14 September 2023

Opening and Blessing
It was a pleasure to host so many dignitaries and guests and we thank them for their attendance from all parts of Victoria to share in the event and offer their support. The guest list demonstrates the number of stakeholders and partners who have contributed to this development. A special acknowledgement to Sister Kathy Ryan rsm, Most Reverend Shane Mackinlay DD, Bishop of Sandhurst, The Hon Jacinta Allan MP, Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, City of Greater Bendigo, Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf, Mr Anthony Loschiavo, Executive Officer, Mercy Ministry Companions and Mr Paul Desmond, Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Education Sandhurst.

For a full list of guests, recap and photo gallery, click here to read the article.

The College extends gratitude to both the formal and informal partners who have assisted from concept to completion. Thank you to the students, parents and staff in particular who have been so patient through the years waiting for the build and completion.

A feature of the day was to see some activity on the site in the cricket area and on the oval under lights, with an invitation extended to the community to enjoy an Open Day after the formal proceedings finished. Congratulations to all who participated on the day and thank you to the numerous families across our community who attended in the afternoon and toured around the facility. This Friday we will be back to make full use of the gymnasium as the whole school gathers to celebrate the Mercy Day liturgy.

Thank you to the numerous staff at Catherine McAuley College and the City of Greater Bendigo who organised and facilitated the day. Your hospitality and welcome has set the benchmark. I would like to give a special mention to the College Concert Band for their creativity and entertainment on the day.

Funding and Partnerships
Funding for the $25.9M project was provided by Catherine McAuley College/Mercy Education Ltd ($18.4M plus land access and lease of approximately 9 hectares), City of Greater Bendigo ($7M) and the Victorian Government (Cricket Australia Sport and Recreation Victoria $500,000).

It is important that we acknowledge the City of Greater Bendigo and Sport Recreation Victoria for their financial commitment to MJSP. Without their contribution and the Joint Use Agreement, this could never have happened. Congratulations to the Clarke Hopkins Clarke team on their design, to Nicholsons Construction on the build and to RMG for Project Management. This process endured flood, supply issues and all sorts of challenges associated with a school site. All partners and contractors should be proud of the outstanding feedback and recognition for their work.

Finally thank you to Mercy Education Limited, McAuley Property Limited and Mercy Ministry Companions for your ongoing support of the College. Without the purchase of the campus and the various approvals and involvement on various bodies this would never have eventuated.

After the final phases are complete, the MJSP Management Committee will commence scheduling events and bookings to ensure full utilisation of the site. The mission of the project is to achieve mass participation and access to the precinct for our College and for the local community.

Thank you
Thank you to everyone who contributed to my recent formative review that took place on Monday 11 September. Feedback is critical in moving forward and identifying successes and areas for improvement.

Thank you to the numerous staff, parents, students and community members who have been so kind and positive during various recent events and challenges. We are very fortunate to have such a close-knit community and I thank people for their support.

Hopefully at the end of this week, announcements will be made regarding the recently advertised leadership roles. Confirming these appointments will help in our planning for 2024. We thank the number of applicants for each position.

End of Term 3
Finally, the term draws to a close with the wonderful whole school celebration of Mercy Day. This is a wonderful way to spend time together, creating memories and building on our unique identity as a College. We wish every family a safe holiday and our thoughts are with the senior students as they prepare for exams. We wish them every success in their study and preparations.

We look forward to the arrival of the warmer weather as we return in Term 4 refreshed and energised for the remainder of the year.

Mr Brian Turner, Principal