News
Published on
June 26, 2025
Mercy Education marked a strategic turning point in its history with the official opening of its new National Office at 289 Wellington Parade South, East Melbourne on Thursday 20 June 2025.
The gathering marked a significant milestone for our organisation: an investment in the future and a tangible commitment to the mission and charism of Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy.
In her welcome address, Board Chair, Georgina Smith, reflected on the office opening's significance saying: “When Mercy Education was established, it was with the bold ambition to unite Mercy schools under a shared governance model honouring the Mercy Charism and the enduring legacy of Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy. Over the years, we have moved steadily and purposefully, in faith, toward that vision and today is a testament to how far we’ve come."
Mercy Education's Board Chair, Georgina Smith, welcomes guests to the opening of the National Office.
The evening brought together many esteemed guests including Fr Michael Buck who led the Liturgical Celebration and blessing of the new premises and the Federal Senator for Victoria, Senator Raff Ciccone, in attendance as a friend of Mercy. Guests also included representatives from Mercy Ministry Companions Ltd, Sisters of Mercy, Board Directors, the Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea (ISMAPNG), Principals, leaders in Catholic Education and fellow Mercy Ministries such as Mercy Health and MacKillop Family Services, and students from St Aloysius College North Melbourne.
Proceedings began with a reading of Sr Mary Wickham RSM's poem The Door of Mercy as guests gathered in front of the red door: a homage to the House of Mercy's iconic red door at Mercy International Centre in Dublin. Sisters of Mercy: Sr Elizabeth Moloney RSM, Sr Eileen Ann Daffy RSM, Sr Giovanna Danza RSM, and Sr Emma Llewelyn RSM presented a range of precious archival items for blessing, gifted by ISMAPNG.
Chief Executive Officer, Louisa Rennie, reflected on the significance of our East Melbourne location and Ursula Frayne's arrival in Melbourne in 1857 saying: "After leading the first Sisters of Mercy to Australia in 1846 and opening Mercedes College, Perth, Ursula Frayne arrived in Melbourne on 6 March 1857 and wasted no time to open the first, and now oldest girls’ school in Victoria, the Academy of Mary Immaculate.
"I feel that Ursula would have walked these streets, she would have passed by St Patrick’s Cathedral, just 900 meters away, and reflected on its grandeur.
"168 years later, we find ourselves in the heart of a vibrant Catholic community in East Melbourne."
With its central location and purpose-designed spaces, the East Melbourne office will be a cornerstone for formation, learning, and teaching in the Mercy tradition. It stands as a place of welcome to all who enter our office and a foundation for the work that lies ahead.
"Mercy Education has been entrusted with the educational chapter of Catherine McAuley's legacy and we do not take this mission lightly," Louisa said. "We look forward to walking together and continuing the work of Mercy in our new premises.”
