Throughout 2026, Catherine McAuley College Bendigo is celebrating 150 years since the arrival of Mother Aloysius Martyn and the Sisters of Mercy in 1876, marking the commencement of their ministry of Catholic education in Bendigo. Throughout the year, the College is celebrating and honouring the pioneering spirit of the foundation Sisters and the 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 (see image of first enrolment register). 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.”

"The Mercy Sisters were the foundation of schools and parishes across Bendigo. They were fundamental to the establishment of Catholic education across Bendigo, and had the vision and trust to empower the laity to maintain the legacy and grow. In partnership with the Marist Brothers, who arrived in the 1890s, they developed and sustained Catholic Education in central Victoria for decades, continuously opening or assuming schools to ensure that Catholic education thrived." (Brian Turner, Principal)

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.

'Back To' Day, Saturday 2 May - All Welcome!

On Saturday 2 May, a traditional ‘Back To’ Day will be held at the Barky Street Campus. The celebrations will commence with Mass in the historic Chapel, celebrated by Fr Jake Mudge with con-celebrant Fr Jackson Saunders (both alumni of the College), followed by 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 are invited to attend.

The ‘Back To’ Day continues the series of celebratory events enjoyed earlier in the year. On Friday 6 March, in the first of a series of events, the International Women’s Day Breakfast was an opportunity for current and past students, staff, and community members to enjoy an inspirational morning of joy and emotion, reflecting on the diverse and amazing achievements of women associated with our College. Panellists, Grace Aicken, Cr Andrea Metcalf, Justine Minne, Leila Gurruwiwi and Abbey Milligan each shared unique perspectives on how their school experiences have influenced their careers and highlighted their different pathways in leadership and service.

At the end of Term 1, staff enjoyed a day of discovery to learn more about the history of the College, including a pilgrimage to St Kilian’s Church, walking in the footsteps of the founding Sisters and historical tours of the Chapel (1884) and original St Mary’s College (1897).

On Friday 22 May, the festivities continue with a Performance Gala to celebrate the musical talent that has been fostered by the College for 150 years. The joyful concert, in the spirit of the founding Sisters, will relive the excitement and magic of past performances and reunite members of our ‘music family’ in what is sure to be an emotional ‘where are they now’ event.

The pinnacle of the year’s celebrations will be the Sesquicentennial Gala Dinner on Saturday 5 September. This night to remember will enable all eras to gather, share stories, reunite with friends and celebrate 150 years of Catherine McAuley College Bendigo.

Timeline of Catherine McAuley College Bendigo

• 23 January 1876: Welcome Mass for the founding Sisters of Mercy at St Kilian’s Church
• 24 April 1876: St Aloysius Select School opened in Barkly Street
• 7 April 1893: Marist Brothers arrive in Bendigo and commence teaching boys in McCrae Street
• 26 June 1884: First Mass celebrated in the newly-built Chapel
• 26 July 1897: Official opening of the new school and change of name to St Mary’s College
• 27 May 1926: Celebration of Golden Jubilee includes additions to the Chapel (including marble altar), gift of Our Lady of Lourdes grotto and past pupil festivities
• February 1955: Official opening of the new school buildings on View Street; Opening of St Vincent’s College, a boarding school for boys at Junortoun
• 1977: Withdrawal of Vincentians from Bendigo, passing the Junortoun site to the Marist Brothers
• 1 February 1984: Amalgamation of St Mary’s College and Marist Brothers’ College take effect
• 1 January 2013: Return to sole Mercy ISMAPNG governance
• 1 February 2018: College becomes Catherine McAuley College
• 1 January 2024: ‘Bendigo’ added to become Catherine McAuley College Bendigo