In 1908 Bishop Duhig acquired the property known as "Coplands" in Yeppoon, with a vision of establishing a boarding school. His dream was to provide a nurturing environment where children from the vast heartlands of the West, including station owners and livestock graziers, could receive a Catholic education and engage in their faith.
Rev Br I Dowd played a significant role in the 1930s, tirelessly gathering funds and support for the construction of the College. With the help of the Christian Brothers community in Rockhampton and dedicated alumni, the initial buildings were constructed on the "Coplands" site. On October 8th, 1939, the foundation stone of St Brendan's College, named Mary's Mount, Yeppoon, was blessed by Right Reverend Dr Hayes D D, the Bishop of Rockhampton.
In February 1940, St Brendan's College was officially inaugurated by Bishop Hayes in the presence of the Most Reverend Sir James Duhig, the Archbishop of Brisbane. The school began its journey with 42 boarders and 15 local students, under the leadership of Rev Br J B Gettons, the first Headmaster. Bishop Tynan also played a pivotal role as a generous benefactor during the early years.
Formed in 2007 by the Christian Brothers, Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) began overseeing more than 50 schools with over 35,000 students across Australia, St Brendan’s College being one of them. Guided by the Charter for Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice Tradition, EREA schools focus on Liberating Education, Gospel Spirituality, Inclusive Community, and Justice and Solidarity.
The history of EREA is as follows:
1802: Edmund Rice established his first school in Waterford, Ireland, providing free education for poor boys.
1868: The Christian Brothers, a religious order founded by Edmund Rice, arrived in Australia and established their first school in West Melbourne.
1922: The Christian Brothers' education presence expands in Australia, with schools established in various cities across the country.
1951: The Association of Heads of Catholic Schools is formed, which later became the Catholic Secondary Schools' Association (CSSA).
1970s-1980s: The Christian Brothers' schools underwent a significant period of change and transition, adapting to the evolving educational landscape.
2007: Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) is established as a national body, bringing together the various educational entities associated with the Christian Brothers.
2010: EREA launches the Liberating Education framework, which outlines its educational philosophy and principles.
2014: The EREA Beyond 2020 Strategic Plan is developed, setting the direction for the organisation's future.
2021: EREA consists of over 50 schools and educational entities spread across Australia, providing education to thousands of students.
2023: The last of a long line of Christian Brothers depart the College.
Future: EREA continues its commitment to providing quality education and addressing the needs of marginalised and disadvantaged students, guided by the principles of Edmund Rice.
Throughout its illustrious history, St Brendan's College has served the educational needs of young men from various parts of Central Queensland. We have developed a strong connection with Papua New Guinea, welcoming students seeking a quality education at St Brendan's. As the region experienced changes such as the Central Queensland mining boom and the growth of the Capricorn Coast, our school has adapted to cater to the evolving needs of the community.
In 2024, St Brendan's College witnessed its largest enrolment numbers, with an impressive student body of 1,024 individuals. The last remaining Christian Brothers, Br Kevin Smith, and Br Steve Grundy departed the College late in 2023, and stand to be the last Christian Brothers to live on-site at St Brendan's. This milestone prompted our College Leadership Team to embark on a comprehensive master plan to ensure future growth and development align with the changing needs of their community.
Remaining true to our mission, we are devoted to the education of Indigenous youth, resulting in a significant presence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at our school. In 2023, the College took a significant step forward by developing a Reconciliation Action Plan, reaffirming our dedication to educating Indigenous youth. Our commitment to reconciliation is ingrained in our community, as we foster a supportive environment that serves as a model of unity in action.
The faith life at St Brendan's College has always been the cornerstone of our endeavors. Our liturgical traditions are deeply revered, instilling in our students a strong sense of service and solidarity towards the wider community. We have undergone substantial physical and structural transformations in recent years to enhance the quality of our offerings, including the integration of Year 7 into our secondary school program. As we look to the future, we remain firmly dedicated to educating young men from Central Queensland and beyond, embracing opportunities for growth and providing an exceptional education.
The Foundation Building housed the dining room, kitchen, dormitory (upstairs), and bathroom.