The first Christian Brothers community arrived in Australia in 1843 when it was still only a collection of infant colonies. Though three small schools were opened, the venture was not a success, and the Brothers returned to Ireland in 1847.

Br Patrick Ambrose Treacey was selected to lead the second community of Brothers to far off Australia in 1868. In 1875 the Brothers arrived in Queensland and opened St Joseph's College, Gregory Terrace thus beginning their association with Queensland Education. Gregory Terrace began as the first catholic Boys' Secondary School in the Colony. In 1888 the Brothers opened their second school in Maryborough, Sacred Heart College, and also began the search for a place to re-locate the Boarding House at Gregory Terrace. In 1891 St Joseph's Nudgee College was established as the Boarding arm in Brisbane but soon established itself as an equally outstanding educational centre.

Throughout the years the Christian Brothers opened a number of day and boarding colleges throughout the state and in recent years have consolidated their commitment in this area. With a rich tradition in provision of education, the Brothers more recently have expanded their commitment to other ministries as well.