New Academic Centre and Residential Halls Celebrated with Grand Opening

On Thursday the 24^th of August, Campion College trustees, supporters, staff and students gathered to celebrate a milestone occasion in the College’s history – the opening of our new Academic Centre and four residential halls.

Following the blessing of the new spaces by The Most Rev Columba Macbeth-Green, Rev. Fr. Dr Tony Percy, Fr Peter Joseph, Rev Dr Adam Walk, Fr Peter Kruk and Fr Luke Holohan, all guests gathered in the Grand Hall for the Opening Ceremony.

After an official welcome from College President Dr Paul Morrissey and the Rite of Blessing, The Most Rev Columba Macbeth-Green drew parallels between the Gospel narrative and the purpose behind blessing these new spaces. "When we come to bless a building, we're asking God and inviting God to come into that building in a special way to help form people to be able to be apostles of Christ," he emphasised.

Former Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon John Anderson AC, delivered the keynote address, remarking “I'm delighted to be here. It really is something special here today, a significant moment - if the nation only knew it - in this nation's journey."

He discussed the rise of individualism and secularism, highlighting the consequential loss of shared values and the abandonment of the faith that underpinned Western civilisation's success. He then went on to speak of the cultural challenges affecting our nation, stating “Change requires leadership, often not by many people, just by people with a greater wisdom, with a greater learning, and with real courage. And that's why this college is so important in our cultural context. Our engine needs refuelling. This is the place where you can distil and build up stocks of that fuel to inject back into the motor so that our society can again thrive.”

The ceremony was enriched by speeches from Mr James Power (Chair of Capital Appeal), Dr Andrew Charlton MP (Member for Parramatta, representing the Hon Jason Clare MP, Minister for Education), the Honourable Damien Tudehope BA/LLB MLC, the Honourable Dan Tehan MP, the Honourable Tony Abbott AC and Ms Teena McQueen, representing Mrs Gina Rinehart, after whom our new library has been named.

A special thanks was also extended to the family and supporters of the late Fr Paul Stenhouse, a cherished friend and benefactor of Campion College who has been honoured through the naming of Stenhouse Hall.

As the ceremony reached its conclusion, Campion College Chairman, Rev Dr. Adam Walk, extended a Vote of Thanks, acknowledging the collective effort that brought the College to this remarkable juncture. With a flourish, a commemorative plaque was unveiled, etching the day into history.

With the official proceedings concluded, attendees explored the new spaces, admiring the unique design features that have been expertly combined to create an atmosphere that is paradoxically classical and modern.

The day concluded with refreshments and canapes for everyone in attendance, as well as a private evening function for alumni from the Classes of 2008-2022.

To support us in closing out our Capital Appeal Campaign, visit www.campion.edu.au/foundation/capital-appeal