On Saturday 2 May, Catherine McAuley College Bendigo celebrated 150 years since the arrival of the Sisters of Mercy in Bendigo, with a “Back To” Day. Just one of the many celebrations the school is hosting throughout 2026 to honour the pioneering spirit of the Foundation Sisters and thousands of children and educators who have been part of the Mercy Story.
On 24 April 1876, the Foundation Sisters opened St Aloysius Select School in a wooden schoolhouse behind the convent in Barkly Street. The first school enrolled both primary and secondary students, boys and girls, with the first student listed as Miss K. Abberton of Bridge Street. By the end of 1876, 100 children were enrolled. Just two months later, the Bendigo Advertiser reported that the school would soon require an extension to keep up with admissions. “Parents of various denominations apparently prefer sending their children to this school, because of the high-class education the accomplished Sisters are capable of imparting.”
In 2026, Catherine McAuley College Bendigo continues that pioneering legacy of service with a co-educational secondary school set on two magnificent campuses, providing a diverse choice of educational pathways in the Mercy tradition for over 1500 students.
On Saturday 2 May, a traditional "Back To" Day was held at the Barkly Street Campus, beginning with Mass in the historic Chapel celebrated by Fr Jake Mudge and concelebrated by Fr Jackson Saunders, both alumni of the College. Extra chairs were needed to accommodate the large congregation.
After the Mass followed the launch of a commemorative book, music performed by students, an exhibition of memorabilia, the opening of the Jubilee Art Show, and student-led tours of the campus. All past and current students, parents and staff were invited to attend.
It was particularly special to have the College Choir lead the singing from the Choir Loft under the direction of Ms Deb Ross, with music provided by organist, Dr Paul Taylor, taking full advantage of the glorious acoustics of the Chapel.
Visitors enjoyed Mercy hospitality in St Mary’s Courtyard in what turned out to be the last perfect autumn day of the year. Inside the Hall, a comprehensive display of memorabilia and photos delighted past students.
Guests of honour, Sr Anne Cossar, Sr Kathy Ryan and Sr Pam Barlow cut a magnificent cake on behalf of all past students.
Past students in attendance on the day were thrilled with the festivities and many said they learned something new.
“It was great to see all the developments that have popped up since I left. I think I would get lost now.! Reliving all the memories from some great times at St Mary’s. Thank you.”
Sue Nielsen, (Crawford) from the Class of 1971.
On the day, a special commemorative history book, celebrating 150 years of Mercy in Bendigo "Mercy in every moment. From Swinford to Sandhurst: A Story of Courage, Faith and Education" was launched. Principal Brian Turner said the book highlights the extraordinary service the Sisters of Mercy have dedicated to our community since arriving in 1876, noting the hardships the Foundation Sisters endured and the way their legacy was sustained and developed over the decades that followed.
Compiled by Ms Barbara Lomas, Communications and Engagement Officer at the College, the book brings together first-hand memories and reflections of past students, some previously printed in other publications: The Souvenir Centenary, 1976 and The Belles of St Mary’s, 1983, as well as those gathered in recent years from reunions and biographies. It also contains many rarely seen photos as well as plenty of favourites to bring the memories flooding back. It is a fresh telling of the College's story, giving new life to words written by those who have gone before, shining a light on forgotten heroes and bringing the story together in a way that current and future generations may enjoy and benefit from.
The Jubilee Community Art Exhibition was another highly anticipated event of the day. The ‘incognito’ style exhibit featured artworks by members of our community at all levels of experience and skill. The art demonstrated a diverse range of interpretation, and the anonymity added an extra element of discovery and delight. The artworks were on sale on the day and remain available until 25 May, when the artists will be revealed.
Throughout the afternoon, student tour guides helped visitors enjoy a nostalgic walk through the school grounds, to peep into former classrooms and to marvel at the changes that have occurred in the intervening years (depending on how long that has been).
Many thanks to the past students, past and current staff, members of the wider community and families who came along to enjoy a memorable day. Thank you also to the staff who helped out on the day (including hard work behind the scenes) and the student guides and helpers. Thanks also to Fr Jake Mudge, Fr Jackson Saunders and Dr Paul Taylor for their time and expertise.
The ‘Back To’ Day is just one of a series of celebratory events, following from events enjoyed earlier in the year, such as an International Women’s Day Breakfast on 6 March and a Staff Discovery Day at the end of Term One.
The next event will be a Performance Gala to be held in the Marian Theatre on Friday, 22 May. This concert will pay homage to the role that music and performance have played in shaping the early days of the College, as well as the importance of music and the arts in our community. It will also be a wonderful reunion of members of the 'music family'. For more details, click here.
https://sacredheartcathedral.org.au/item/3074-sesquicentenary-back-to-day-at-catherine-mcauley-college#sigProId224834da94
