Trinity Catholic College Lismore has been an independent Catholic school since its founding in 1985 when St Mary’s College and St Joseph’s College merged. Trinity was established as a Catholic school of the Diocese of Lismore, governed by its own incorporated entity, TCCLL.

That will change in the coming years following an announcement by the Chair of the Council of Trinity Catholic College, Ms Karen Davis that will see Trinity merge into the governance structure of Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited (DLCSL).

In a letter to staff, Ms Davis explained the step was central to a strategic vision for the long-term sustainability and educational excellence of the College.

The merger will see Trinity Catholic College join the 11 colleges and 34 primary schools currently governed by DLCSL. The DLCSL stretches from the Tweed in the north to Laurieton (Just south of Port Macquarie) in the South.

The decision of the Trustees of the Diocese of Lismore is a strategic response to the changing landscape of Catholic education. It aims to consolidate resources, streamline planning and ensure the long-term success of all schools within the Diocese, including Trinity Catholic College.

Ms Davis also reassured families and staff that the interests of students remained paramount.

“The day to day experience of students, staff and families will not change. We are a caring, committed and resilient community. This also will not change,” she said.

Both the Trinity Council and DLCSL are committed to preserving:

• the name of the College and its charismatic foundations of the Presentation Sisters and the Marist Brothers;
• the identity and ethos of Trinity, as well as maintaining and developing our traditions and story;
• the amenity of the College, which will remain on the SCU campus for the foreseeable future;
• a high-quality educational experience provided to our students; and
• our ongoing commitment to exploring new educational opportunities.

Bishop Greg Homeming OCD and Chair of DLCSL, Hon John Hannaford AM, have also committed that there will be no loss of employment as a direct result of this change in governance.

A project manager, Mr Ross Tarlinton OAM, has been appointed to manage the change process. Mr Tarlinton is a past Chair of the Trinity Council and former Headmaster of St Joseph’s College in Hunters Hill. The process will also involve continuous engagement with the College’s Leadership Team and staff. A Steering Committee, appointed by the Bishop, will provide oversight and guidance.

HISTORY OF GOVERNANCE

Trinity Catholic College was founded in 1985 with the amalgamation of St Mary’s College and St Joseph’s College, run by the Presentation Sisters and Marist Brothers, respectively. Trinity was established as a Catholic school of the Diocese of Lismore, governed by its own incorporated entity, TCCLL.

In 2019 there was a change of Members of TCCLL when the Presentation Sisters, the Marist Brothers and St Carthage’s Cathedral Parish transferred their ownership rights of Trinity to the Trustees of the Diocese of Lismore. The Council remained the College’s governing body.

The Trustees of the Diocese of Lismore exercise responsibility for the governing bodies of Trinity Catholic College and DLCSL, which governs all other schools within the Diocese of Lismore, including responsibility for the future planning of schools within the diocese. Future planning for schools within the Diocese of Lismore is the responsibility of DLCSL.

Due to the legal complexities involved, it is envisaged the merger process could take up to two years to complete.