Building site blessed at new Catholic college
18 August, 2021
Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton celebrated a significant milestone for Catherine McAuley College in Mackay, as the official blessing of the building site was conducted during Catholic Education Week last month.
Parish Priest Fr Don White led the ceremony with representatives of Catholic Education and the Sisters of Mercy, College staff, members of the College Steering Committee and invited guests in attendance.
Now in the construction phase with builders Woollam Construction, the blessing of the site is another significant step in the development of Catherine McAuley College as the community prepares to open to students at the commencement of the 2022 school year.
Woollam Mackay and Whitsundays Regional Manager Peter Lando, said the company was proud to be involved in such an iconic project for the Mackay community.
“We began construction on Stage 1 last September and it’s been fantastic to see the project evolve – from the design stages, through the building process to where we are today with this special milestone,” Mr Lando said.
The College, on the site of the former Mackay Sugar Research Institute, will adopt the charism of the Sisters of Mercy under the patronage of their founder, Catherine McAuley. This charism will inspire the College’s Educational Mission and shape the College identity.
Director of Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton, Miss Leesa Jeffcoat, said the development of the new college was very much on schedule.
“With construction well underway, the appointment of key staff and now the blessing of the site having been conducted, the dream of a new Catholic Secondary College in Mackay is moving ever closer to becoming a reality.
“The opening of Catherine McAuley College next year will represent another chapter in the 200-year story of Catholic Education in Australia,” Miss Jeffcoat said.
Catherine McAuley College has generated enormous interest from families in the region wishing to enrol their children as well as significant enquiries from teaching professionals seeking information about staffing.
Further details about the College including enrolment information were available on the Catholic Education website www.rok.catholic.edu.au
