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.
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 our ‘music family’ in what’s sure to be an emotional ‘where are they now’ event.
PERFORMERS
Elizabeth Barrow (Class of 2009) | Elyssa Bhowon (Class of 2027) | Kiara Clarke (Class of 2022)
Alana Conway (Class of 2008) | Jamie Dearricott (current student) | Sarah Duane (Class of 2023)
Tarah Frawley (Class of 2025) | Harrison Jenner (Class of 2018) | Angus Killick (Class of 2011)
Mariah McCarthy (Class of 2013) | Amy McMillan (Class of 2015)| Oliver Sexton (Class of 2024)
Rory Thompson (current student) | CMCB Concert Band | Rock of Ages – 2026 Production Preview
Refreshments will be included. No cost, but please book for catering purposes.
Catherine McAuley College Bendigo
Celebrating 150 Years of Mercy Education
Brian Turner, Principal, reflects on our Mercy heritage and legacy of the Sisters of Mercy in our sesquicentennial year.
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.
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)
Past Events
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.
Sesquicentennial 'Back To' Day
Saturday 2 May | St Mary’s Campus
On Saturday 2 May, Catherine McAuley College Bendigo celebrated 150 years since the arrival of the Sisters of Mercy in Bendigo, 150 years of providing Catholic education in the region and 150 years since the foundation of the College at Barkly Street.
To mark this special occasion, a wonderful celebration was held that included past and present students, staff and members of the College community.
Commencing with Mass in the beautiful historic Chapel, celebrated by Fr Jake Mudge with con-celebrant Fr Jackson Saunders, both past students, a full afternoon of traditional ‘Back To’ events followed, including 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. It was a perfect day to reconnect with old friends and enjoy the hospitality.
Jubilee Community Art Show
As part of the Sesquicentenary Celebrations, a unique community art show was developed to allow artists of all ages and abilities to express themselves on the theme of 'Our School, Our Story'. The art show was launched at the 'Back To' Day on Saturday 2 May.
Inspired by the Incognito Art Show model, all artworks are displayed anonymously, giving emerging and established artists the chance to exhibit side‑by‑side. The identity of each artist will be revealed only at the end of the show on 25 May, adding a sense of discovery and delight for buyers.
