication to our mission of creating both financial value and social impact without compromise. Michael Traill will be stepping in as Executive Chair.
For Purpose Investment Partners acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
We believe that diversity, equity and inclusion at For Purpose Investment Partners are critical in our efforts to create significant social impact. Diversity in the team allows us to better represent the diversity of thought and experiences of the communities that we are aiming to serve, promotes a healthy and thriving working environment, and delivers innovative and sustainable outcomes for our communities, our people, our investors and our partners.
