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The History of ACU National
Australian Catholic University (ACU National) was opened on 1 January 1991 following the amalgamation of four Catholic tertiary institutions in eastern Australia - the Catholic College of Education Sydney in New South Wales, the Institute of Catholic Education in Victoria, McAuley College of Queensland, and Signadou College of Education in the Australian Capital Territory.
The institutions that merged to form the University had their origins in the mid-1800s, when religious orders and institutes became involved in preparing teachers for Catholic schools and, later, nurses for Catholic hospitals. Through a series of amalgamations, relocations, transfers of responsibilities and diocesan initiatives, more than twenty historical entities have contributed to the creation of the University.
The University operates as a company limited by guarantee, under the Companies (Victoria) Code and has a constitution which clearly identifies its objects in education, scholarship and research as part of the mission of the Catholic Church.
The University is a member of the publicly-funded national system of Australian universities, the Association of Commonwealth Universities and the International Federation of Catholic Universities. The University's Vice-Chancellor is a member of the Universities Australia and its Board of Directors.
The History of Our Campuses
ACU National is made up of six campuses each with its own unique history. Following are some key historical facts about each campus and links to more information about each campus.
Brisbane Campus (McAuley at Banyo)
The Brisbane Campus (McAuley at Banyo) commenced in 2003, replacing the former Brisbane Campus at Mitchelton. The 40-hectare site was formerly the Pius XII Provincial Seminary, with a history extending back to 1863.
North Sydney Campus (MacKillop)
Dating back Mary MacKillop who founded the Congregation of the Sisters of St Joseph in South Australia in 1866 and moved to a cottage in Mount Street, North Sydney, in the 1880s the North Sydney Campus became part of ACU National in 1990.
Strathfield Campus (Mount Saint Mary)
The Strathfield Campus site was formerly part of land belonging to the St James Church of England in 1823. It became part of ACU National in 1990.
Canberra Campus (Signadou)
“Signadou” is derived from a legend associated with the founder of the Dominican Order who when praying for guidance in his life's work was given a "sign of God" (Signe de Dieu) directing him to teach the truth throughout the university towns of Europe. At the end of 1990 the Signadou Dominican College of Education formally handed responsibility for the College and its operations to Australian Catholic University (ACU National).
Ballarat Campus (Aquinas)
The Ballarat Campus had its beginnings in the establishment of the Aquinas Training College by the Ballarat East Sisters of Mercy in 1909 and continued in various guises until as the Institute of Catholic Education it handed responsibility for its operation over to ACU National in 1990.
Melbourne Campus (St Patrick's)
The Melbourne Campus at Fitzroy, incorporating Central Hall, was established in 2000 after ACU National's existing two Melbourne campuses (Mercy and Christ) were formally amalgamated. Mercy and Christ had both been colleges of the Victorian Institute of Catholic Education between 1975 and 1990.
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