Bishop Duhig had acquired the property "Coplands" as a site for a boarding school in 1908 with the dream of gathering “the sturdy station children, the sons of cattlemen and sheepmen from the great, grand heart of the West, to be familiarized with Catholic faith and practice, in proper surroundings.”
During the 1930's Rev. Br. I. Dowd travelled the Rockhampton Diocese to collect funds and support to construct the new College on the "Coplands" site in Yeppoon. The Christian Brothers' community in Rockhampton supervised the clearing of the site and the construction of the first buildings. They were helped greatly by a group of old boys and supporters of the Christian Brothers.
The foundation stone of St Brendan's College, Mary's Mount, Yeppoon was blessed by Right Reverend Dr. Hayes D.D., Bishop of Rockhampton on October 8th, 1939. In February 1940 Bishop Hayes officially opened St Brendan's in the presence of the then Archbishop of Brisbane the Most Reverend Sir James Duhig who had purchased the site some thirty years before. School commenced with 42 boarders and 15 local students. Rev. Br. J.B. Gettons was appointed the first Headmaster of the College and guided its growth in the early years. Bishop Tynan was a most active benefactor of the College in these early years.
Throughout its history the College has met the educational needs of young men from throughout central Queensland. Initially these were mainly students from properties and small rural townships. For many years there was also a deep connection to PNG with many students attending St Brendan’s for their education.
In recent years the mining boom has brought students from central highlands into the school and the growth of the Capricorn Coast has also seen a huge increase in the day student population.
Over the past ten years the College has committed itself to the education of Indigenous youth. In 2008 St Brendan’s has over 110 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and has worked to develop the structures and culture within the community to be a model of reconciliation in action.
The faith life of the College has underpinned all its endeavours throughout its history. The liturgical life of the College has always been deeply respected and has provided the rich experience that has led to a strong commitment to reaching out to others in the community in a spirit of justice and solidarity.
In recent years the College has undertaken a massive amount of physical and structural change to improve the provision of its quality service. This renewal process has also helped the College to ensure that its practices align with its mission and values.