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.
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
Throughout 2026, we have been celebrating and honouring the pioneering spirit of the founding Sisters and the thousands of children and educators who have been part of the Mercy story.
Sesquicentennial Gala Dinner
Saturday 5 September | 6pm – 11.00pm, 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, we invite you to organise your friends, book your ticket and look forward to a walk down memory lane and the rekindling of old friendships as we give thanks for the past and future success of CMCB.
Tickets may be purchased individually or as a table of 10. This is an 18+ event, and current students are not permitted to attend.
Ticketed event $90pp for 2-course dinner, drinks at bar prices
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.
The artworks are for sale with all proceeds supporting Mercy Works. The remaining artworks will be available for sale at the Performance Gala on Friday May, after which time, the show will conclude.
Performance Gala
Friday 22 May | 7pm Marian Theatre, St Mary’s Campus
A wonderful concert of past and current music students was held in the Marian Theatre to honour the music legacy of our College. Family and friends, past students and members of the community enjoyed the concert, which was a further celebration of 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.
The Performance Gala honoured the performance talent fostered by the school over 150 years, reliving the excitement and magic of past performances and reuniting members of our ‘music family’.
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) | 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
