A PUBLICATION FOR THE DE LA SALLE COLLEGE COMMUNITY ... · DE LA SALLE COLLEGE LASALLIAN ROLL CALL...

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A PUBLICATION FOR THE DE LA SALLE COLLEGE COMMUNITY – MALVERN – ISSUE NO: 45 – SEPTEMBER 2018

Transcript of A PUBLICATION FOR THE DE LA SALLE COLLEGE COMMUNITY ... · DE LA SALLE COLLEGE LASALLIAN ROLL CALL...

Page 1: A PUBLICATION FOR THE DE LA SALLE COLLEGE COMMUNITY ... · DE LA SALLE COLLEGE LASALLIAN ROLL CALL 3 Dear Old Collegians, With a raft of innovative plans and programs coming to fruition,

A PUBLICATION FOR THE DE LA SALLE COLLEGE COMMUNITY – MALVERN – ISSUE NO: 45 – SEPTEMBER 2018

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CONTENTS

Letters 2

From the Principal 3

Father’s Day Breakfast 4

VCAL on the road/Master’s Apprentice 5

Connecting with the past/Doing the Duke 6

Rheims Centre for Science and Technology 7

Legal talent 8

A man with a mission 9

Living the dream/Federal grant to Old Collegian 10-11

Putting it into practice 12

Intensive carer 13

Wing Commander flying high 14-15

Jazz Jackson 16-17

Behind the scenes at the NGV 18

The Old Collegians’ Association 19

Class of 2017 Reunion 20

Class of 2008 Reunion 21

Class of 1998 Reunion 22

Class of 1988 Reunion 23

Old Collegians’ Amateur Football Club 24

Where are they now? 25-26

From the archives/Rest in Peace 27

FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome to the September issue of Roll Call. Since our last issue the College has seen significant physical changes with the opening of the new Science and Technology Centre, the new pop-up garden at Tiverton (see page 4) and the demolition of the flats on the corner of Dalny and High Streets in preparation of the next exciting stage of the College Master Plan (see Principal’s column page 3). Also in this issue our VCAL students share their impressions of Wilcannia from where they recently returned. As always the College alumni never disappoint with stories of their diverse interests and careers. In this issue you will meet fighter pilots, fishermen, physicians, jazz musicians, lawyers and healers. Our recent reunions were captured, as always, by Jonathan Hewett whose photos say it all. Next week the College’s annual Arts Week will open featuring the creative output of our students. We are grateful to Brandon Luu (Year 12) for allowing us to use a painting of his grandfather on our cover. His works will feature in the exhibition.

Editor: Kerry MartinProduction and photography: Jonathan Hewett

Cover shot: “Unsettled: refugees in society”

By Brandon Luu (Year 12)

Acrylic on Canvas

1220mm x 1525mm

Brandon Luu has studied visual arts since he was in Year 8. Last year he won the Principal’s Award at the De La Salle Art Show and this year he won the Academic Award for Studio Arts. His work “Unsettled refugees in society” was inspired by his grandfather’s Thuan Quan Truong, who arrived in Australia as a refugee from Vietnam.

“I didn’t have any expectations. I only wanted freedom.” – Thuan Quan Truong.

“When conducting the interview with my grandfather he couldn’t fully express himself. His emotions poured out before I had a chance to ask a question. We hadn’t shared sad times before and the pain of seeing him remember his past was desperately sad. It made me think of his sacrifices of leaving war-torn Vietnam to come to Australia to make a better life for my mother and her siblings, for them to have a better life. Interviewing my grandfather was not an easy thing to do, but hearing his experiences made me proud of my grandfather.”

“I appreciate how lucky I am to be living in a country of ‘freedom’. I have an utmost respect for my grandparents for having the survival instinct to find their destiny.“

“Why does our identity have to be so black and white? I understand that racism is a complex issue and I do not expect it to end in my lifetime, however I hope to change perspectives by sharing my family’s refugee story through my art, despite how unsettling it may be.”

Dear Editor,

Thanks for the latest edition of the Roll Call. It’s fantastic to see the school continue its growth in developing the fine young adults that we see make a difference in the community today. It’s nice to see one of my former students (from my first Grade 5 class I taught at St Mary’s Malvern East - James McCormack) earn a college leader role this year. May he and the esteemed College leaders keep the Lasallian spirit alive and well? Keep up the great work.

Adrian Webster (2004) Caulfield East

Dear Editor Thank you very much for a wonderful read. Mary Loft

Dear EditorIt is a long time since I went to De La but this publication is very impressive. Peter Moylan (1961) Dandenong

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Dear Old Collegians,

With a raft of innovative plans and programs coming to fruition, 2018 is a very exciting time at De La Salle College. The current climate is one of progression, development, innovation and working towards excellence in all areas of the College. Our goal, our vision, is to build on our traditions and all the strengths that have made De La Salle a great school for 106 years.

The most visible example of this is the very exciting new Rheims Centre for Science and Technology, officially opened on Wednesday 29 August. Named after the birthplace and first home of St John Baptist de La Salle, the Rheims Centre is the result of a total renovation of the area which housed the old science labs, canteen, drama and music rooms - the first of many developments on the horizon.

This new facility represents our commitment to a science education that requires new thinking, new approaches and is responsive to the increasing global importance of STEM education. Besides providing our students with state of the art facilities, the Rheims Centre is symbolic of the current emphasis on growth, innovation and development in all areas of the College. Contemporary skills and knowledge are crucial, but it is mastery of the actual learning process students need to prepare them for the real world,

especially the world of work. Our new learning spaces support that imperative. The Rheims Centre opened for classes in June.

The front courtyard at Tiverton has also had a makeover, with trees and shrubs adding greenery, plus seating, decking, an outdoor table tennis table and concrete painting all adding significant visual, practical and recreational enhancements to the space. The flats in Dalny St have been demolished, replaced in the short term with a bus parking area, freeing up more space for the students in the yard at Tiverton.

The biggest and most exciting development at the College is undoubtedly the acquisition of the recently closed Holy Eucharist Primary School in Malvern East. This will operate as our Year 9 Campus from January 2019.

In 2014, De La Salle College convened a Working Group of interested staff to review the arrangements at Year 9. Over four years the group has undertaken extensive research and a proposal emerged from this work, detailing the introduction of new elements to Year 9. A Mission Statement for Year 9 was crafted: The Year 9 program at De La Salle College is designed to be authentic, meaningful, purposeful and distinctive to Year 9 students. Through collaboration and inquiry they lead their own learning.

There is very strong stakeholder support and indeed, excitement about the prospect of this proposal coming to fruition. Consultation with staff, parents, members of the Board, Brothers and students revealed that the bold step taken to establish a new site for the College’s Year 9 program represents a critical development in the further improvement and competitiveness of the College moving into the future. Planned refurbishments will quickly see our new Year 9 Campus present as a contemporary 21st century learning environment – a clean, bright, inviting, modern and engaging space, equipped with the facilities and resources to support our innovative curriculum. Exciting times indeed!

Peter Houlihan Principal

From the Principal

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The College gymnasium was filled to capacity recently for the annual Father’s Day Breakfast. More than 500 students and fathers/male carers came together for a healthy breakfast of fresh fruit and pastries. Triple Premiership Hawthorn Football Club player Peter Schwab was the guest of honour and entertained guests with tales of his days at the Club. The Father’s Day Breakfast is a wonderful opportunity for fathers to spend time with their sons, and has been growing in popularity since it started.

Father’s Day Breakfast

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Recently the Senior VCAL class returned from Wilcannia, NSW where they spent two weeks working with the local community of St Theresa’s Primary School. Every year the VCAL students spend time working with indigenous communities as part of their social justice program.

This year the 15 strong group of current students, a cook, teachers, support staff and two Old Collegians Charlie Aitkin (2016) and Oscar Cramp (2016) made the 12 hour journey to outback NSW tasked with jobs to help improve recreational facilities at the school. The trip has made a lasting impression on the boys and, on their return, they shared some of their impressions of the trip with Roll Call.

“The purpose of the trip was to assist less privileged areas and interact with their community.”

“Our jobs were to build a concrete path, improve the garden, relocate a cubby house and just help out at St Theresa’s Primary School.”

“The journey was long but we were rewarded with a comfortable bed at the half way point in Mildura. We weren’t so lucky in Wilcannia where we slept on the floor in a common room, it was very uncomfortable.”

“The highlights were the food and the chance to work and spend time with the students.”

VCAL on the road

Trent Puddy’s career goal is to be the youngest Master Builder in Victoria. As the College’s first VCAL Captain, and with a school-based apprenticeship well underway, he is on a fast track to achieving his goal.

Puddy, who is in his final year at the College and is enrolled in the Senior VCAL Program (Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning), started at De La Salle in Year 4. As part of his VCAL program he elected to do a school-based apprenticeship with Excelsior Master Builders which incorporates school- based learning and on the job training in carpentry.

This is the first year the College has included a VCAL Captain amongst its student leadership group, and dedicated Year 12 VCAL student Puddy is proud of his leadership role.

“There are a lot of things that I’m really passionate about at the College but the biggest ones are the VCAL program and

as a College Leader working with the primary students,” he said.

Puddy said he has always wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps. “To me building has always been part of my life. Dad is a builder so I was the same as most boys growing up, wanting to grow up to be like dad.”

“For me the school-based apprenticeship was a fantastic opportunity and I couldn’t say no. I have known for a while that being a ‘chippy’ was what I wanted to do so when I got the option of being able to complete two years of my apprenticeship while still at school I jumped at it. I can’t recommend the program enough.”

“My career goal is to be the youngest Master Builder in Victoria and to eventually run my own business. These won’t come easily, but I’m eager to get to work and try to achieve my goals.”

The VCAL program is tailored to meet the needs of vocationally focused

students who choose not to take on a mainstream VCE program. While Puddy said the program isn’t for everyone it is ideal for those who prefer a hands-on approach to learning. “One of the benefits of the program is being able to try different jobs and see what’s best suited to you. The atmosphere of the VCAL program is like no other, the bond that there is between the boys and staff in VCAL is truly amazing, going to school is just like going to a family function”, says Puddy.

By Kerry Martin

“We were there to help those in need.”

“The purpose of the trip was to get a deeper understanding about the local community and help the kids at the primary school, most of whom are aboriginal.”

“The community is very poor but the school makes a real effort to create a happy and friendly environment.”

“Spending time with the kids and all the boys was a very good experience.”

“It’s all part of our Lasallian Mission, which is to help others in need.”

By the 2018 Senior VCAL class

Master’s apprentice

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Connecting with the pastQuestion: What happens when you teach a 91 year old to ‘Slam the Tim Tam?’ Answer: A lot of laughs. John Horan (1944) is now an expert ‘Tim Tam Slammer’ thanks to Year 9 students who were part of an Intergenerational Project organised by St Joseph’s Parish, Malvern and the College’s Lasallian Service Program.

The project matched students with older parishioners to learn about each other’s experiences and ultimately produce a record of their life in a Celebration of Life booklet, which was launched by the Mayor of Stonnington City Council and Old Collegian, Councillor Steven Stefanopoulos (1992). When Horan graduated from the College there were no Tim Tams, in fact there were few treats of any kind. The one-time teacher said the project brought back a lot of memories of the past and opened his eyes to the ways young people see the world. “The whole experience gave me a chance to relive some of the things I have done in my life,” he said.

“One of the main things I got out of the project was having a reason to look back over my whole life and I found that

I was being reminded of the things I did as a child and a young adult,” he said.

Horan’s recollections of his days at the College are crystal clear. He recalled one memory as if it was yesterday. “I was a member of the De La Salle football team in 1944. I only just made it onto the team but managed to play out the whole season. My only regret was that my socks were down in the team photo.”

Horan said he really enjoyed the experience and learnt as much about himself as he did about young people. “I got a real insight into the way that young people think these days. These days’ young people have a lot of technology to help them remember, so much different to my day.”

Horan, who still lives in Malvern, remains

active in the Parish through the St Vincent de Paul Society. His three sons Anthony (1984), Christopher (1985) and Timothy (1989) all attended the College.

Horan was one of five parishioners who participated in the Intergenerational Project. Others were Ms Claire Kelly, Ms Maureen O’Bree, Mrs Mary Thomas and Mrs Marie Grafen who were bravely led by 15 Year 9 students along voyages of remembrances in this project, recounting their life stories.

Principal Peter Houlihan acknowledged the importance of these types of projects, both for an understanding of the past but, more importantly, for the creation of community.

Picture: Cr Steve Stefanopolous. Mr John Horan, Peter Houlihan, Khai Pham (9H), Tom Hobbins (9V) and Antoine Paruit (9R)

By Kerry Martin

A group of 15 students braved the chilling conditions of the Great Ocean Road National Park recently as part of the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh

International Award offered in Year 9. Coordinator Ms Liz O’Connell, said there were numerous benefits associated with the Award. “It enables

students to get out and about and participate in community service while learning new skills and being able to work in a group.”

“The Award is really a challenging journey of self-discovery,” she said.

“The students learn to take responsibility

for their choices and hopefully become more resilient in the process. While the students learn important life skills the Award also increases career opportunities.”

Today more than 130 countries have adopted The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award program with over 8 million young people having participated worldwide. Locally over 775,000 young people have participated in the Award in Australia in the past 58 years. De La Salle College introduced the program in 2017.

By Kerry Martin

Doing the Duke

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The College’s new Rheims Centre for Science and Technology was officially opened on Wednesday 29 August by the Mayor of Stonnington and Old Collegian, Councillor Steven Stefanopoulos (1992).

Cr Stefanopolous was joined by the University of Melbourne’s Director of the Doherty Applied Microbial Genomics Centre, Professor Tim Stinear (1985) who was a guest speaker at the opening. Professor Stinear, (pictured right) has recently received Federal Government funding to head a new study into the flesh eating Buruli ulcer as part of an effort to curb its spread in Australia (see page 11).

The new centre on the Tiverton Campus, which was blessed by the Reverend Monsignor Stuart Hall (1980), represents the College’s commitment to a science education that is responsive to the increasing global importance of STEM education for young people.

Principal Peter Houlihan said the new centre was integral to the College’s plans to prepare students for the future. “It is clear that the global workforce is changing and STEM skills are amongst the most important to prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s jobs.”

“The centre has been designed to maximise student engagement and inspire students to further their studies across the breadth of the science curriculum. The three state-of-the-art laboratories cater for specialised practical activity, where mobile workstations allow re-configuration of the space to suit the task. Adjacent classroom spaces support theoretical work and the central area includes a presentation space in a tiered seating array. Throughout the centre small learning hubs have been configured for individual student study and small group collaboration.”

“The centre has been designed to exploit the use of technology in learning; allowing for effective use of student and teacher devices and video projection to further enhance teaching and learning.”

By Kerry Martin

Rheims Centre for Science and Technology

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When he was 13 years old Paul O’Gorman (1968) discovered he had talent and with encouragement from a fellow student, he entered a College Amateur Talent show and performed publicly for the first time. Now an accomplished musician and entertainment lawyer, O’Gorman believes he wouldn’t be where he is today without the support of that mentor who would become a close friend, Roger Wilson (1965).

Tragically, Wilson was killed in 1980 as a victim of crime but O’Gorman still attributes him, along with his family, as the major influences in his formative years. “All those years ago it was Wilson’s encouragement that gave me the confidence to do a solo in Five Hundred Miles at a Talent Night. My parents were in the audience and they didn’t even know I could sing,” O’Gorman said. “By the end of the year my parents had bought me my first guitar and my career as a performer was born.”

It is not surprising that O’Gorman’s parents encouraged his musical career. His father was well-known Melbourne radio broadcaster Kevin O’Gorman. “I was very influenced by my folks. Dad went through the Depression therefore wanted me to get a qualification so I

never considered music as a full time option at that point, but I was hooked…all I did was write songs, play sport and study.”

Together with his brother Christopher (1969) they performed as a duo at various functions around town in their younger days.

O’Gorman said music helped him overcome his shyness. “I was a very shy young boy, but from a young age I loved to sing, mainly school choirs. Learning guitar changed my life forever.”

After graduating from De La Salle College, O’Gorman didn’t really know what he wanted to do, so he worked for a year in the public service during which time he reacquainted with his childhood mentor, Wilson. Before he knew it they had teamed up in a musical trio called the Manston Trio. “We were quite successful appearing on New Faces and other television programs at the time. Wilson wrote the songs and introduced me to song writing and the belief that I could make it on my own.”

Wilson was also instrumental in introducing O’Gorman to the Articled Clerks law course which Wilson was doing at the time. O’Gorman followed in Wilson’s footsteps and graduated as a lawyer in 1975.

“I decided I wasn’t ready to settle down as a lawyer, so I became a full time singer, songwriter and subsequently publisher and manager for the next 20 years.”

In the mid 70’s O’Gorman appeared regularly on TV shows such as The Don Lane Show, The Early Bird Show, and other TV variety shows. He won the 1977 Yamaha Song Contest with his song “Ride, Ride America” and a performance and song writing award at the World Popular Song Contest in Japan. With a hit song and album to his name, he appeared on the iconic ABC program Countdown and toured with artists such as Cliff Richard and Peter Ustinov.

“I enjoyed a couple of hit singles as a solo artist, playing to international audiences and cutting an album, The Poet and The Painter,” he said.

Given O’Gorman’s success in the music industry it is not surprising that he says

that all of his career highlights have been musical ones.

Now a successful entertainment lawyer with Sanicki Lawyers, O’Gorman combines his love of music and his legal expertise looking after musicians and artists. In today’s complex legal world even entertainers need legal representation. O’Gorman’s work involves everything from contracts for management, recording, publishing, musicians, live shows, and production. He agrees it is rarely boring. “The variety of tasks is endless but enjoyable mainly because of the characters I’ve acted for and against over the years.”

O’Gorman has managed other successful musicians including Tommy Emmanuel, Russell Morris and the Badloves. He has also been involved in music publishing, writing songs for specific projects such as Moomba and the 1986 Papal Tour (which also involved singing the song at the MCG in front of 70,000 people).

O’Gorman says De La Salle has left him with many fond memories, a couple of long lasting friendships, solid values, and provided him with the opportunity to be musically creative for the very first time.

By Kerry Martin

Legal talent

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“Drastic times call for drastic measures” and when Fr Anthony Young (1952) arrived at Nimowa, Milne Bay (PNG) in 1964 he soon realised the wisdom of Hippocrates. Charged with helping to look after a remote and very poor parish in the middle of the Coral Sea, he put the skills learned during his years as an army cadet at De La Salle College to good use.

When Fr Young arrived in Milne Bay there were still odd pieces of equipment left behind by American troops after the Pacific war. Among them was an American GI carbine and some ammunition which he appropriated.

When on his pastoral boat patrols around the islands he and the boat crew used to go crocodile hunting in the evenings. “I sold the skins and used the money to build permanent houses for the crew,” he recalls.

When news of his ‘Crocodile Dundee’ tendencies reached his superiors he was reigned in for a spell and sent to the mainland. “News of my shooting crocs made its way to my superiors and I found myself being appointed to teach at a minor seminary near Rabaul, far away from my island parish. Fortunately, I was allowed to return after a year.”

Fr Young said that PNG is often called the “land of the unexpected.” “There’s a bit of truth in that, every day can hold surprises”, he says.

Every day was different. “On patrol days I would pack my bag, get my

Mass kit, and head for a dinghy or the launch, with the company of some men and women who would come with me to help organise the Mass and sacramental liturgies, hold meetings to discuss parish affairs, take census, and - in earlier times especially - a nurse to hold a clinic for mothers, children, and sick people. They were the happiest days of my life.” A tour of the parish would take several weeks.

Whether it was hunting crocodiles, servicing the diesel engine of his boat, or trying to fix the mission generator, Fr Young was able to turn his hand to most things. “My father worked as a welder when he was a young man. He was also a good carpenter and mechanic. We had a big garage at home full of tools and junk to fiddle with, so I grew up a bit handy”.

“Much later in life I saw a violin repairer working in the window of his shop in Richmond. I was fascinated and decided to try and learn how to do it. It was something I did while on leave in Melbourne to give my hands some work and my head a badly-needed rest.”

Even though Fr Young retired from formal parish duties three years ago, it hasn’t deterred him from working in an online education centre called Hope Academy, which he created to help students access high school studies online.

Many students in PNG are forced to leave school at the end of their primary

schooling (Year 8) because there is no room for them in the existing high schools. Hope Academy helps them to complete their education to Year 12 and beyond.

“There are currently about 200 students enrolled at two Hope Academy centres, one at Nimowa, and one on the mainland.”

“We are also working on a new project called the Education Box which is an Education Hot Spot powered by solar panels. People, wherever they are, will be able to access the Box with their phones to download classes and continue their education.”

As a student at the College, Fr Young was Dux of his year and loved football. His advice to the young men of today: “Don’t live on the surface: take time to listen to what is deepest in yourselves. There is a voice there, and it will guide you, through the years, to become someone who is a blessing for some small part of this earth and its people.”

By Kerry Martin

A man with a mission

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Living the dreamTerrence ‘Bomber’ Farrell (1996) has a dream job. As a professional fisherman he spends his days in search of the perfect catch. Known up North as ‘the fish whisperer’, Farrell is an award-winning fisherman both here and overseas and a Life Member of the Northern Territory Game Fishing Association. Earlier this year the Seven Network featured him in a four-part fishing series, The Last Cast, along with AFL big fish and Geelong player, Patrick Dangerfield.

Farrell had always been a recreational fisherman until he settled in remote Groote Eylandt 12 years ago. After working as a carpenter in Melbourne, he took to the road and travelled around Australia for an extended period. He fell in love with the Gulf country and, more

importantly, the fishing opportunities and settled down there.

“I loved the sheer beauty of the island and the fishing was superb. I found myself leading fishing trips and writing articles for fishing magazines,” he said. He soon became known as a bit of an expert and is now the President of the Groote Eylandt Game and Sport Fishing Club.

“Groote is a paradise in the Gulf with a population of 2811 people on the entire Eylandt. The fourth largest island in Australia we only have about 50km of sealed roads, you can imagine that this is an undiscovered wilderness free of pests and home to some rare and endangered species.”

“I love that I can go out fishing on my boat for a few days and not see any form of life. The air is so clean and crisp, the stars are so clear with no city lights to drown out the effect of the Milky Way and shooting stars.”

He is passionate about his craft which he has taught himself through trial and error. “It is more than just catching any old fish and I became addicted to sailfish for many years. I had a desire to catch them initially and with limited knowledge I was doing a lot of trial and error. It took many years to become consistent at catching these fish but persistence got me there in the end.” He is now an awarded sailfish fisherman.

“I have been fortunate to experience so many things here, killer whales swimming under my boat, and baby turtles in plague proportions.”

“I love a challenge and that will continue each time I head out on the water where ever that is - in Australia or around the world.”

And the Gulf has thrown up some challenges along the way. “Many years ago I was fishing with a couple of Old Colls’, Kieran Rogers and Chris Place (1996). We were in a remote creek in Blue Mud Bay. We had been away for three days on the boat and both batteries had blown up. So we were stranded in a sand-fly and mosquito infested creek. Oh and crocs too!

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Federal grant to Old Collegian

DE LA SALLE COLLEGE LASALLIAN ROLL CALL 11

We moved with the tide to the mouth of the creek to try and rig up a way of transmitting a message via the VHF radio back to Groote Eylandt some 90km away. We spent two nights in the creek until we were finally rescued.”

Farrell doesn’t keep all the fun to himself and gets a lot of satisfaction from sharing his dream. “I always enjoy putting people onto their first fish or their first sailfish or marlin. My highlight was catching spot tail bass in the Solomons. Catching fish when I am overseas is always a great challenge. Winning fishing competitions with my mates is always a high.”

Farrell has accumulated numerous accolades. He won the Tailored Marine trophy for the highest point scoring boat in Australia 106 Billfish in 2011 and 2012 and in 2016 took out the Top Tagging Sailfish Captain for the Indian Ocean.

Farrell is proud to call Groote Eylandt home these days and is very involved in the local community where he also

works as an infrastructure manager. “After 10 years of fundraising we have built a jetty on the island and opened up a safe fishing area for generations to enjoy.”

Farrell has very fond memories of his days at the College. “De La Salle gave me my values which are still there for me and the mates from those days. De La is something that is in your blood.”

He and Kelly have been married for 10 years and are proud parents to Riley, their Border Collie.

By Kerry Martin

Professor Tim Stinear (1985) will head up a new study into the flesh-eating Buruli ulcer as part of an effort to curb its spread in Australia. The $1.5 million research, funded by the Federal Government, will study mosquitoes in areas around Victoria where Buruli ulcers have been reported. The disease has been found to occur in Far North Queensland as well as parts of coastal Victoria, including East Gippsland, Phillip Island, the Mornington Peninsula and the Bellarine Peninsula. Professor Stinear is based at the University of Melbourne where he is also the Scientific Director of the Doherty Applied Microbial Genomics Centre. He has found mosquitoes are a key factor in spreading the bacteria to humans. Professor Stinear, who is a National Health and Medical Research Council Senior Fellow, said in a statement released by the Doherty Centre he was delighted to receive the funding. “While we have made major advances in detecting and treating Buruli ulcer, there remain major questions to resolve around disease transmission,” Professor Stinear said. “This funding will allow us to build on a large body of collaborative research and hopefully find a way to stop this disease completely.” In Victoria, the number of reported cases of Burili ulcers, also known as the Bairnsdale ulcer, is increasing. Last year there were 275 cases compared with 182 for 2016, 107 in 2015, and 89 in 2014. We will watch with interest the progress of the new study, the first of its kind in the world.

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Ian Selvarajoo (1998) is a myotherapist. If you are like me you are probably asking what that is. According to its peak body, “Myotherapy is the evidence based assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal pain and associated conditions.”

That makes Selvarajoo, who has suffered sports injuries to just about every part of his body, well qualified for the job.

Being super fit and passionate about most sports, Selvarajoo has put his body through its paces over the years and this has taken its toll. He has fractured and dislocated bones, torn ligaments, sustained concussions, whiplash and nerve palsy, ruptured ear drums, suffered with tendonitis and temporary paralysis, and he is still going strong.

In fact, he says that his own experience of sport-related injuries was one of the reasons he went into myotherapy in the first place. “I knew firsthand about injury and pain and I wanted to do something to help others with similar problems. I also wanted to work in an environment which was physically active and not desk bound,” he said. So, after first completing an Arts degree with a major in professional writing, he switched to myotherapy and has been practicing since 2008.

Selvarajoo has specialised in working with people with disabilities for the past 10 years. “I work extensively with people with disabilities and have seen the benefits myotherapy can bring to their lives.”

In 2016 he was nominated for the Victorian Disability Awards Emerging Leader in recognition of his contribution to empower people with a disability and create an inclusive community. This year he was selected by Leadership Victoria to be a mentor for its Disability Leadership Program.

Having operated a mobile myotherapy practice for people with disability for 10 years, in 2017 he established a

multidisciplinary clinic in Brighton, which offers a range of holistic health services alongside myotherapy.

Selvarajoo is particularly sought after for his effective dry needling methodology and holistic treatment approach.

He says, “Holistic medicine is about understanding all aspects of a patient’s life in order to address the root cause of injury, illness, disease and pain. This allows for comprehensive and profound healing.”

Selvarajoo’s passion for sport started when he was a student. He represented the College in ACC athletics, tennis, cross-country and basketball. “I was the senior basketball vice-captain and received the basketball Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 1998.”

He says the College left him with many legacies, particularly friendship and camaraderie. “I have so many memories in my heart and mind. I cherish all of my memories. De La helped me to become

Putting it into practice

a better bloke. I caused a lot of trouble in my early years – Saturday detentions, even a suspension, but the College got me through it and I graduated as College Vice-Captain. I have a lot of love for De La.”

Selvarajoo is an accomplished martial artist and used to train six days a week. While his work and family keep him busy these days, he still trains regularly and applies martial arts principles into his daily life. A real practitioner.

By Kerry Martin

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Vincent Pellegrino (1984) spent a lot of his time at the College with his head in books (when he wasn’t listening to Bruce Springsteen). Now as the Head of EMCO services at The Alfred, part of the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit, Pellegrino’s academic efforts keep people alive.

EMCO stands for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, a vital clinical component in treating heart failure. Pellegrino has had a lead role in the development of ECMO services at The Alfred since 2003 and has provided ECMO training programs nationally and internationally.

After graduating from De La Salle College, Pellegrino completed his medical undergraduate studies, physician specialisation and intensive care medicine subspecialisation at Monash University in the 1990’s and was awarded the Matt Spence Prize for research.

Now a Senior Intensive Care Specialist he has worked in Intensive Care since joining The Alfred 20 years ago.

Pellegrino says every day is rewarding. “The wonder and challenge of critical illness is endlessly surprising and rewarding,” he said. “I am privileged to work with a team that is resourced and motivated to support patients that are dependent on life support. I have learned that establishing relationships with patients and families is very important. It is so important to provide patients and their families a ‘human’ and empathic relationship.”

Teamwork is what it is all about in ICU. “I work with a really large team of nurses, medical and allied staff to deliver care that makes a difference. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is seeing our team get better each and every year.” He says patient outcomes are improving, and they are “seeing patients recover fully that would not have been as fortunate just a few years ago.”

Intensive carer

“Teaching others about intensive care is another part of my role and I am fortunate to be invited to teach and speak in outstanding institutions overseas.” “It is even better when I can take my family with me,” he says. “Teaching has taken me all around the world and I have close relationships with medical teams in Europe, USA, Canada and Asia.” Pellegrino is also a Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor in the Monash University School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine.

As an expert in his field it is not surprising that Pellegrino has a formidable research profile which currently evolves around his ECMO work. “I’m solely concentrating on ECMO and other forms of short term mechanical support of the heart and lungs. It is a really powerful therapy that allows recovery from the most parlous of states.”

Despite the obvious pressures of Pellegrino’s work he loves what he does. “I couldn’t think of anything else I would rather do.”

When you look through Pellegrino’s current commitments on top of his day job, one wonders how he finds time for anything else. As well as his research workload he holds a number of senior positions at The Alfred. He heads

up Undergraduate Medical Student Teaching for ICU and is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for Applied Physiology, the Disaster Planning Group and the Transplant Management Committee.

He admits he couldn’t keep so many balls in the air without the support of his wife, Monica Rowland, a Speech Pathologist. “I have an amazing partner, she is the magic that keeps the family balanced. She sets up all the pins and allows me to come in and knock ‘em over,” he said.

Pellegrino and Monica have three children. “Lorna (19) the oldest, is in her first year at Monash, Joseph (17) wants to be a professional sportsman and Luca (14), well, he is just cool.”

Pellegrino first discovered the importance of relationships while he was still a student at the College. “De La Salle taught me that people matter. Relationships are real and important. I received a great deal of support as a student from friends and I was able to realise that I was unique and special in my own way. Without this confidence I doubt I would have got very far.”

By Kerry Martin

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Wing Commander flying highWing Commander Michael Oram’s (1978) curriculum vitae reads like something out of an issue of ‘Boys Own.’ He is a veteran Black Hawk helicopter pilot who has advised foreign governments and seen active duty. In 2017 he was awarded the United States Meritorious Service Medal for his service to his country and next year he will celebrate 40 years of defence force service.

From an early age, Oram was inspired by his father, Johnny Oram, a Lancaster bomber pilot during World War II, who was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar for his service to his country. Following in his father’s footsteps, Oram joined the Air Training Corps Cadet (now known as Air Force Cadets) when he was still a student at De La Salle College.

After De La Salle, Oram was committed to getting his ‘Wings’, and completed an Air Force Air Traffic Control course and his pilot’s course. He would later go on to do a Flight Instructors course and a Masters of Management degree at the University of Canberra.

Oram says that one of his many career highlights was getting his ‘Wings’. “There is nothing like having your ‘Wings’ pinned on. The pilot’s course is extremely demanding and typically has a 50 per cent failure rate, but the sense of achievement when it is complete is pretty amazing.”

His first stint in the Air Force, in 1979, was as an Air Traffic Controller working in Adelaide and Melbourne. “It was an exciting and challenging career but not my final goal.” Longing for the cockpit he transferred to Army Pilot in 1987, spending the next nine years on helicopters.

Oram has been flying Black Hawk helicopters since they first appeared

in Australia. “I was on the first Black Hawk Pilot Conversion Course when they were introduced into service.” He remembers picking up a number of brand new aircraft from the factory. “They still had that ‘new aircraft smell’.”

Oram’s ‘Wings’ took him to active duty, first in the Sinai desert and later in Afghanistan. Early in the 1980’s Oram was posted to the Australian Contingent in the Multinational Force and Observers in the Sinai Peninsula (the border between Israel and Egypt). “My role there was within the Tactical Operations Centre helping to facilitate helicopter

transport of ground troops involved in peacekeeping activities.”

In 2017 he was posted to Task Group Afghanistan in Kabul as the Deputy Senior Advisor to the Afghan Air Force. “My role there was to mentor senior Afghan leadership in the establishment of an independent Air Force.” Oram was recognised with the United States Meritorious Service Medal for his role in Afghanistan.

In between his tours of duty, Oram worked for the Australian Defence Academy Helicopter School, initially to instruct on the Basic Pilot Course and

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later the Helicopter Flight Instructor Course.

“Teaching highly motivated young men and women to fly military aircraft is about the most rewarding job I can think of,” he says.

Oram returned to the Air Force in 1996 and flew the Hawker Siddely 748, which is a military version of a civilian airliner, in the Air Combat Officer Training and Air Logistics (transport) roles.

Subsequently he was promoted to Squadron Leader to be a Flight Commander at No 32 Squadron, based in East Sale, Victoria and later as the (Wing Commander) Commanding Officer of the Squadron.

Following a short tour as Officer Commanding Air Training Wing, Oram was responsible for all Aircrew and Air Traffic Control Training across the Air Force as well as public relations assets such as the RAAF Roulettes Aerobatic Team, RAAF Balloon and RAAF Museum. This role literally ‘grounded’ him and eventually he managed to convince the Air Force to let him back in the air.

“I managed to get back in the air returning to a flying position instructing on the Raytheon Super Kingair 350.” But Oram admits that all good things come to an end. “I am currently back ‘flying a desk’ as the Manager of Safety and Operational Airworthiness across Air Force Training.”

Aside from his operational tours of duty, Oram has travelled extensively but he is looking forward to flying for pleasure. “If you want to see the world, Air Force Pilot is a good career choice.”

Next year Oram will complete 40 years of Australian Defence Force service and says he would like to spend some time travelling with his wife, Carol. “I will probably refocus my attention from ‘Cockpit Class’ to ‘Business Class’.”

Not just a high achiever at work Oram also devotes time to giving back to the community. “I have been involved with Camp Quality in North Queensland as the Camp Coordinator. My volunteer activities these days are limited to my position on the Board of Directors at Gippsland Grammar which I have held for approximately the last five years.”

“I still keep in close touch with a number of friends from the De La Salle era. I have always been impressed with the school’s emphasis on the student as a whole person rather than an academic ‘score’.”

Oram and his wife Carol, pictured below, have two daughters Matilda (17), and Kate (15).

By Kerry Martin

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Jazz JacksonWhen he was a young boy, Melbourne jazz and blues musician Peter Jackson (1978) used to hang out at Abbey Road Studios in London where his father, Peter Jackson Senior, was a studio manager for bands like The Beatles. He still remembers, as a seven year old, listening to The Beatles rehearse and record one of their iconic albums. His current band the Jackson Four is charting here and overseas and were guests at the recent San Francisco and Vancouver Jazz Festivals.

“Dad was part of the London music and recording scenes in the 60’s and worked at the renowned Abbey Road studios during the day, (yes with The Beatles and many others) and at night and weekends as a bandleader and singer on London’s nightclub scene. So I was exposed to the recording and entertainment industries from a very young age”, recalls Jackson.

In the early 70’s, Jackson and his family immigrated to Australia and he was enrolled at De La Salle where he was fortunate to find himself under the tutelage of music teacher, Peter Foster.

“I was lucky to have a music teacher who had a passion for jazz and improvisational music and I count that time as very important in my musical development. Foster was very involved with the Melbourne jazz scene and helped me develop the skills and confidence to break into the music scene.”

While still a student Jackson performed at hotels, events and music festivals with his father. “By the time I was 15 I was appearing at venues by myself or with other young musicians in duos or bands. I also spent many weekend hours and days with my dad in radio and recording studios, which was something that was just a normal part of life for me.”

“I was going to school during the day and working professionally at night at restaurants and pubs a few nights week in an acoustic duo, called ‘Fire and Rain’, a bit unconventional for a school boy but loads of fun.”

“I formed my first pub band called ‘The Innocent Victims’ when I was 18 and was picked up by Michael Gudinski’s, Premier Artists. We received a lot of attention on local radio and in the music press, including Rolling Stone and Juke magazines.” A nomination for the Best New Act (Victoria) in Juke Magazine followed.

The band had the privilege to support and work with Paul Kelly and his

band on many occasions. “Kelly was somewhat of a mentor to me in these early years.”

Jackson’s current band ‘The Jackson Four’, described as “Australia’s Cool Blues and Funky Grooves Hammond B3 Quartet”, have been impressing audiences across Australia and internationally since 2013. In 2017 they were the ‘surprise hit’ of the Devonport Jazz Festival with three sell-out shows. Later that year they were invited to perform in the UK at the Edinburgh Festival. The Jackson Four have a strong following in the US and Europe. Their latest release, ‘Kool Kats – The Jackson Four’ reached top 5 on the

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Australian Blues and Roots Radio Chart in 2017.

Alongside his musical success Jackson has had a formidable career with the ABC which he joined as a production trainee in 1986. “I qualified as a technical producer and further studies helped me move into music and program production for the organisation.”

Subsequently he held a number of positions for the ABC as a music and technical producer and until 2010 was the Executive Producer of the Radio National online unit.

His work at the ABC has not gone unrecognised and he has collected

numerous awards for his work in the media including the Radio Industry Award for Best Comedy Technical Production (1985), engineering and producing an ARIA award-winning album for best new folk artist (1994), and the United Nations Award for Services to Humanity – media broadcast category (1998).

“A few years back I decided I wanted to branch out on my own and completed an Advanced Diploma in Event and Business Management and have been working in this and the entertainment industry through my own business, Fabulous Events ever since. Mixing together work and skills in media,

music, performance, events and entertainment management.”

Needless to say Jackson has had numerous highs throughout his life and he rates the Abbey Road experience at the top of the list, and being taught by Mr Fisher a close second.

“My days at De La Salle taught me to believe in myself, the tenacity and the focus to keep trying and to take the knock-backs on the chin. The music and media businesses are very fickle. One minute you’re on top and on the radio or in the papers. The next you can’t even get a booking.”

By Kerry Martin

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Behind the scenes at the NGVThis year the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) celebrates its 50th anniversary. With plans underway to redevelop and expand the Gallery and the arts precinct, its future is looking bigger and brighter than ever. Working behind the scenes to keep the Gallery ticking over is its Facilities Coordinator, Markus Thalmann (1998).

“It’s certainly an exciting time at the NGV with the redevelopment of the Melbourne Arts precinct. The construction of a third gallery building will change the face of the Gallery in a great way and further cement Melbourne’s name as the cultural capital of Australia.”

“It also means delivering more art to the public, which is a great thing and will no doubt provide more opportunities for our team here at the Gallery.”

Thalmann assists with the management of all of the NGV’s day-to-day operations, cleaning, security, labour hire and all external contractors; and the delivery of events and exhibition changeovers. He also maintains the building and its facilities, which for a world-class gallery is a major role.

Thalmann’s role gives him oversight of a variety of the events at the Gallery.

“I am very fortunate that I get to work on some amazing events, from Gala dinners and exhibition openings, to meeting world famous artists. In particular the Friday Late Night openings, and meeting well-known Australian musicians from Paul Dempsey, Regurgitator and Bernard Fanning are among the highlights.”

“I love working at the NGV. It is such a dynamic and vibrant workplace which brings so many different experiences together, whether it be dealing with patrons, clients, contractors or fellow employees.”

“It’s a fantastic place to call home, with fantastic staff and workplace culture.”

Before joining the NGV, Thalmann wanted to be a chef but ended up working as a butcher for 12 years, mastering the trade. In 2010, he had a nasty snowboarding accident and needed a knee reconstruction. He found himself with lots of time on his hands in rehabilitation and decided to make a career change. He ended up doing some work for a labour hire company contracted to the Gallery. “I ended up managing their logistics, offsite storage and general day-to-day operations.”

In 2015, he was approached by the NGV to apply for the role of Facilities Cordinator, and was selected from many applicants to join their facilities team. “Being approached by the Gallery to join the team has certainly been a career highlight for me. It certainly opened

doors and started a new chapter in my life.”

“Since working at the NGV, I have completed quite a few large-scale projects, installations and refurbishment works.”

When he is not working behind the scenes on other people’s gigs, Thalmann is the singer for the Beer Garden Gnomes which are performing regularly around Melbourne.

“Music has always been a great passion of mine and I enjoy playing the guitar and performing regularly around town with friends. The group changes week to week with various instruments and influences.” Thalmann said part of his desire to get into performance was to overcome stage nerves and after two years, the group has blossomed into a creative ensemble.

He had always been into music and at De La Salle he played trumpet in the College band. Since then he has has dabbled with a many instruments and music styles.

Thalmann said his College days were a very influential time. “The College helped me find myself and gave me a strong work ethic. It made us accountable, even though most of us did not think at the time, it shaped us into the men we are today. The bonds developed during our adolescence have continued well past school. I couldn’t imagine having it any other way.”

By Kerry Martin

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The Old Collegians’ AssociationWell known to Old Collegians in the era 1951-1964 is Br Gerard Rummery, who recently celebrated 70 years as a De La Salle brother.

Along with three older brothers he received his secondary education at De La Salle College at Ashfield in Sydney and entered the novitiate in 1946 alongside former College Principal Br Edward Gehrig.

On graduating his first appointment was to Malvern at the age of 20 where he is fondly remembered for his choir master achievements alongside his dedicated and gifted teaching ability. Former principal Br Bill Firman was in his first class.

He attributes his love of music to his mother’s musical talent, as children he and his brothers were taught to sing before they could talk. Approaching the age of 88 he still sings in the choir at the local parish at Kensington in Sydney where he now resides in a community headed by another former principal Br Paul Rogers.

Whilst at Malvern he completed his Bachelor of Arts and Diploma of Education at Melbourne University where he told me he spent most Saturdays studying in the Library.

Old Collegians will remember him as a Senior Master for English Literature, History and Religious Education as well as Sports Master.

In 1965 he was posted to Oakhill in Sydney to the Brothers training college in charge of young brothers formation where he remained until 1969. During this time he completed a master’s degree.

From here he was transferred to Rome to the Brothers headquarters where

he studied the history of the order and went on to complete a Master of Arts at London University in 1970.

In February 1972 with the title of Professor he returned to Australia where he was instrumental in establishing the Catholic College of Education (now ACU).

In 1976 he returned to Rome being appointed to the General Council. Fluent in German, French, Spanish and Italian he directed the chapter of the Brothers held at the time. In all he spent 23 years based in Rome.

With language as his passport from 1986 to 1993 he visited Brothers communities in Europe.

He gives an account in his book ‘Brothers to One Another’ of post Second World War when the countries of Central and Eastern Europe were separated from Western Europe by what was known as an ‘iron curtain’.

In three of these countries, Romania, Czechoslovakia and Hungary the Brothers had long established schools and institutions which were gradually taken over by communist

governments and the brothers themselves had their schools closed and were forbidden to teach.

He writes that it is worth remembering that the good men who were helping young people to be educated and to live Christian lives, were called ‘criminals’, ‘bandits’, ‘robbers’ and ‘parasites’ and treated as such; it is worth remembering that so many

of these good men suffered cruelty, torture, forced labour and isolation for doing what they had unselfishly committed their lives to doing; it is worth remembering that in spite of all that was done to them, these good men still attempted to help others live better lives; it is worth remembering that other men who called themselves ‘Brothers’ in solidarity with those who suffered deprivation of liberty and freedom of speech were prepared to risk their own security to do whatever could be done to alleviate their sufferings and to work towards the day when people enslaved under Communism would be free.

Br Gerard has authored five books. It was a privilege to spend a number of hours with him to hear a personal account of his 70 years as a Brother and to learn of his academic profile and his extensive command of languages.

Tony McIlroy

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It’s amazing to see how the Lasallian culture stays with all of us. Despite not being at the school for almost a year, it was beautiful to see so many Old Collegians at our one year reunion. In a way it felt like we never left. The jokes and camaraderie that was there when we were in school still remained with us. That’s the beauty of the Lasallian culture. Even a year on and only seeing a handful of boys once or twice since graduation, it felt as though we still see each other every day. We were simply continuing where we left off. It was also amazing to reunite with some of the teachers. For many of us, it brightened up our day, seeing the wonderful

people who taught us for so many years. Catching up with them made the reunion very special. Special thanks to Mary Arhondonis and all the staff who helped organise the event. All the boys really loved it. Hopefully the next reunion is as special as the first.

Aaron Trusler

Class of 2017 Reunion

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Ten years on and little appeared to have changed, aside for some “overdue” maturity for the Class of 2008. We gathered at the Racecourse Hotel, a valued sponsor of the Old Colls Footy Club, on a cold winter’s Friday night. While the timing may have deterred a few, the 25 or so classmates that rolled in were in good spirits. There were plenty of laughs shared over a few beers. Getting around, it became clear the group had diverse pursuits. There was an engineer (Andrew Scott), a fresh produce buyer (Josh Tyrer), a sparky (Nic Hogan), a currency dealer (Damien Hale, son of Mr Hale), and part product marketer/part nurse (Chris Nayna)...

to name just a few. There were fathers in the room - congratulations to Seb Haberli and Tom Dobson, and then there were those a long way from fatherhood such as Ollie Holmes. For those that remember Ollie, you will be comforted to know that after 10 years he still hasn’t lost the ability to publicly heckle teachers and student speakers. The group appreciated the effort of the teaching cohort that attended the evening. A particular shout out to Mr Walmsley and Mr Lawler for reminding us of what we were like 10 years ago. A thank you also goes to Kerry Martin and Mary Arhondonis for organising the event and of course Mr Hewett for taking photos.

Class of 2008 ReunionIt was also great to have the President of the Old Collegians Association, Mr Tony McIlroy and current Principal Mr Peter Houlihan present. For those who attended and didn’t attend alike, I look forward to catching you at the next milestone celebration in 2028.

Ben Nethersole

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Class of 1998 ReunionOur recent 20 year reunion brought many memories flooding back. The lingering melody of one-hit wonder Chumbawamba’s Tubthumper rang in our ears as we said a fond and heartfelt farewell to De La Salle and the many friends we had shared our secondary years with. Those years were filled with great learning, laughter, friendships, trials and tribulations. Upon reflection the formative experiences gained during our time at De La Salle formed a launching pad for what life had in store. The days, weeks, months and years following our graduation ceremony at Dallas Brooks Hall on that balmy spring evening in 1998 have flown by and it is safe to say those memories and times came flooding back on a cool and wet Melbourne evening at the Prahran

Hotel; as we marked the 20th year since our last day at De La. The energy and buzz in the room was marvellous! It was fantastic to see so many Old Boys gathered together reminiscing about our College years, catching up on tales of travel, family and how the last two decades have been to us. It was equally fantastic to reconnect with the teachers and learn how the school which gave us so much continues to forge ahead in this ever changing world. A massive thank you to the organisers, the school and to everyone for coming along!

Look forward to seeing everyone in 2028.

David Livera

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‘Make ’88 Great Again’ – that was the theme when we gathered for our 30 year reunion at the Village Belle Hotel in St Kilda recently. Five years ago we vowed to meet more regularly and as we slapped eyes on each other for the first time in half a decade, just like a good New Year’s Resolution, we made that same vow again with full knowledge that it just won’t happen. The great thing about the Class of ’88 is that we pick up where we left off no matter how long it has been. I imagine many other De La reunions are the same.

All of the tedious, ‘So, what have you been up to’, questions are dispensed of quickly. This ain’t our first rodeo you know. It wasn’t long before old stories were told, embellished, exaggerated and enjoyed. Nicknames that died long before the Armadale pub closed its doors, were being yelled out across the bar once more. If you positioned yourself right, you didn’t have to buy too many shouts. So did we make ’88 great again? Seriously, was there ever a doubt? We knew way back in the day that at the very least we had the Class

of ’87 covered. Now, after 30 years, we know that ’88 will be forever strong, forever loyal and forever De La.

David Jennings

Class of 1988 Reunion

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More than 300 players have donned the Blue and Gold this season. As Roll Call goes to print Finals are underway and we are hopeful that four of our eight teams will win a flag.

While our Seniors enjoyed some extraordinary wins, including an 81-point victory over the second-placed reigning Premier St Kevin’s Old Boys, they failed to capitalise on winning positions in a number of other matches. As a result, it took a last round away victory over St Bedes/Mentone Tigers to stave off relegation to B-Grade, so unfortunately finals are out of the question and we will re-group for Premier A in 2019.

We will be tackling the New Year with a new Senior Coach, with Paul Satterley recently announcing that it was time to step aside, after a fantastic five-year effort. Paul is a hugely popular figure amongst the playing group and broader club community, and we thank him and

his family for their wonderful contribution to our club. We expect to name a new Senior Coach by October.

On a positive note, a number of new young players earned their stripes throughout the year at senior level, and the stocks in our under-age sides look outstanding once again. Our first U19 side, the Blues, finished on top and at the time of writing will be vying for

Old Collegians Amateur Football Club

a Grand Final place in the Preliminary Final. Our third U19 side, the Colts, also find themselves in a Preliminary Final.

Our women’s team, the Guns failed to make finals, but our the Reserves go into the first semi-final, and the Thirds, otherwise known as the Warriors in years gone by, took out the Premiership, after losing just one home

and away game for the season. The Club congratulates all involved with the Thirds for a wonderful season.

Our Over 35’s, the De La Dinosaurs, have had another brilliant season following their premiership last year. They are well placed to go back-to-back when they face Peninsula Raiders in the Grand Final which will be taking place as Roll Call goes to print.

Off the field, the Club has enjoyed wonderful support from the Blue and Gold Army when it has been needed most, as well as some wonderful new major partners in Western Union Business Solutions and Schiavello.

The annual Blue and Gold Ball at Hawthorn Arts Centre, which saw three-time Premiership Coach Bernie Sheehy inducted as a legend of the Club, was a sell-out again. We expect to have a full house for the Best and Fairest evening, now known as the Lyons Medal, after Club great Barry Lyons, later this month.

This year the Club raised almost $20,000 for motor neurone disease, through the Fight MND Cup, bringing the total raised to $40,000 since we launched the initiative three years ago. We also raised funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia with our annual Home Game Ladies Luncheon.

Keep track of our results at www.delasalleocfc.com.au or via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – links can be found on the College website under Community.

Troy Buntine DLSOCAFC Committee Member

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Con Arvanitis (1988) is an accountant.

Arnaud Astruc (1988) is the Creative Director – Digital for HeathWallace.

Andrew Brabner (1988) is the Vegetation Manager at Peninsula Golf Club.

Luciano De Biase (1988) is a teacher’s aide.

Andrew Dickson (1988) works in IT.

Noah El Hage (1988) runs his own restaurants.

Simon Forehan (1988) is a cancer specialist at St Vincent’s Hospital.

Dillon Fernandesz(1988) is a pre-sales consultant.

Bill Gianiotis (1988) is a business consultant for Australia Post.

Dean Johnston (1988) works in the lighting industry.

Chris Johnstone (1988) is an asparagus farmer.

Matt McConvill (1988) works for Ramda.

Chris Meehan (1988) works in finance.

Dean Mooney (1988) owns East-Air Cairns.

Chris Morfis (1988) works in advertising for Hypetap.

Tim Morrissey (1988) is a quality consultant.

Gennaro Natale (1988) is a marketing consultant.

Andrew Noble (1988) is a builder with Vaughan Constructions.

Nathan Mufale (2008) works in commercial real estate.

Tom Dobson (2008) is a civil engineer.

Anthony Kanellopoulos (2008) is a builder for ADCO Construction.

Nicholas Hogan (2008) is an electrician.

Kamal Riman (2008) is completing his Masters of Environmental Sustainability at Monash University.

Mark Breda (2008) is a project manager in the construction industry.

Adam Bonaddio (2008) is completing his studies in Paramedics.

Brenton Fyfield (2008) is a qualified carpenter who has joined the family business Bows for Strings and now uses his skills to craft violins.

Sam O’Donnell (2008) works in sales.

Chris Nayna (2008) is a critical care nurse.

Luke Williams (2008) is a carpenter.

Paul Torrisi (2008) is a project manager in the construction industry.

Andrew Scott (2008) is a civil engineer.

Gabriel Montalban (2008) works in the advertising industry.

Max Petronia (1988) is the winemaker for Petronio Wines in the Yarra Valley.

Simon Richardson (1988) is the Mayor of Byron Bay.

Paul Rossato (1988) is a landscape designer.

Adam Ryan (1988) is a director in the software industry.

Damien Scales (1988) is Senior Director, Software for Salesforce.

Paul Seddon (1988) works for the Australian Federal Police.

John Tully (1988) owns LUXE Brands Group.

George Tzolakis (1988) is a communications consultant.

Stephen Wain (1988) is an accountant.

Mark Walsh (1988) works in real estate.

John Westcott (1988) works in HR for Techstaff.

Michael Williams (1988) is the Transport Manager for EFM Group.

Nick Williamson (1988) is a teacher.

Damien Woods (1988) is the General Manager, Learning for NAB.

Andrew Prestage (1988) works for Suncorp.

Angelo Krizmanic (1988) is a security consultant.

Anthony Grace (1988) owns Melbourne Sports Tours.

Michael Grant (1988) is an aerospace engineer with the DST Group.

Justin Hurley (1988) is a network architect with Telstra.

Chris Ingham (1988) works with the Department of Education.

David Jennings (1988) is the Head of Physical Education at St Leonard’s College.

David Livera (1998) is a Director at Janus Henderson Investors.

Where are they now? A 50 year card game

In 1968 at a Year 11 retreat, six young men started playing the card game called “Solo Whist” or Solo as it was familiarly known. Led by Chris Loft, already an accomplished player, Alan Groves, Shane Wright, Tony Liston, Louis Ferrari and myself, we started what would become a lifelong card game. The card game continued regularly throughout Year 12 and for the next 10 years we would meet regularly to play. Later, the group was joined by Michael Bourke. All of the group were heavily involved in the Old Colls Athletics Club or the Football Club and enjoyed catching up to reminisce and play cards. Eventually family and work commitments saw the regular card games dwindle somewhat until in 2000 the tradition was reborn after the group caught up at a College Reunion. We decided it was time to restart the card game and in July that year we met for a weekend of cards at Peter’s place on the Mornington Peninsula, and we have done so every year during winter for the 18 years since. Chris lives in North Queensland these days and unfortunately does not join us, but Alan and Shane travel down from Brisbane and Sydney respectively. The weekend starts at lunchtime Friday with lunch on Saturday at a Peninsula Winery. We have two very late nights, non-stop 60’s music, Alan’s old jokes, much reminiscing of school days and of course some pretty clever cards given our ageing minds. Always a wonderful weekend. This is a very special friendship started 50 years ago through our De La involvement and you may say, some fortune derived from the friendship.

Peter Sherman (1969)

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Andrew works for Deloitte, is the coach of the Chicago Swans Aussie Rules team and still loyally follows the fortunes of the Melbourne Demons.

Simon Van Stokrom (1998) is a marketing executive for Black and Decker.

Peter Selar (1978) is the CEO/Finance for Delmont Private Hospital.

Peter Jackson (1978) is a music producer and musician for ABC and Channel 7.

Michael Rath (1978) is a management consultant with Deloitt.

Michael Ratliff (1978) works in real estate.

Sean McCaughey (1978) works in social welfare working in rehabilitation with ex-offenders.

Pat Camm (1978) is an accountant.

Michael Brazel (1978) is an industrial chemist.

Chris Opray (1978) is an accountant.

Martin Trainor (1978) works in logistics.

Mark Libardi (1978) is the Commercial Property Officer at Deakin University.

Tim Toohey (1978) works in building maintenance.

Philip O’Brien (1978) is a business development manager.

Jim Griffin (1978) is a plumber.

Carlo del Porto (1978) works in sales and education.

Tom Kitson (2009) is working at the Walter and Eliza Institute, testing the efficacy of new cancer drugs.

Declan Martin (2017) was a guest of Raph Epstein’s Drive program on ABC Melbourne recently. He was talking on behalf of the Public Transport Users Group about Melbourne’s public transport. Declan is studying Urban Planning at RMIT.

Markus Thalmann (1998) is the Facilities Manager for the National Gallery of Victoria.

Daniel Adamek (1998) is the General Manger of Strategy for Toll Logistics.

Stuart Baker (1998) is the General Manager, Process and Analytics for Consolidated Property Services.

Rob Baxter (1998) is a systems engineer.

Claudio Bellistri (1998) runs his own business.

David Cincotta (1998) is the Chief Financial Officer for Express Travel Group.

Andrew Corrigan (1998) is an Account Executive working in IT.

Jeremy Davies (1998) is the Business Development Manager for Schneider Electric.

David Lowe (2004) celebrated 200 games at the Old Collegians Football Club. David’s outstanding career comes to an end this year with the last game this season.

Michael Duggan (1998) is an Account Manager for Simplot.

Maz Dunic (1998) is the Head of Analytics for Save The Children.

Ben Evans (1998) works in commercial real estate.

Chris Garcia (1998) is the General Manger for Industrial Refrigeration for Tri Tech.

Christopher Giummarra (1998) is a veterinarian.

Aaron Hancock (1998) is a wine maker.

James Harrington (1998) is the Sales Manager for The Barro Group.

Anthony Harber (1998) is a Storeman for Grace Records.

Brendan Lambe (1998) runs his own building company, Lambe Constructions.

Marty Lynch (1998) is a business consultant.

Marcus Maillet (1998) works in hotel management for Melbourne Short Stay Apartments.

Simon McDonald-Kerr is the Team Leader of Children’s Services for Guide Dogs Victoria.

Peter McEwan (1998) is an analyst.

Rob McEwan (1998) is an electrician for Copper Connections Electrical.

Chris Mercuri (1998) is a Product Manager for SEEK.

Chris Mete (1998) is an accountant at Swinburne University.

Paul Miller (1998) is the Director of the Whistle Design Group.

Anthony Neville (1998) works for A.E Neville Bricklaying.

Rohan Obst (1998) is the Head of Hot Shots at Tennis Australia.

Stephen O’Connell (1998) is the Project Manager for Highway Plumbing.

Julian Odorisio (1998) is an architect.

Christian Panariello (1998) is the General Manger for Maxxia.

Ashley Peake (1998) works for the AngloGold Ashanti Group.

Chris Pearce (1998) is a photographer.

Mark Picone (1998) is the Assistant Principal at South Oakleigh College.

Josh Quinn (1998) works in medical sales for Abbott.

Daniel Rhode (1998) is an electrician.

James Ramsay (1998) is an osteopath.

Michael Saliba (1998) is an electrician.

Cristian Vargas (1998) is a chef.

Tim Walker (1998) is a business development manager for Ubimet.

Kent Winzer (1998) is a business analyst.

Luke Yodgee (1998) works in construction.

David Steinberg (1998) is a physiotherapist with Monash Health Community.

Patrick McNamara (2009) is working as a Paramedic.

Mark Tesoriero (1998) is a Communications Manager for NAB.

Andrew Woodman(2000) is settled in Chicago, USA, with his wife Kate and young daughter Hazel.

Where are they now?

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From the archivesIn 1970, the first volume of Sin, a student run newsletter was published at the College. The short-lived newsletter showcased student editorials, poems, drawings, and reviews of student activities and events. The newsletter showcased the students’ journalistic creativity as well as demonstrating a larrikin sense of humour.

Recently the College Archives received a generous donation of the first four volumes of Sin (Students in News), from Old Collegian Kevin Keating (1970). The College Archivist Ms Jessica Attard said this is the first donation of its kind to the archives and is an invaluable addition to the collection. “Without Kevin’s donation, this small piece of the College’s history would have been lost,” she said.

“The archives was also very fortunate to receive the typed match reports of the 1952 U15’s interschool football matches. These reports were written by the coach, Br Paul O’Connor. Br Paul’s reports are almost poetic, reading more like a letter to his team than a review of a football match.” Br Paul wrote in one of the reports of a game in which De La lost the chance at the premiership.

“We had tasted defeat inglorious …We have another day. Let us show that we can take it; that we can seize our opportunities; that we are down but not out; that we can show ourselves equalised but not conquered”.

These reviews were donated to the College Archives by Old Collegian, Max Brown, (1954) the Captain of the 1952 U15 football team. Max, along with his two brothers, Brian (1959) and Maurice (1952) (deceased) are Old Collegians.

Next year marks the 300th anniversary of the death of our Founder, St John Baptist de La Salle. Festivities will take place around the world to celebrate this auspicious occasion. The College will be participating in a range of festivities together with the other Lasallian schools in Melbourne; St Bede’s College, St James’ College and St John’s Regional College. Two key events will be held next year – a combined celebration day held on the Founder’s Day in May for students of the four schools, and a special Formation Day for staff of all four schools in August. News of the celebrations will be featured in the 2019 issues of Roll Call.

Tercentenary of the Founder

Rest In Peace

Greg Nugent 1982Br Peter Gilfedder 1950John Whelan 1941John Jordan 1938

35 Year Reunion (1983)Friday 26 October, 7:00pm

London Tavern HotelEnquiries:

[email protected]

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De La Salle College1318 High Street Malvern 3144 Victoria AustraliaT: +613 9508 2100 www.delasalle.vic.edu.au