Groundbreaking Ceremony for Macquarie Rise Marks a New Chapter

Macquarie Park, NSW - 5 November 2025 - Morling College celebrated a significant milestone with the official groundbreaking of the Macquarie Rise development, a project that reinforces its commitment to the future of Baptist theological education and the local community of Macquarie.

The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests including Mr Allan Vidor, Managing Director of TOGA and Rev Dr Tim MacBride, Principal of Morling College. Principal MacBride shared his reflections on the college’s transformation since he arrived as a student 25 years ago. “Back then, this campus looked very different,” he recalled. “It was a collection of low-rise buildings, faculty housing, and ageing dormitories, and a large oval that doubled as an overflow car park – or swimming pool, on rainy days.” Macquarie Park has since transformed, becoming a thriving urban centre with university expansion, the Metro, and a growing tech hub. Morling College has kept pace with the changes.

A Vision of Growth and Partnership

Today, six of the surrounding apartment buildings stand on Morling land, along with the Morling Residential College (2016) and the Ministry and Learning Centre (2019). The Macquarie Rise project represents the next phase of a master plan that began in 2006 under the vision of past principal Ross Clifford, former board chair Kel Willis, and longtime consultant Ian Gray, together with development partners Toga.

Ensuring the Future of Baptist Theological Education

The motivation behind this extensive redevelopment is rooted in Morling’s commitment to sustainable growth and educational excellence. “We’re doing this to secure the future of Baptist theological education in Australia,” the principal emphasised. “We’re investing in resources that allow us to train teachers for our schools, chaplains for hospitals and aged care facilities, counsellors to address the mental health crisis, and pastors and leaders for local churches.”

A New Community for Macquarie Park

The vision for Macquarie Rise extends beyond Morling’s immediate stakeholders, with new housing options assisting in addressing the nation’s housing shortage in a government-designated high-density area. “We’re not only providing homes but investing in the creation of a neighbourhood,” he added, citing planned retail spaces, potential allied health services, community gardens, and a new location for Ezra Counselling. The project will also ensure the continued presence of Macquarie Baptist Church, a community-focused church that emphasises connection and support for the area’s residents. In Tim MacBride’s words “Today, we’re turning the first sod of a community that will live here. One that Morling College is very proud to be a part of.”