Greg Whitby

Gregory Byrne Whitby KSG (1 August 1952 − 30 August 2025) was an Australian educator. He was the executive director of Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta, a system comprising more than 80 schools across Greater Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, and a position which he held since 2006 until he retired in November 2022.

Whitby started his career as a teacher in 1974, serving in a variety of school leadership positions before taking up the role as executive director of Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta. In 2018, he was recognised with an Order of Australia (AM) award for his outstanding contribution to education and the transformation of schooling for young people across Greater Western Sydney. Whitby regularly wrote for The Daily Telegraph in a weekly column which touched on issues affecting the education industry.

Early life Whitby completed his primary education at St Monica's in North Parramatta before going on to undertake his secondary years at Oakhill College in Castle Hill.

In 1992, Whitby returned to the classroom as Principal of Emmaus Catholic College until being appointed the Head of Curriculum and Special Programs at Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta.

Awards In 2007, Whitby was named the most innovative and creative educator in Australia by The Bulletin Magazine in its annual Smart 100 Awards. In the same year, he received a Presidential Citation from the Australian Council for Educational Leaders, of which he was a Fellow since 2002.

In 2011, he presented the AW Jones Oration for the Australian College of Educators, South Australian branch on the changing nature of schooling in today's world. He was named Apple Distinguished Educator "for his contribution to the implementation of Learning Technologies in Education".

In 2013, Whitby was appointed Knight of the Knight the Order of St Gregory the Great for his contribution to Catholic schooling.

Whitby was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2018 Australia Day Honours.

Death Whitby died on 30 August 2025, at the age of 73.