Lunch with the Brisbane Archbishop
5 March 2026, Brisbane
On Thursday, 5 March 2026, the Board and Mercy Partners representatives welcomed guests from their ministries to the Brisbane Catholic Professionals Luncheon, organised by the Archdiocese of Brisbane.
Archbishop Shane Mackinlay was the guest speaker, and it was an inspiring afternoon of faith and connection. The Archbishop offered insights drawn from his years of ministry and his experience guiding faith communities through times of change. Attendees appreciated hearing his reflections on leadership, shaped deeply by faith and lived experience.
The Brisbane Catholic Professionals continue to bring together Catholic professionals across Brisbane, fostering community, dialogue and encouragement as they seek to live out their faith in the workplace.
Mount Alvernia International Women’s Day High Tea
8 March 2026, Brisbane
Mount Alvernia College hosted its annual International Women’s Day High Tea on Sunday, 8 March 2026, featuring Antarctic expedition leader and best-selling author Rachael Robertson as the guest speaker.
Rachael captivated attendees with stories from her extraordinary leadership journey, sharing powerful insights into resilience, courage, teamwork, and authentic leadership. Mercy Partners Board Director, Cath Parker, attended the event and was deeply inspired by Rachael’s remarkable experiences and leadership wisdom.
The morning tea brought together the College community to reflect, share and celebrate the achievements of women.
All Hallows’ School 2026 Inaugural Mass
9 March 2026, Brisbane
On 9 March 2026, the All Hallows’ School community gathered for their 2026 Inaugural Mass. This special celebration brings the entire school together in gratitude for the many blessings they share as part of a community founded on Catherine McAuley’s enduring vision of mercy and justice.
Mercy Partners Board Director and All Hallows’ Board Liaison, Jenny Parker, joined the community for this meaningful occasion.
The Inaugural Mass included the school’s annual tradition of “clapping in” and welcoming their Year 5, Year 7 and newest All Hallows’ students.
St Patrick’s Day Mass
17 March 2026, Townsville
On 17 March, the St Patrick’s College community came together in a spirit of faith, gratitude, and celebration to honour St Patrick, the fifth‑century bishop and Patron Saint of Ireland. His remarkable life of mission, courage, and compassion continues to inspire the College community.
St Patrick’s College proudly embraces its rich Irish heritage—a legacy deeply rooted in the pioneering vision of the Sisters of Mercy and their foundress, Catherine McAuley. More than 190 years ago, Catherine courageously imagined a future where young women would be empowered through education, dignity, and opportunity.
This year’s celebration welcomed Mercy Partners Board Chair, Dr Ricki Jeffery, who joined staff, students, and families for the occasion. The gathering provided a meaningful opportunity for reflection on the College’s heritage, its mission, and the enduring spirit of St Patrick and Catherine McAuley—figures whose courage and devotion continue to shape the story of St Patrick’s College.
AMPJP Dinner and Meeting
17-18 March 2026, Sydney
On 17-18 March 2026, the AMPJP held their annual Strategy Meeting where they brought together Council members for focused reflection and planning to meet the issues of the future. Mercy Partners Chair, Ricki Jeffery, and Board Director, Cath Parker, attended and represented Mercy Partners.
After a shared dinner on Tuesday evening, the formal program began on Wednesday with an Acknowledgement of Country and prayer, with each Ministerial Public Juridic Person (MPJP) offering a symbol of their ministry.
Key discussions at the meeting included looking honestly at issues such as potential middle-class drift in ministries, how AMPJP can use their strong ministry base to launch initiatives like EREA BlendED for students who can’t, for social or mental health issues, attend a regular school.
In addition, the meeting provided an update on AMPJPs five-year external review of their operations, their role in advocacy within and outside of the Church, the possibility of an international conference on MPJPs and lay leadership, and their work with Australian Catholic Safeguarding Ltd.
The presentations and accompanying discussions strengthened the shared sense of purpose and deepened the group’s commitment to serving those most in need.
Mater’s Opening and Blessing – New Maternity Unit at Mater Townsville
20 March 2026, Townsville
On Friday, 20 March 2026, Mater Townsville proudly celebrated the official opening and blessing of the new Maternity Unit at its Pimlico campus. This significant milestone marks an important investment in high‑quality, family‑centred care for the growing Townsville community.
Mercy Partners Board Director, Jenny Parker, attended the ceremony and expressed her delight in witnessing the expansion of services that will support local families for many years to come. She joined Mater leaders, clinicians, and community representatives in acknowledging the hard work and dedication that brought this project to fruition.
As part of the event, guests were also invited to tour two other major enhancements across the hospital campus—the expanded Emergency Department and the newly refurbished Renal Unit. These upgrades reflect Mater Townsville’s ongoing commitment to improving patient experience, increasing capacity, and ensuring access to contemporary, compassionate healthcare for the region.
Our Lady of Mercy College AGM
23 March 2026, Parramatta
As part of its governance responsibilities, Mercy Partners is required to preside over the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of each of its ministries. On 23 March, Our Lady of Mercy College Parramatta convened its AGM, which was duly chaired by Mercy Partners Board Director, Mr Jon Anderson.
The chairing of AGMs provides a significant opportunity for members of the Mercy Partners Board to engage with the ministries, strengthen lines of communication, and further enhance relationships with each ministry’s governing Board.
QCEL Parliamentary Reception
24 March 2026, Brisbane
On 24 March 2026, Catholic Education Queensland Limited Chair, Madeline Brennan KC, and Chief Executive Officer, Allan Blagaich, welcomed members of the Queensland Parliament and leaders from the Catholic education community—among them Mercy Partners Board Director, Dr Lee Anne Perry—to a Parliamentary Reception.
The event provided an important opportunity for elected representatives to engage directly with Catholic education leaders and school principals who are shaping outcomes for students within their electorates, while also hearing about the future direction of Catholic education in Queensland.
The following day, 25 March, Dr Perry also attended CEQL’s Governance Symposium, where the central message emphasised that good governance is not merely a compliance requirement but a tangible expression of mission to students, families, and communities.
Bringing together school authority board members, executives, and sector leaders, the symposium offered a valuable forum for discussion about the growing complexities of governance in Catholic education. The program also featured a panel session with Trish Ridsdale, Brisbane Archbishop Shane Mackinlay, and Adjunct Professor Susan Pascoe AM, FAICD, FIPAA, FACE, who reflected on the intersection of civil and Church responsibilities.
