Welome to Ursula Frayne Statue

Ursula Frayne was born Clara Frayne on 5 October 1816 in Dublin, Ireland. She grew up in a well-off family, as her father was a successful businessman. As a young woman, Clara felt called to a life of service. In 1834, she joined the Institute of Mercy, founded by Catherine McAuley, and took the name Ursula. She became one of the early members of the order and was deeply inspired by Catherine McAuley’s vision of helping others through education and care. 

In 1845, Ursula Frayne was appointed Mother Superior of the first overseas mission of the Sisters of Mercy in Newfoundland. Not long after, she was asked by Bishop John Brady to come to Western Australia to help establish schools. Accepting this new challenge, she travelled to Perth and arrived on 8 January 1846 with several companions. 

Life in the Swan River Colony was not easy. The Catholic community was small, and resources were limited. Despite these difficulties, Sr Ursula Frayne remained determined. She opened the first secondary school in Western Australia, a fee-paying school that mainly educated non-Catholic students. This was an important decision, as the school helped raise much-needed funds to support the Sisters of Mercy and their work. 

Ursula also introduced a new way of organising schools. She established several types of schools on the same site—a fee-paying school alongside primary and infant schools. This model proved successful and later became a pattern for other Mercy foundations. 

Even when government funding was withdrawn, the schools continued to grow. By 1856, the Sisters of Mercy had established strong and thriving schools in Western Australia. 

Sr Ursula Frayne is remembered as a pioneer of Catholic education in Australia. Her dedication, courage, and vision helped build a strong foundation for education that continues to this day. 

She passed away on 9 June 1885, leaving behind a lasting legacy of compassion, education, and service that still inspires many people today.