Since their arrival in Fremantle in 1894, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate have found a home in Western Australia. In 2026, Mazenod College in Lesmurdie celebrates 60 years of Catholic education in the Oblate tradition.
In 1966, two Oblate priests and the Australian Province had a dream – to provide quality Catholic education for boys in Perth’s hills area and to many others across the state through boarding facilities. Sixty years later, that dream is very much a reality as Mazenod College in Lesmurdie celebrates its Diamond Jubilee.
It was in May 1965 when Fr Ian Mackintosh OMI and Fr Dennis Mcarthy OMI, alongside generous families and locals, led the initial land clearing program for the proposed school site – a site secured with the vital and generous support of local politicians and real estate agents.
With the building works undertaken in earnest, the foundation grade six and seven students arrived on 14 February 1966 under the guidance of West Australian Oblate, Fr Don Hughes OMI, the College’s inaugural Rector.
On 8 May 1966 Mazenod College was officially opened, named after St Eugene de Mazenod, founder of the Oblates. As a French rural missionary congregation, it had been a long-held desire for the Oblates to serve the people of rural Western Australia and so the initial boarding facility was added in 1967 to cater for the needs of rural students.
As enrolments grew, so too did the College facilities. Some notable additions included the Chapel in 1984, new student and Administration buildings between 2006 and 2010, a Design and Technology Centre in 2018 and Boarding refurbishments in 2024 and 2025.
Today, Mazenod College is a thriving Catholic community, guided by the Oblate tradition and its motto, Come, learn who you are in the eyes of God.
“Mazenod College is a treasured Oblate ministry for the entire Congregation. The dignity, safety and care of each member of the community continues to be our highest priority,” Rector Fr Michael Twigg OMI said.
“Its missionary goal is not simply to be one of the best schools in Western Australia, but to be one of the best schools for Western Australia through its Christ-centred focus.
“St Eugene’s call for us to be the most united family possible resonates through the college’s desire to discover, celebrate and share the many moments of grace that are present around us.
“Mazenod’s newly appointed Principal, Mrs Sabrina Hughes, works alongside the three Oblate Priests who pastorally serve the community, as well as with our families, Old Boys and the College Board,” he added.
To further commemorate the College’s anniversary, a number of special events will be held during May including a Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral in Perth on Friday 22 May; a Gala Ball at the Pan Pacific Hotel on Saturday 23 May; and a local Parish Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Lesmurdie on Sunday 24 May.
Friends of Mazenod College past and present are warmly invited to attend. For further information visit the Anniversary Page on the College website.