Our History
Dalby Christian College was established in 1981 by a group of local Christians who desired a Christ-centred education for their children. At a time when many believers across Australia were growing concerned about the increasing exclusion of God from public education, these passionate pioneers stepped out in faith to create a school where Christian values would be at the heart of learning.
Led by founding Administrator Mr. Grahame Kerr, and with the support of Dalby Gospel Chapel, the College began with just 27 students. Classes were initially held in the YPF Hall on the corner of Mary Street and Irvingdale Road. Soon after, classrooms moved to a second-hand hospital building purchased for just $6,000. The early curriculum followed a modified Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) program, and by 1983, enrolments had grown to around 100 students.
In 1984, Mr. Winston Svenson was appointed Principal, and the school transitioned to Board-approved Primary and Secondary programs, taught from a distinctly Christian worldview. Dalby Christian College joined a network of over 60 Christian Community Schools across Australia. These early years were marked by financial hardship, with dedicated staff often working for below-award wages out of commitment to the College’s mission.
A milestone came in 1985 with the introduction of Boarding at Bethel Home - originally a home for girls from difficult family situations. As boarding enrolments grew, a former aged care facility was purchased and transported from Laidley to serve as the Boarding House until 2015, when a purpose-built Boarding facility was opened, able to accommodate up to 32 students.
From 1989 to 1993, under the leadership of Mr. David Coates, enrolments surged from 65 to 277 students. The school’s funding and governance improved significantly, transitioning to a more denominational structure that welcomed the broader Christian community of Dalby.
Mr. Geoff Dethlefs (1994–1998) and Mr. Peter Kirk (1999–2005) continued to lead the College through seasons of growth and stabilisation. Although enrolments dipped below 200 between 2006 and 2008, this period marked a renewed commitment to the future. The construction of eight modern Primary classrooms and a new car park laid the groundwork for the future growth of the school.
In 2009, Mr. Stephen Wilson was appointed Principal. The following year, the College joined Christian Community Ministries (CCM) - a national organisation of Christian schools - which brought fresh governance and strong strategic support. That same year, the Multipurpose Centre was completed and named in honour of Mr. Eric Turner, a founding Board member whose contribution had been instrumental to the College’s early growth.
The following years saw ongoing expansion:
2014 - Kindergarten extension
2015 - New Boarding House and Science/Home Economics Block
2017 - Creative Arts Block
2020 - Enrolment surpassed 360 students
2024 – New Administration Block, Tuckshop and Secondary Classrooms
Mrs. Marie Skerman, the College’s founding teacher in 1981, returned in 2009 as Head of Primary and became Principal in 2022. The College has continued to thrive, with enrolments exceeding 400 by 2023. Today, the College is blessed to welcome a second generation of students, with children of former students now attending.
Dalby Christian College remains unwavering in its mission to educate, nurture, and disciple young people for Christ. Our story is one of perseverance, sacrifice, and above all, God’s faithfulness. We honour the many men and women who have prayed, served, and sown into the life of the College over the years.
While buildings and enrolment numbers tell part of the story, the true legacy of Dalby Christian College is seen in the lives of the students and families it has impacted. As we look to the future, we continue to give thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ and seek to serve His purposes - now and for generations to come.