Our Story

A Legacy of Learning and Leadership

The history of St Joseph’s Nudgee College dates back to 1891. Today, Nudgee College is a leading Catholic boys school in Brisbane, offering day and boarding education for boys in Years 5 to 12. Located on Brisbane’s northside, the College provides a holistic education grounded in the Edmund Rice Tradition.

Guided by the EREA Touchstones of Inclusive Community, Justice and Solidarity, Liberating Education, and Gospel Spirituality, Nudgee College supports young men to grow across every dimension of their lives. Students are encouraged to pursue excellence in their academic, spiritual, personal, social, cultural and sporting development.

At the heart of a Nudgee College education is the formation of character. Through learning, leadership, service and community, our young men are encouraged to become people of purpose who make a positive contribution to the world around them.

At Nudgee College, we strive to develop young men of big hearts and good character. Ultimately, Nudgee College boys are called to live out our College motto, ‘Signum Fidei’, to be a ‘Sign of Faith'.

Nudgee College History; Our Story Begins in 1891

The story of St Joseph’s Nudgee College began in 1891. The Archbishop of Brisbane, Most Rev. Robert Dunne DD, invited the Christian Brothers to establish a residential college for Catholic boys, particularly those from regional and rural Queensland. The site was personally selected by Rev. Br. Patrick Ambrose Treacy, founder of the Australian Province of the Christian Brothers. His vision laid the foundations for what would become one of Queensland’s most enduring educational institutions.

For more than 135 years, Nudgee College has continued to provide young men with opportunities to learn, grow and flourish within a strong faith-based community. Each generation of students has contributed to the traditions, achievements and spirit that continue to shape the College today.

The history of Nudgee College is preserved through the Nudgee College Museum, located on the first floor of the Treacy Building. The Museum houses photographs, artefacts, memorabilia and archival records that capture the people, events and milestones that have shaped the College throughout its long history.

1890 Construction of Treacy Building Commenced

1891 St Joseph's Nudgee College Opened

1913 Foundation stone laid for Our Lady Help of Christians Chapel.

1916 Chapel completed, blessed and dedicated by Archbishop of Brisbane Dr James Duhig.

1922 Nudgee College Old Boys' Association formed.

1927 Main Oval developed (Ross Oval)

1936 Prime Minister Joseph Lyons visited the College

1941 Honour Boards unveiled and presented by the NCOBA

1951 The Flats development commenced

1954 New Boarding dormitories completed

1967 Opening of new Senior Boarding dormitories (single rooms for each boy) and science classrooms attended by Prime Minister Robert Menzies. Hendry Oval was also constructed.