Faith, Mission & Community
Sesquicentenary 2026
Throughout 2026, Catherine McAuley College Bendigo will celebrate 150 years since the arrival in 1876 of Sister Aloysius Martyn and the Sisters of Mercy to commence their ministry of Catholic education in Bendigo. Join us as we celebrate and honour the pioneering spirit of the foundation Sisters and the thousands of children and educators who have been part of the Mercy story.
International Women's Day Breakfast
Friday 6 March | 7.30am-9am, St Mary’s Hall
Current and past students, staff and community members enjoyed 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.
Celebrating 150 Years of Mercy Education
Sesquicentenary Events
CELEBRATING THE PAST - EDUCATING FOR THE FUTURE
With something for everyone, we invite you to mark your calendar and start planning the many ways you will walk down memory lane, rekindle old friendships and give thanks for the past and future success of CMCB.
Jubilee Community Art Show
Saturday 2 May | Exhibition 11am – 3pm, St Mary’s Campus
In what will be a uniquely inclusive celebration of creativity and expression, artists of all ages and abilities are invited to take part in an incognito-style art show where work is exhibited without revealing the identity of the artist. All canvases will be the same size and will reflect on the theme of ‘Mercy in every moment’ in whatever way the artist chooses. After exhibiting, all artworks may be purchased, only then will the name of the artist be revealed.
Applications are now open and all artwork to be received by 10 April. $25 per entry.
Sesquicentennial 'Back To' Day
Saturday 2 May | 11am – 3pm, St Mary’s Campus
Commencing with Mass in the beautiful historic Chapel, celebrated by Fr Jake Mudge with con-celebrant Fr Jackson Saunders. A full afternoon of traditional ‘Back To’ events will follow, including refreshments in the St Mary’s Hall, music, an exhibition of memorabilia, the opening of the Jubilee Art Show, the launch of the History Book launch and student-led tours of the campus. A perfect day to reconnect with old friends and enjoy the hospitality. Former boarders will not want to miss this!
- Mass in the Chapel at 11.00am
- Tours and Book Launch from 12.00pm
Performance Gala
PERFORMANCE GALA
Friday 22 May | 7pm Marian Theatre, St Mary’s Campus
In the spirit of the founding Sisters, this concert will celebrate the performance talent that has been fostered by the school for 150 years. The joyful concert will relive the excitement and magic of past performances and reunite members of the ‘music family’ in what’s sure to be an emotional ‘where are they now’ event. Supper will be included.
Sesquicentennial Gala Dinner
Saturday 5 September | 6pm – 11.30pm, Mercy Junortoun Sporting Precinct, Coolock Campus Junortoun
The pinnacle of the year’s celebrations will be a night to remember at the Gala Dinner. With all eras invited, this is the time to organise a table and get ready to share stories, reunite with friends and celebrate 150 years of Catherine McAuley College Bendigo.
Ticketed event (price to be confirmed)
