Mary MacKillop was born of Scottish parents in Fitzroy, Melbourne on the 15th January, 1842. Together with Father Tenison Woods, she founded an Australian Religious Congregation, the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart. This group of religious women committed themselves to the education of the poor, especially in isolated areas of Australia.
Mary MacKillop established an education system that was recognised for its excellence throughout Australia and New Zealand. She and her Sisters of St Joseph saw education as a means of changing the circumstances of people's lives. They worked tirelessly to provide an education that was accessible to people in often difficult circumstances. Above all, they were concerned to equip people with skills and knowledge so they could take their place in society with confidence and dignity. Her vision for Australian youth resulted in a flourishing education system that gave hope and realised aspirations in the midst of a tough, depressed, materialistic and secular environment.