EREA Welcomes St Teresa's Abergowrie
One of North Queensland’s oldest Catholic boarding schools is entering a new chapter in its proud history of educating young men.
From 19 January 2026, St Teresa’s College, Abergowrie (STC) will become part of Edmund Rice Education Australia Colleges Ltd (EREAC).
Responsibility for the school will change from the Roman Catholic Trust Corporation for the Diocese of Townsville and its agency, Townsville Catholic Education (TCE), to EREA Colleges from mid-January 2026.
The agreement follows a thorough due diligence process, together with the completion of the necessary canonical and regulatory approvals.
Founded in 1933 as an agricultural college, STC has a long and proud history of serving young men in the region.
EREAC was established in 2023. It currently oversees 18 Catholic schools and two early learning centres across Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and the ACT, and is part of the broader EREA network of 60 schools.
The Edmund Rice tradition is centred on inclusive and liberating education, Gospel spirituality, and a commitment to justice and solidarity. The Trustees of Edmund Rice Education Australia (TEREA) welcome the addition of St Teresa’s to its national network and has been a key support in the civil and canonical processes along with the Bishop Of Townsville.
TCE and EREAC are working closely to ensure the College’s mission, operations, and future vision remain aligned, with a strong focus on supporting students, staff and families through the change.
TCE Executive Director, Jacqui Francis, said the transition presents new opportunities for the College community.
“St Teresa’s College holds a unique and vital place in Catholic education in North Queensland as the only all boys Catholic boarding school in this part of the state. For nearly four decades, TCE has been honoured to steward the College, ensuring quality education and strong support for its students. We believe students will benefit greatly from the opportunities that will come with being part of EREAC’s national network and that EREAC will continue to nurture the legacy, mission, and aspirations of St Teresa’s. We look forward to supporting the College community to ensure a smooth transition.”
Chief Executive Officer of EREAC, Mr Chris Woolley, welcomed the news confirming the transition, stating:
"EREA Colleges Ltd is looking forward to leading St Teresa’s College Abergowrie and working with its students, staff, families, and broader community as we look to grow opportunities for young First Nations men in a culturally strong and academically enriching environment. STC will form an important part of the Edmund Rice Education Australia vision."
EREA Colleges Ltd Board Chair Ms Pauline Gately extended her gratitude to TCE for its decades of stewardship of STC and for its collaborative approach throughout this process. Having visited St Teresa’s earlier this year, Ms Gately said she is very much looking forward to the school forming part of the EREA Colleges Ltd network.
STC will form strong links with other EREA Colleges including St Brendan’s College, Yeppoon whose Principal, Rob Corboy, has played a key role in supporting the transition. From 2026, Mr Corboy will serve as Executive Principal overseeing St Teresa’s College and St Brendan’s College.
Mr Corboy, a former Principal of STC, said he was enjoying reconnecting with the community. “The future continues to look strong and bright for St Teresa’s and I will be working hard to support and lead the school through this next exciting chapter, continuing its faith-based traditions in academic, sporting and cultural pursuits.”
This new governance model further strengthens EREAC’s commitment to delivering inclusive and transformative Catholic education in regional and remote communities, while continuing the mission of Blessed Edmund Rice in Australia.
STC will join Ignatius Park College, Townsville and St Brendan’s College, Yeppoon, as part of the EREAC family of schools in this part of Australia offering outstanding educational opportunities for young men.
Dr Michael Slattery KSG, President, Edmund Rice Education Australia welcomed the news stating:
“As St Teresa’s College, Abergowrie prepares to join the Edmund Rice Education Australia family, we warmly welcome its students, staff, families, and community into our national network. This transition marks a significant and symbolic moment. As we celebrate this great day, we look forward to a continued partnership and relationship between EREA, Townsville Catholic Education, the Diocese of Townsville and its Bishop the Most Reverend Bishop Harris DD.
“The deep spirit of the College, built on strong cultural identity, faith and community, is aligned beautifully with the mission and Charter for Catholic Schools of EREA: to offer a liberating education, based on Gospel values and inclusivity for all. Together we embrace the St Teresa’s school community and look forward to a smooth transition supported by integration and collaboration, nurturing the faith, and making the Kingdom a reality for all.
Across Australia, Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice tradition have been educating young Australians in every state and territory since 1872. St Teresa’s will join some 60 schools within the Australian network of schools, including secondary, co-educational, boys, regional/rural, boarding, early learning centres and many flexible education centres.
We are inspired by the opportunity to work with the Abergowrie community and forming St Teresa’s College as a vital and valued part of our shared mission across Australia.”
