McAuley College History

The McAuley College site was blessed by the Archbishop of Brisbane, Most Reverend Mark Coleridge on Friday 22^nd April 2016 and was opened on the 25^th January 2017 with Year 7 students forming the student body and expanding each year until the first year 12 students graduate in 2022.

The realisation of the College was the result of many years of advocating by the local community and St. Mary’s Parish, under the leadership of Fr. Bernard Gallagher, with the hope that the students of the Scenic Rim would one day be able to continue their Catholic education whilst remaining in the local community.

The name McAuley College is reflective of the religious identity and spiritual charism of the Sisters of Mercy.  Giving recognition to the work of Catherine McAuley in establishing the Sisters of Mercy, and the legacy that the Sisters of Mercy have left to the Catholic communities of Beaudesert and Boonah.

Catherine McAuley founded the order of the Sisters of Mercy in Ireland in 1831, recognising the needs of those who were marginalised and oppressed by the unjust social attitudes and practices of her day.  She responded by establishing a House of Mercy in Dublin, which provided educational, religious, and social services, for women and children who were at risk of homelessness through exploitation and entrenched poverty. The Sisters in Australia have committed to the tradition of ministerial religious life, which Catherine had entrusted to all Sisters of Mercy. This meant that wherever they served, whether it be in growing cities, small towns or remote “outback” places, they tried to respond to the human needs for evangelization, education, health care, welfare services, and a myriad of pastoral services.

This commitment to service is very apparent in the Beaudesert and Boonah areas. The Sisters of Mercy have been important contributors to the educational mission of St Mary’s Parish Beaudesert and All Saints Parish Boonah since the time of their arrival in the area.

St. Mary’s Primary School, Beaudesert, was established in 1901 and administered by the Sisters of Mercy until 1996.  All Saints Primary School, Boonah, was established in 1957 and administered by the Sisters of Mercy until 1989. During these years a strong Catholic ethos evolved, alongside a rich community spirit that still exists today.