By Emilie Ng
YOUNG women at Mary MacKillop College, Nundah, have been given greater opportunities to change the world with a new million-dollar refurbishment.
More than $3 million, including over $1.9 million from the government, has gone into renewing Mary MacKillop College’s grounds to modernise existing facilities and buildings.
Brisbane auxiliary Bishop Brian Finnigan blessed the new college grounds and presided at the liturgy for the official opening on September 5.
Principal Niall Coburn developed the concept for the refurbishment but was unable to attend the official opening.
Staff said Mr Coburn’s vision had finally become reality in the opening of the new college grounds.
Special guests included four Sisters of St Joseph including former Mary MacKillop College student Sr Moya Campbell, Brisbane Catholic Education area supervisor Cathy Jackson and State Member for Clayfield Minister Tim Nicholls.
Mr Nicholls said the young women, whom he described as “bright and cheery”, were the college’s “true blessing”.
“It’s not just the buildings, as important as they are, but it is what they lead to, which are opportunities for these young women to make their mark in the world,” he said.
Sr Campbell, who is recorded as the first student enrolled into the college when it opened in 1964, said she “could never have envisaged anything like what is out there today”.
“Little did I know fifty years ago as I sat where you are now sitting, that I would be back at Mary MacKillop College to open these new facilities,” she said during the official opening.
“My prayer and hope for the college as I open these new facilities is that all who use them become prayerful, reflective and contributing members of the college community and ultimately, the world.”
