Mary MacKillop Catholic College is proud to officially open two significant infrastructure projects on Tuesday, 4 August 2026 that will enhance learning opportunities and improve access for students, staff and families.

The College welcomed Senator Corinne Mulholland, Senator for QLD, representing the Australian Government, and Trevor Watts MP, representing the Queensland Government, to commemorate the completion of the new Penola Extension Building and the College’s new car park.

The official opening was blessed by The Most Reverend Ken Howell, Bishop of Toowoomba, and attended by Dr Pat Coughlan, Executive Director of Toowoomba
Catholic Schools, along with representatives from Northbuild Construction, which delivered the Penola Extension Building, and SEDL Contractors, which completed the College car park project.

The Penola Extension Building costing over $3,500,000, supported through Australian Government funding of $2,673,279, provides contemporary learning spaces designed to meet the needs of a growing College community. The new facility features six dedicated learning spaces and a specialised Agricultural Science laboratory, creating flexible, modern environments that foster collaboration, innovation and student engagement.

The new College car park, completed and delivered by approved State Government, significantly improves safety, accessibility and traffic flow for families, students, staff and visitors, creating a safer and more efficient arrival and departure experience.

College Principal, Mr Chris Gabbett said the projects reflect the College’s commitment to providing outstanding facilities that support both student learning and
community wellbeing. “These developments represent an important investment in the future of Mary MacKillop Catholic College. The Penola Extension Building provides exceptional learning environments for our students, while the new College car park improves the safety and accessibility of our campus for everyone. We are grateful to both the Australian and Queensland Governments for their support in helping deliver these important projects, which will benefit our College community for many years to come.”

Mary MacKillop Catholic College extends its sincere appreciation to the Australian Government, the Queensland Government, project partners and the wider College
community for their support throughout the delivery of these important projects.

The official opening marks another important milestone in the College’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality facilities that support student success, wellbeing and community connection.