In 2025, Macquarie Community College proudly celebrates 75 years of dedicated service to the community. For over seven decades, the College has stood at the forefront of community-driven education across Greater Sydney, delivering real-world outcomes that empowers individuals, strengthen communities, and drive economic progress. This milestone stands as a powerful testament to the College’s unwavering […]
When Esther Cheng lost her husband, life changed. Suddenly alone in Sydney, far from her birthplace of Hong Kong, she began looking for something to fill the silence – something to give her purpose again. That’s when she found English classes at Macquarie Community College. “I had nothing to do. I needed to find myself […]
In 2025, Macquarie Community College proudly celebrates 75 years of transforming lives through inclusive, community-focused education. From its beginnings in 1950 to becoming Westen Sydney’s leading not-for-profit provider of community-based education and training, the College has continually evolved to meet the needs of individuals, employers and communities. This milestone is not only a reflection of […]
“I’ve always wanted to work with children,” says Sarah Hearne, Trainer and Assessor Early Childhood Education and Care at Macquarie Community College. Sarah began pursuing her child care career straight out of high school. After completing her Certificate III and Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, she quickly secured a full-time role in a […]
In 1950, Eastwood Evening College, which would later become Macquarie Community College, opened its doors under the motto “Dum Spiro Disco”, meaning “While I breathe, I learn”. Today, that commitment to lifelong learning is as strong as ever, with the College standing at the forefront of community-driven adult education across Greater Sydney. As the College […]
Sometimes life throws unexpected challenges our way – like health issues that force us to start over. That’s exactly what happened to Mark. A proud father of six and grandfather of eight, he ran his own concrete business. But after developing serious back problems, he found himself searching for a new path – and that […]
As Macquarie Community College celebrates 75 years of shaping stronger communities through the power of learning and connection, one name stands out as a symbol of commitment, care and community spirit – Christine Benett. As a life member of Macquarie Community College, Christine has been a much-loved arts, crafts and needlework tutor for over 35 […]
As Macquarie Community College celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2025, Board Chair Ian Maitland and CEO Theresa Collignon reflect on the College’s rich legacy—and its vision of building stronger communities through the power of learning and connection. Macquarie Community College has grown since its origins in 1950 as the Education Department’s Eastwood Evening College, into […]
Lucia Uriona arrived in Australia from Argentina in 1971. Her family, of Italian heritage, relocated for her father’s work and settled on a farm, far from the city life they knew. “Everything was new. I spoke only a little English, so I had to start from scratch,” Lucia recalls. Years later, while watching carers from […]
For Sarah Ross (on the left in the photo), the path to her dream career began with a simple truth – she’s always loved children. However, her school time wasn’t always easy. Crowds made her anxious and the pressure to perform in large classrooms felt overwhelming. That changed when she discovered Macquarie Community College’s Child […]
