Located on the historic Rupertswood Estate, Salesian College Sunbury is a school deeply ingrained in legacy – it is the oldest Salesian educational institute in Australia, with registration dating back to 1927.
At the heart of the College’s mission is the Salesian charism, founded by St John Bosco. Focused on the education and evangelisation of young people - especially those in need - it emphasises joy, family spirit, pastoral charity, and building communities based in faith.
As thousands of families settle into Melbourne’s fast growing north-west corridor, the demand for faith-based education continues to grow. Salesian College is meeting that need, with ongoing developments and a bold vision to uplift and expand their current footprint.
With projected enrolments set to grow from 1,754 students in 2025 to over 3,000 by 2041, Salesian College has invested in infrastructure, delivering more than extensive capital works projects in the past 12 years – each one helping further their strategic intent where each student and staff member is valued for their unique identity.
As Principal Mark Brockhus shares, “Salesian College Sunbury is proud to offer more than just excellent facilities. We offer a faith-filled learning environment where students become good Christians and honest citizens. That’s what our community is asking for, and that’s what we’re constantly striving to deliver.”
“Salesian College Sunbury is proud to offer more than just excellent facilities. We offer a faith-filled learning environment where students become good Christians and honest citizens. That’s what our community is asking for, and that’s what we’re constantly striving to deliver."
Mark Brockhus, Salesian College Principal
Many of these initiatives have been made possible through a long-standing, and valued partnership between the College and CDF. Over the past 2 years, CDF has loaned more than of $11 million to Salesian College Sunbury, to assist with the development of various capital projects, including:
A state-of-the-art STEAM Centre for integrated learning
The College’s STEAM Centre brings together science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics in a dynamic, cross-disciplinary environment. Students are now able to engage in hands-on projects that mirror real-world challenges; from 3D printing and robotics to digital design and environmental science. These modern facilities are not only driving academic excellence, but also inspiring creativity, critical thinking, and innovation for our future leaders.
A revitalised Agricultural Precinct that blends tradition and sustainability
Located on College grounds, the Agricultural Precinct connects students to nature, food systems, and sustainable living. With hands-on experiences in animal care, horticulture, and crop management, the precinct plays a vital role in supporting vocational learning and environmental stewardship. It seamlessly blends with the rural heritage of the Rupertswood estate, offering a real-world setting for learning across science, geography, and food technology.
Sports Pavilion, opened in 2025, is now a vibrant hub for school and community sport
The new $6.3 million Sports Pavilion marks a major milestone in the College’s ongoing development. Located on the historic grounds where the Ashes urn was born, the Sports Pavilion provides inclusive, multi-purpose facilities that support both student-athletes and local sporting clubs. It now serves as the home ground for community football, netball, cricket, and basketball teams, and is regularly used for interschool competitions, whole-year assemblies, and community events.
The Religious Education Facility and Community Chapel, a $5.85 million spiritual centre currently under construction
Expected completion in 2027 to mark the College’s centenary, the new Chapel will be the spiritual heart of the campus. Designed as a sacred and reflective space, it will host Masses, Eucharistic festivals, prayer services, retreats, and religious education programs. More than a school facility, the Chapel will be a place of encounter and community gathering - welcoming alumni, parish groups, and families for special occasions.
“CDF is more than a lender. They understand our mission and walk with us to make it happen. Their support has allowed us to move forward with confidence and build in response to real community need. We’re moving at a rapid pace and working with trusted partners has made all the difference."
Paul Hillas, Salesian College Business Manager
Last year the College launched its exciting new campus masterplan, Towards 2040, a $250 million investment in Catholic education located close by in Villawood’s Kimberley community. The new site, with Phase 1 funding from CDF, will include:
- Contemporary learning spaces for senior students
- A co-located TAFE training hub with Kangan Institute
- Facilities designed for wellbeing, innovation, and vocational pathways
“This is about more than education,” says Mark Brockhus. “It’s about forming young people who know who they are, who contribute to their communities, and who live with hope and integrity. We couldn’t do this without our supportive community, and of course CDF. Together we can keep pace with growth while staying grounded in our Salesian spirit.”
"Our Salesian College Sunbury Board is fully committed to partnering with CDF to provide exemplary facilities to drive student learning,’’ says Peter Dwyer, Board Chair.
From the historic Rupertswood estate, where cricketing history was made, to the cutting-edge STEAM labs and future Chapel, Salesian College continues to blend heritage with progress. Through education, sport, pastoral care or community outreach, the College is living out Don Bosco’s dream - a home, a school, a church, and a playground, all in one.
CDF is proud to partner with Salesian College Sunbury on this journey of growth – creating spaces where the lives, faith, and futures of young people can continue to flourish.
To help CDF continue to meet strong loan demand from the Catholic community, you too can put your faith in action and save for a greater reward than money alone. Not only will you earn a competitive rate of interest, but your savings will assist schools like Salesian College, Sunbury, and other Catholic organisations to continue the work the Gospel calls on them to do. Learn more and apply today.
Share this article:
Related articles
CDPF Limited, a company established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, has indemnified the Catholic Development Fund ABN 15 274 943 760 (the Fund) against any liability arising out of a claim by investors in the Fund. In practice, this means your investment is backed by the assets of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne. The Fund is required by law to make the following disclosure. Investment in the Fund is only intended to attract investors whose primary purpose for making their investment is to support the charitable purposes of the Fund. Investors’ funds will be used to generate a return to the Fund that will be applied to further the charitable works of the Archdiocese of Melbourne and the Dioceses of Sale and Bunbury. The Fund is not prudentially supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority nor has it been examined or approved by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). An investor in the Fund will not receive the benefit of the financial claims scheme or the depositor protection provisions in the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). The investments that the Fund offers are not subject to the usual protections for investors under the Corporations Act (Cth) or regulation by ASIC. Investors may be unable to get some or all of their money back when the investor expects or at all and investments in the Fund are not comparable to investments with banks, finance companies or fund managers. The Fund’s identification statement may be viewed here or by contacting the Fund. The Fund does not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence.
