In just a few short years, Iona College Geelong has grown from a vision for Catholic education in Melbourne's south-west into a vibrant, flourishing community shaped by faith, connection and opportunity.
Since opening in 2020, the College has expanded alongside the rapidly growing Charlemont and Armstrong Creek corridor, one of Victoria's fastest-developing regions. The Armstrong Creek community is projected to grow from approximately 11,000 residents in 2021 to more than 25,500 by 2041, and Iona College is playing an increasingly important role in meeting the demand for quality Catholic education that comes with that growth.
Pictured: Iona College, Geelong
A new centrepiece for learning and community
Students, staff and families recently gathered to celebrate the official opening and blessing of the Glowrey Centre; a major milestone in the College's continuing journey.
The two-storey building delivers 14 new classrooms, an additional gymnasium court, a food technology kitchen and enhanced junior outdoor spaces. Named in honour of Dr Mary Glowrey, whose compassion, courage and commitment to service continue to shape the spirit of the College, the new spaces have been designed to support both learning and belonging for generations of students to come.
For Principal Damian McKew, the transformation has been remarkable.
"One of the biggest changes we have noticed is the physical development of specialised resources available to our community over time. From our specialist centre, the Columba Building - which houses our Arts, Science and Technologies - to the gym and food technology facilities, these spaces have made a significant contribution to the College's growth."
"Across our families, students and staff, we are seeing all the positive outcomes that come with building a strong community and culture."
Damian McKew
Principal, Iona College Geelong
Spaces designed for belonging
The latest stage of the College masterplan has also delivered a standalone Year 7 learning hub, expanded stadium facilities and additional specialist learning environments — all designed with student wellbeing and connection in mind.
The expanded stadium is particularly significant: it now allows the entire College community to gather together for liturgies, celebrations and events that reflect Iona's Catholic identity.
"This stage of development represents an important transition point for the College," Damian says. "A key focus has been creating dedicated spaces specifically for our younger students, helping them build confidence, connection and a sense of belonging as they begin their journey at Iona."
The College's location has also strengthened the relationship between school, family and community. "Our location has given parents confidence that their students are close to home," Damian notes. "Schools also extend beyond their physical location — friendships help build local bonds and a strong sense of belonging."
A partnership built from the beginning
CDF has been part of the Iona College story since the very beginning, supporting the College's growth from concept through to construction, and continuing to do so as the masterplan evolves.
Most recently, CDF provided a $21 million loan to support stages 4A and 4C of the masterplan, contributing to the construction of the new general learning building, stadium and gymnasium extension, junior outdoor spaces and associated works within the broader $25 million project. A further $15 million loan has since been approved to fund the next stage, including a new administration building, resource and library centre, and additional learning environments.
Business Manager Tom Harriott reflects on what that long-term support has meant in practice.
"CDF has played a key role in supporting the College's growth - it is fair to say that much of what has been achieved would not have been possible without that partnership. Building a school on a greenfield site requires significant investment, and CDF has provided the financial support needed to make that possible."
Pictured: Principal Damian McKew and Business Manager Tom Harriot
"In our case, CDF has been involved since the concept of Iona was first put forward.
It is fair to say that Iona may not have gone ahead without the investment and confidence of CDF."
Tom Harriott,
Business Manager, Iona College Geelong
What comes next
The next phase of development will deliver a standalone administration building, resource and library centre, and additional learning environments designed to grow with the needs of future students.
"The library and senior areas will provide a high level of flexibility and creativity in how the space is used," Damian says.
"It is intended to be an adaptive space that supports the needs of students both now and into the future."
As Iona College continues to grow, so too does its role in the wider community, forming young people in faith, service and learning, and helping shape the future of Catholic education in one of Victoria's fastest-growing regions.
Your savings can do more than grow. By opening an account with CDF Community Fund, you can earn a competitive rate of interest while empowering Catholic organisations like Iona College Geelong to build, serve, and grow. It's a greater return than money alone.
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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.
