First Cohort About To Make History At Catherine McAuley

Blessed in July, with the first students arriving in November for orientation, Mackay’s newest Catholic College, Catherine McAuley College is set to open in less than a week’s time.

Built around the old Sugar Research Institute, the new college went through a blessed construction period where it ran ahead of schedule and will welcome its historic first four classrooms of Year 7 students through the Institute’s historic doors on February 7.

“The College looks amazing with a blend of refurbished old and stylish new,” Catherine McAuley College Principal, Mr Jim Ford said.

“The Institute’s main building has been transformed into a versatile, highly functional educational facility with fully equipped, attractive, air-conditioned rooms.”

The Sugar Research Institute was one of the most iconic landmarks in the Australian sugar industry, and now transformed, reinvigorated, and renovated, but retaining its spirit is part of the $20m dollar project.

The original building has remained, with architects managing to meld the old with the new, providing other buildings on the campus with fresh looks.

“An eighteen-month construction period had much to achieve in both restoration and new structures with contemporary architecture making best use of the site,” Mr Ford said.

“Ample car parking, play spaces and student lunch facilities are some of the welcome finishing touches. As the landscapers finish their plantings the site is finally dedicated to quality education.”

Year 7s will be the first cohort arriving at the school, with further years joining until the college reaches its full capacity of 1200 students.

Mr Ford said staff are ready to go and somewhat impatient to make a start on another kind of building program.

“That involves building the traditions and effective practices that offer the families and students who seek our values a place in an excellent school. I’m sure the whole of Mackay wishes us all the best,” he said.

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