MBC, a continuing story
Our history is not simply a record of dates and buildings.
Across 125 years, It is the story of a community that has continued to adapt, grow and thrive while remaining grounded in its values. The College has been shaped by vision, resilience and a deep commitment to the education of girls and young women.
Beginnings in Wynnum
Moreton Bay College was founded in 1901 by Miss Alice J Alison Greene and her sisters, Miss Anne and Miss Helah Greene, on Bay Terrace in Wynnum.
Originally known as Moreton Bay Girls’ High School, the school opened with boarding facilities for 30 students. Its first roll included six boarders and 20 day girls. In 1944, the Greene family handed the school to the Methodist Church, and in 1946 responsibility passed to the Presbyterian and Methodist Schools’ Association (PMSA).
Over the following decades, the College was led by a succession of dedicated principals, including Miss Ellen Christensen, Mrs Millicent Drewe and Mrs Viola Owen-Winchester. In 1957, the school became Moreton Bay College, a name chosen to better reflect its identity and avoid confusion with the State high school system.
A College reborn
The 1970s brought significant challenge. A rural recession placed pressure on what was then largely a boarding school, and in 1975 the PMSA decided to close the College.
What followed was a remarkable turning point in MBC’s history. Under the guidance of the Uniting Church and a new Board chaired by Mr John Mason, the College was reconstituted in 1979. At the time, enrolment stood at just 116 students.
In 1980, Mr Ken Waller was appointed Headmaster, becoming the first male principal in the College’s history. The boarding house closed that same year, and plans soon began for a new future.
A new home at Manly West
At the end of 1981, the College acquired 20 hectares of land on Wondall Road, Manly West. The move to the current campus took place in stages.
The Primary School opened on the new site in 1984, followed by the Secondary School in 1986. This relocation marked the beginning of a new chapter of growth and renewal for the College.
Under Ken Waller’s leadership, Moreton Bay College flourished through the 1980s and 1990s, establishing the strong foundations of the school we know today.
Growth, opportunity and a centenary milestone
In 1999, Mr Paul Teys was appointed Principal. During this period, the College continued to expand, including the opening of Leita Boswell Hall and the development of new facilities for Prep.
In 2001, Moreton Bay College celebrated its Centenary, with enrolment reaching 1,170 girls from Prep to Year 12.
The years that followed brought significant growth and innovation. In 2003, the College opened its own Chapel for the first time, as well as MBC Childcare, providing long day care for boys and girls from 15 months. The establishment of Moreton Bay Boys’ College in the same year also created a valuable educational option for families with sons.
Construction on the College’s Music Centre and Concert Hall began in 2004, with the facility officially opening in 2006 and further strengthening MBC’s outstanding music programme.
Academic excellence and strategic growth
In 2006, Ms Jennifer Haynes commenced as Principal. Under her leadership, the College experienced strong enrolment growth and continued success across academics, sport and co-curricular life.
The graduating classes of 2006, 2007 and 2008 achieved exceptional results, with MBC recognised as one of Queensland’s leading girls’ schools for academic achievement. A renewed Strategic Plan, released in 2008, set the direction for the next phase of development and investment in facilities.
The close relationship between Moreton Bay College and Moreton Bay Boys’ College also deepened during this period. In 2011, the two Colleges were formally brought together under common Board membership while retaining their distinct identities and single-sex focus.
A strong recent chapter
In 2017, Mrs Janet Stewart was appointed Principal of Moreton Bay College, having served the College since 1997 in a range of teaching and leadership roles. Her tenure was marked by strong continuity, care for community and a deep commitment to girls’ education.
At the executive level, Mr Richard Henry commenced as CEO and Executive Principal of Moreton Bay College and Moreton Bay Boys’ College in 2021. Following the conclusion of his tenure in July 2025, Mrs Vicki Waters was appointed Interim CEO and Executive Principal of the Moreton Bay Colleges until June 2026.
From July 2026, Mrs Rebecca Lennon, who has served as Head of Primary since 2009, became Principal of Moreton Bay College.
In 2026, construction is set to begin on the new Creativity and Arts Centre, the final element of Stage 1 of the Masterplan launched in 2023. The project represents a major investment in the future of the College, designed to elevate both arts and technology through purpose-built spaces for curricular and co-curricular learning.
Celebrating 125 years
In 2026, Moreton Bay College proudly marks 125 years of history.
It is a moment to celebrate the people, milestones and values that have shaped the College across generations, and to honour the students, staff, families and alumnae who continue to carry its story forward.
From its beginnings in Wynnum to its flourishing campus at Manly West, MBC has remained steadfast in its purpose: to educate young women of character, confidence and capability.
