Mount Alvernia College Board Formation Session: Partners in Mission
6 August 2026, Kedron, Brisbane
At the heart of the Partners in Mission formation session was a renewed appreciation of mission as a shared vocation, not simply an organisational statement. For the Mount Alvernia College Board, the session offered time to reflect on the relationship between personal purpose, the College’s mission, and the broader mission entrusted to Mercy Partners. What emerged was a strong sense that mission is both deeply personal and beautifully collective — something carried by individuals, enlivened in community, and expressed through the Board’s ongoing stewardship of Mt Alvernia’s future. Several reflections captured this well, including the importance of “remembering our mission in life” and the recognition that mission is “both unique and shared.”
Through the session, the Mercy Partners story and founding vision were brought into meaningful conversation with the particular Franciscan story that has shaped Mt Alvernia from the beginning. This connection invited gratitude for the vision, courage and trust of the Franciscan Sisters — first in establishing the College, and now in securing its mission into the future through Mercy Partners. Rather than seeing governance as strategy alone, the Board was affirmed in its vital role as a partner in mission, called to lead with connection, service, hope, intentionality and relational wisdom.
The opportunity to pause, reflect and engage with mission at both a personal and board level was clearly valued. Many found the formation experience both profound and practical, prompting consideration of how “mission moments” might be woven more intentionally into board meetings and governance processes. In this way, the session not only deepened understanding but also encouraged practical expression — helping mission remain visible, spoken and lived within the rhythms of board life as they serve the Mount Alvernia community with faithfulness, courage and hope.
Brisbane Catholic Professionals Luncheon
7 August 2026, Brisbane
On Friday, 7 August, the Brisbane community came together for the Brisbane Catholic Professionals luncheon where guests had the pleasure of hearing TAFE Queensland’s CEO, Tim Rawlings speak on how his faith, family and experiences helped share his value-driven leadership, with a focus on dignity and creating inclusive pathways to opportunity.
Representatives from Mercy Partners attended the lunch and enjoyed hearing how Tim has drawn on his background in government, training and industry, to shape systems that serve both individuals and the common good.
The lunch also provided an opportunity to connect with contacts across the wider Brisbane Catholic community.
Mt Alvernia College 70th Anniversary Mass
11 August 2026, Brisbane
On 11 August 2026, the Mount Alvernia College community gathered to celebrate its 70th Anniversary Mass.
Mercy Partners Board Director Lee Anne Perry and Director of Formation, Kate Garrone, were honoured to join this special occasion, made even more meaningful as Lee Anne Perry served as the College’s first lay Principal.
The day offered a meaningful opportunity to honour and reflect on the College’s rich history. Mount Alvernia first opened its doors on 1 February 1956 with just 10 students, made possible by the courage, faith and vision of the Missionary Franciscan Sisters. Seventy years on, the College remains deeply grateful for these bold beginnings and is proud to be a thriving community of close to 1,000 students, where each student is known by name, not a number.
