Friday, 2 August 2024 marked the St Mary’s Cathedral College Bicentenary Ball, a milestone event held at the prestigious Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Sydney, with the breathtaking backdrop of Darling Harbour. The event marked 200 years of the College’s history, bringing together a distinguished gathering of current and former staff, students, and alumni.
The celebration began with a warm welcome from our very own College Principal, Kerrie McDiarmid, who expressed her gratitude to all who have been part of the College’s journey. Kerrie’s words set the tone for a night filled with reflection, celebration, and a shared vision for the future.
Among the evening’s highlights was the participation of the College’s alumni, the Reynolds Brothers as Masters of Ceremonies, with Dallas McInerney, a former student and now CEO of Catholic Schools NSW, delivering an inspiring keynote address. His words captured the spirit of the College’s past achievements while looking forward to a promising future.
Entertainment for the night was provided by a vibrant 6-piece band, complemented by a roaming saxophonist who added a dynamic touch to the evening. The celebration began with an Acknowledgement of Country, delivered by two talented students, setting a respectful and inclusive tone. Fr Don then led the guests in Grace before the commencement of dinner, deepening the sense of community and tradition.
A nostalgic slideshow of the College’s archives transported guests through two centuries of rich history, sparking conversations and fond memories. The event also featured a silent auction and a lucky door prize, adding an element of excitement and engagement for the attendees. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who participated in the silent auction. The funds raised will support Bicentenary events, including the College Museum—a collaborative student-led project in partnership with the Australian Museum, set to launch on 25 October 2024. [ Watch Video HERE]
The night culminated with many guests taking to the dance floor, rounding off the celebration on a joyful note. The Bicentenary Ball was a fitting tribute to the College’s storied past, a celebration of its present, and a hopeful look towards the future.
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our incredible sponsors* whose generous support made the evening even more special. Thank you to AdvancedLife for photographing so many memorable moments of the evening, and to Grainger Films for beautifully capturing the atmosphere and our cherished guests [Watch Video HERE]
*Bicentenary event sponsors: Renascent, Cowyn Building Group, Charmax Facility Management, AdvancedLife School Photography, Rainer Schoolwear, Total Canteen Solutions, Box of Books, Shepson Printing and Robbie Chapman Jewellery.