News from Mackay
Fr Busuttin addresses the Mackay Mens Dinner
At the last Mackay Catholic Mens Dinner the guest speaker was Father William Busuttin (Retired). Fr Bill gave a most interesting talk. He was raised in the Conway area near Proserpine, for his secondary education he went to St Brendan’s College at Yeppoon, from St Brendan’s Fr Bill became a Christian Brother for 30 years, training and then teaching at various schools in Sydney and Brisbane.
Fr Bill then entered the Priesthood and was ordained at Proserpine. He was based in the North West Queensland parishes including places such as Cloncurry, Hughenden, Charters Towers etc and finally at Proserpine where he retired.
Fr Bill talked about incidents during wartime, where people were tortured, but they kept their faith till the finish. Fr Bill now lives at Midge Point and spoke about life at this beautiful seaside hideaway where he enjoys life mixing with all the community.
Fr Bill was introduced by Frank Doolan, their friendship covers many decades, both joked about age and many other stories.
It was a pleasure to listen to Fr Bill and several questions were posed to him.
Our next guest speaker for the October dinner where ladies are also invited is Anne Crowley who is in charge of the new Oz Care Facility at Meadowlands West Mackay.
Name for New Catholic College Announced.
The new Catholic college planned for the site of the former Sugar Research Institute in South Mackay has been named Catherine McAuley College.
Catholic Bishop of Rockhampton, Most Reverend Michael McCarthy DD made the announcement following community consultation with parishes and schools within the Mackay Southern Cluster of Parishes.
“My gratitude goes to the new college’s Steering Committee and to Catholic Education for their recommendations as a result of an extensive consultation process. It is my hope that Catherine McAuley College, built on this historical site of research and great learning, will be a true reflection of the local township and area of Mackay,” Bishop McCarthy said.
Bishop McCarthy said Catherine McAuley was the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy and the name reflects the significant contribution the Sisters have made to the establishment and development of Catholic schools in the Mackay region since 1880.
“Catherine McAuley devoted her adult life to ministering to the poor and destitute where she emphasized the importance of education, justice, service, stewardship and respect for the dignity of each person. These qualities have inspired thousands of students who have received a quality Catholic education at a Mackay Catholic school, founded and/or staffed by the Sisters of Mercy over the past 140 years”. Bishop McCarthy said.
Director of Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton, Miss Leesa Jeffcoat AM welcomed the announcement that the new College would be named Catherine McAuley College. “The College will adopt the Charism of the Sisters of Mercy and this will inspire the College’s Educational Mission and help shape the College’s identity from its very inception,” Miss Jeffcoat said.
Miss Jeffcoat said that the beginning of construction work and the naming of Catherine McAuley College were exciting milestones on the journey towards the College accepting its first cohort of students in 2022.
“The opening of this new College in Mackay has generated enormous interest from families in the region wishing to enrol their children as well as significant enquiries from teaching professionals seeking information about employment,” Miss Jeffcoat said.
If you wish to make enquiries about future enrolments at Catherine McAuley College please call 1800 228 433 or email info@rok.catholic.edu.au