Chevalier College, August 21st 2022, the John Fahey Education and Sports Centre
John Fahey AC won a bursary to attend Chevalier College in the Southern Highlands, enrolling in 1958 and graduating in 1962.
From humble beginnings, John developed his potential and often credited the college with being a critical element in the formation of his character, his moral values and principles.
In his leaving year John was a prefect, a leader in the college's Young Catholic Society, captain of the First XI cricket team and a member of a much-acclaimed First XV rugby team.
The college has already committed to a 6-year scholarship starting in 2022 as a tribute to Mr Fahey and will be undertaking a fundraising campaign to secure an endowment so the award can continue in perpetuity.
Chevalier College Principal Chris McDermott explained that the approval process for the naming involved extensive discussions and consideration with a number of stakeholder groups, including the college board and the MSC community which owns the college, and had taken some time to complete due to the significance of such an action.
“This is the first time a major building in the college is being named after a past student. Until now the buildings have been named almost exclusively after members of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. Our plan represents a new way of thinking about such significant action,” he said.
“This multi-purpose hall is the latest and largest building to be constructed on our campus. It is arranged over two-levels and incorporates a full-size basketball court for a range of indoor sports, changing rooms and break-out areas, as well as adaptable class room spaces that adjoin spectator viewing areas on the mezzanine level.”
“A feature of the building is an automated retractable seating system that when combined with fixed seating gives a capacity of 1300 people, allowing the space to be used for a variety of events, not just sport.”
“Another feature is the marvellous views to the east across the tennis courts and sporting ovals that John Fahey himself played cricket and rugby on, and was also the location for cadet exercises and parades along with the athletic events of that time.”
