roll call - de la salle college · on the road to wilcannia & blokes and books breakfast 6...

A PUBLICATION FOR THE DE LA SALLE COLLEGE COMMUNITY | ISSUE 47 | SEPTEMBER 2019

LEARNLIVELEAD

LASALLIAN

ROLL CALL

CONTENTS

Historical sexual abuse at Malvern 2

From the Principal 3

Let’s Get Musical 4

On the road to Wilcannia & Blokes and Books Breakfast 6

Father’s Day Breakfast 7

Politically motivated 8

The New Zealand experience 9

Making a splash in and out of the pool 10

The Tobin Connection 12

Old Collegian earns a Triple Double 14

All in the Family 16

Following in the steps of Menzies 17

The winding road to work 18

The Old Collegians’ Association 19

Farewell to our President 20

Old Collegians’ Football Club 21

Class of 1989 Reunion 22



Where Are They Now? 25

From the Archives and RIP’s 27

FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome to the September issue of Lasallian Roll Call. Once again, we feature the amazing achievements of our Old Collegians, whose lives continue to enrich the world around them. The variety of their stories reflects the College legacy and its tradition of educating fine men who aim to make the best of the opportunities they had as students. Whether they are Queen’s Counsel, swimming coaches, hairdressers or business leaders, the

integrity and comaraderie of the Old Collegians, I am fortunate to meet through this role, never ceases to amaze. On a personal note, I bid farewell to two colleagues and friends, Tony McIlroy (1969) who is stepping down after serving as the President of the Old Collegians for the past four years, and Jonathan Hewett, who is hanging up his gloves as the long-standing Production Assistant on this magazine. I thank them for their support and guidance throughout their association with Roll Call. Enjoy.

Ms Kerry Martin

Editor: Kerry Martin Cover photography: Mr Warren Bardsley Additional photography: Jonathan Hewett, Josh Bainbridge, Warren Bardsley, Sam Lazar Production design: Mauro Cecchin

HISTORICAL SEXUAL ABUSE AT MALVERN

2 | DE LA SALLE COLLEGE

As our community has seen in recent years, De La Salle College is committed to working in any way we can to address the sins of the past in relation to abuse at the College. Sexual and physical abuse is totally abhorrent to each of us; as a College community we have worked diligently in recent years to institute comprehensive Child Protection Policies and Procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of every student at De La Salle.

I have been working with several local survivors of abuse to plan an appropriate acknowledgement and memorial for those affected by abuse at Malvern. A small committee is being convened, with a ceremony and memorial plaque being planned for March 2020.

As a Catholic College, we are committed to being open and transparent with our community about issues relating to child protection matters. We must acknowledge and own the sins of the past, strive to provide for victims whatever healing we may and ensure this never happens again.

On behalf of De La Salle College, I would like to unreservedly apologise once again to those who suffered abuse under our care in the past. The pain, shame and humiliation of abuse is a torment nobody should ever be forced to endure and all in our College are united in our condemnation of this stain on our history and regret the anguish suffered by victims.

It is my hope and prayer that the committee’s work and outcomes will in some way help in dealing with the legacy of the past.

If you would like to have some input into the process and/or be involved in any way and invited to the ceremony, please write to [email protected]

Mr Peter Houlihan Principal

LASALLIAN ROLL CALL 2019 | 3

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

From the PrincipalDear Old Collegians,

I hope you enjoy reading the latest issue of Lasallian Roll Call. As always, the College has been very busy in recent months and in the following pages you will see a great deal of what’s been going on in our community.

One of the major developments in recent years has been the evolution of an outstanding music program. Quite possibly once considered something of a poor cousin to sport at De La Salle, music and indeed the performing arts in general have enjoyed a resurgence. Significant numbers of students at all year levels are involved in myriad musical ensembles including Year 7 Band Program, Brass Ensemble, Senior Concert Band, Choir, Classical Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Stage Band, a Year 10 Rock Band and a Year 12 Funk Band.

The music students have just returned from the annual music tour, an enormously popular and beneficial event where they travel to regional Victoria and perform at a range of schools. This year 55 students from Years 8-12 toured for four days, and eight different ensembles played seven concerts at schools around the Eildon, Yea and Alexandra area.

Our senior students also perform challenging scores each year for the annual musical. Most schools will hire professionals for these productions, but we are very proud of the standard our groups rise to each year in order to play these shows.

There is a variety of concerts performed here at the College at regular intervals across the school year; the musicians would love to see some Old Collegians drop in!

Throughout 2019, the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and the Lasallian family have been celebrating the 300th anniversary of the death of our founder, Saint John Baptist de La Salle, Patron Saint of Teachers (1719-2019). In April, Melbourne hosted a Lasallian

Youth Gathering and the Asia-Pacific Lasallian Educators Conference (APLEC). These were wonderful events, with hundreds of delegates from all over Australasia and South-East Asia, all sharing in the Lasallian mission, networking, learning from each other and celebrating the wonderful legacy of the Founder. It is worth noting that from that one school in Rheims more than 330 years ago we now have over one million students in Lasallian education in 80 countries worldwide.

On the Lasallian theme, a group of our Year 12 VCAL students travelled to Wilcannia in late July to support the Indigenous community at St Theresa’s Parish school. This is the third year De La Salle has travelled to the remote town to work with the local students and engage in a week of building, cleaning, repairing, landscaping and general maintenance. This is a life-changing experience for our young men and they return having made a difference in Wilcannia and assisted in building the relationship between our two very different schools.

Our other major social justice initiative has been to travel to Diyagala Boystown in Colombo, Sri Lanka and engaging in similar labours as Wilcannia. Sadly, we have had to cancel this immersion experience for the 2019 Year 12 students in the wake of the Easter Sunday atrocities in Colombo. On the other hand,

this has facilitated a return to De La Salle Secondary School, Bomana in Port Moresby. We haven’t been to Bomana for a couple of years but this November 16 Year 12 students who were booked in for Sri Lanka will instead travel to PNG and assist in renovating the school chapel. These immersion experiences in another Lasallian culture where they can meet the local students and do some great work are a key part of our social justice opportunities.

Please enjoy this edition of Roll Call and keep an eye out for upcoming College events for the remainder of the year and into 2020. As an Old Collegian, you remain very much part of our community and we love to catch up with you.

Mr Peter Houlihan Principal


LET’S GET MUSICAL

Let’s Get Musical

Most recently, 55 of our musicians - accompanied by six staff - completed a four-day performance tour of primary schools (and a retirement home) in the Murrindindi Shire (northeast of Melbourne), delivering concerts to delighted audiences in Eildon, Yea, Alexandra, Buxton and Marysville. Our students not only showed great musical

skill, but also superb teamwork, as they staged seven concerts independently of teacher input. Each student was entrusted with a clear role in the running of the events, while Year 12 students showed leadership as concert comperes. When not in concert mode, the students applied themselves in rehearsals and tutorial workshops,

which immediately bore fruit in increasingly accurate and expressive performances. Fine performances were delivered by all ensembles, including the Guitar Ensemble, Senior Concert Band, a combined Orchestra and Choir, String and Woodwind Ensemble, Brass Ensemble and Stage Band.

Winter is no time to hibernate for De La Salle College’s musicians. On the contrary, both within and outside the College grounds, our students have been delighting audiences with their musical talents, across an impressive range of genres, instrumental and vocal combinations.


Another memorable recent event was the Autumn Concert, the first of two ensembles concerts for 2019. Performances of exciting and delightful music at this event were reprised in the end of semester Arts Assembly, which brought the whole student and staff body together in celebration of artistic diversity at De La Salle. The recent Winter Concert was wonderful featuring a sneak

preview of an item from the 2020 Senior Musical, Typhoid Mary.

Looking to the future talent, we welcomed new performers at the Semester 1, Year 7 Bands Concert, whilst each of the Junior and Intermediate Concert Bands will represent the College in coming months at the Victorian School Music Festival. Our percussion and

vocal students also participated in recent ACC Music workshops. Underscoring the vitality of the Music Program, there has been a 21 per cent increase in enrolments in the Instrumental Program from Semester 1 to 2, and this individual talent will be on display at the annual Soiree, which will be held in September.

Mr Luke Serrano Music Coordinator


The signature event of this year’s Book Week was the Blokes and Books Breakfast, recently held in the College gymnasium and featuring the celebrated author and Australian Children’s Book Laureate, Morris Gleitzman. More than 100 fathers and sons tucked into a tasty breakfast, catered by the College’s Senior VCAL class, to hear Gleitzman’s message.

The College Library Team Leader, Ms Catherine Ryan said Mr Gleitzman is an extremely popular author and was a major drawcard to the event, which aims to encourage students to read more.

Ms Ryan said that Mr Gleitzman, who has published more than 40 books aimed for boys of all ages, including the acclaimed, Once, Then, Now series told the gathering that he tries to make everything he writes finish in

a hopeful way with his main character needing to have been on a journey and grown in some way.

“He provided advice to young readers about how to get ideas for writing and how to form a story.”

“Gleitzman is listed as the most popular in the top five most popular authors in the De La Salle College library.”

“The theme of book week this year is “Reading is my secret power” was a strong message fathers were asked to consider. They were encouraged to nurture their son’s secret power and bookmarks were distributed with messages of support from father to son.”

“It is hoped that this event becomes an annual event celebrating the important role that parents in in

fostering their son on their reading journey. De La Salle values reading as an important life skill that helps to create empathetic, inquiring minds.”

Ms Kerry Martin

Travel 1,000 kilometres north of Melbourne and almost as far west of Sydney and you’ll come across the outback town of Wilcannia, home to 549 permanent residents, the majority of whom are indigenous, and an inland port on the banks of the Darling River.

For the last three years, the Senior VCAL class, and support staff, have made an annual trip to Wilcannia as part of a volunteer program to assist the town’s Catholic primary school, St Therese’s Community School. With an enrolment of 26 students, the VCAL students worked hard to upgrade some of the school’s surrounds including; paving, landscaping, repairing decks, cutting fire wood and mulching gardens.

VCAL Coordinator, Mr Tim Hogan said the long-term goal of the Wilcannia program was to develop an ongoing and permanent relationship with an indigenous community and school in the Wilcannia Forbes diocese that is in real need.”

“The students learn the importance of supporting our indigenous brothers and sisters where there is a dire and desperate need.”

“A highlight for the students, was spending a day at the park with the school students, staff and community members.”

“The students engaged in lunchtime activities, soccer, T Ball, and various other ball games and during physical education classes introduced the

ON THE ROAD TO WILCANNIA

Blokes and Books Breakfast

On the road to WilcanniaWilcannia students to the finer skills of AFL.”

“The Wilcannia trip is a real eye opener for our students, many of whom have never spent time with indigenous people. Spending time in the Wilcannia community provides our students with first-hand experience of indigenous issues. This is an opportunity that will enrich their appreciation of people less fortunate than themselves.”


Mark George (1983) owns a successful commercial property funds management and private wealth business. However, he’s also been a world traveller and adventurer who has literally gone to the ends of the earth and back. He’s skied to both the North and South Poles and climbed the highest peaks of all seven continents, including to the top of the awe inspiring, Mt Everest, to complete both the seven summits and adventurer’s “grand slam”. George is the first Australian to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole.

George also paddled kayaks across Bass Straight, through Prince William Sound, and recently left the oceans to break a world record dragging 200 kg of water over an unsupported 650 km crossing of the Simpson Desert.

As the keynote speaker at this year’s Annual Father’s Day Breakfast in the College gymnasium, George had the 500-capacity audience in awe of his physical and mental achievements.

BLOKES AND BOOKS BREAKFAST & FATHER’S DAY BREAKFAST

Father’s Day BreakfastGeorge’s theme was ‘connection’, connection with the outdoors, his father, his classmates, his life partner, his family and his friends. He urged students to turn off devices and devote time connecting with those special in their lives. The Breakfast, which is organised by the College Parent Network under the

guidance of Meagan Selkirk, was attended by College Principal Mr Peter Houlihan and members of the College Executive. The annual event is part of the College’s mission to build community and celebrate the relationships between the students and their parents.

Keynote Speaker Mr Mark George

POLITICALLY MOTIVATED

“In our age there is no such thing as keeping out of politics.” Orwell’s words are as true today as they were when he wrote them more than 60 years ago, so it is not surprising that most large organisations employ political strategists to manage their relationship with governments.

As the Head of Government Relations at Swinburne University of Technology, Chris Hennessy (2005) is using his knowledge of Australian politics to make sure his employer is well placed to engage with government stakeholders.

Hennessy was not always interested in politics. “At De La Salle I developed a keen interest in Australian politics, and I credit my former Politics teacher, Mr Brian Hayes, as a significant influence in this regard.”

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts at Monash University, majoring in Australian politics, Hennessy landed a work experience opportunity with Mr Peter Hall, the Minister for Higher Education and Skills and Minister for Teaching in the Baillieu Government.

‘My work experience snowballed into a policy advisor role and I went on to

work with Martin Dixon during his time as Victoria’s Minister for Education, after Peter Hall retired. Both were great bosses and very conscientious politicians, and I was very lucky to secure these roles at such a young age.” After leaving the Victorian government Hennessy took up his first government relations role with Airservices Australia.

In 2016, Hennessy joined Swinburne University, where he works closely with the Vice-Chancellor and the Executive Group. His role entails providing strategic policy advice, drafting the University’s submissions to Government inquiries, liaising with politicians and providing the best possible regulatory and policy environment for the University to operate in.

“What I love most about my job is that there are no typical days. A day could be a lobbying trip to Canberra, responding to an evolving policy challenge, coordinating a ministerial visit, or all or none of the above,” Hennessy said.

Like any profession my job also has its challenges. “I suppose having to continually to advocate for what I believe is the very real value proposition of tertiary education in

a world on the verge of significant technological disruption and trying not to be held hostage to a 24-hour news cycle.”

“I’m lucky to have had some career highlights. Playing a small role in drafting legislation while in Government was pretty special and getting to work with very respected and very senior politicians, public servants and researchers is a real perk of my job.”

Recently he has taken on the University’s Multicultural Engagement portfolio which is an exciting new challenge. “This new role assumes responsibility for ensuring the commitments outlined in Swinburne’s Charter of Cultural Diversity, which was a first for an Australian university, are embedded in our programs and lived by staff and students.”

The values he learned as a student at the College will no doubt stand him in good stead for this role. “Fairness and gratitude which were instilled during my time at De La Salle are still with me today, and I think trying to put yourself in someone else’s shoes is always a worthwhile exercise.”

If you ask Hennessy what he will be doing in five years’ time he really doesn’t know except that he really enjoys working in the higher education sector. “I just hope I’m doing something that I find interesting and that I continue to enjoy the same variety in my job that I do now”.

He also likes to write and would like to have a novel published one day, maybe a political thriller? He has also recently taken up rock climbing after being inspired by the breathtaking documentary film ‘Free Solo’.

Hennessy admits, like his former Politics Teacher, he is a North Melbourne tragic. “I am a passionate supporter of the North Melbourne Football Club, although they have not given me much joy in recent years! Fingers crossed that is about to change.”

Ms Kerry Martin

Politically motivated


Chris Hennessy


experience the Luge Carts, which are small gravity-fuelled carts which, like traditional luges, get to go very fast through tunnels and tight corners.”

“The ski trip is an amazing experience for students.”

Ms Kerry Martin

During the winter break 35 senior students and three staff spent six thrilling days in Queenstown, New Zealand experiencing the adventures of the South Island on the annual De a Salle College Ski Tour.

The Trip Coordinator, Mr Andrew Clements said the participants got to experience the best that New Zealand has to offer in winter.

‘The conditions were perfect, with blue skies and ideal skiing conditions. Everyday there was lots of fresh snow that wasn’t too deep, which made for some excellent skiing,” Mr Clements said.

“The group spent two days skiing and snowboarding the famous Remarkables and Coronet Peak and three days enjoying water sports on the Dart River. The students got to try water rafting, jet boating and ‘funyaking.”

“While on the river we actually got to see some of the locations where they filmed ‘The Lord of The Rings’.”

“One highlight was being on the Mountain at the last night when we took the gondola to the Skyline Restaurant which overlooks Queenstown. While there we got to

The New Zealand experience

THE NEW ZEALAND EXPERIENCE

NZ Ski Tour By JacquesLudeken


MAKING A SPLASH IN AND OUT OF THE POOL

As the National Coach of the Australian Swim teams at the London and Beijing Olympics, Brown was instrumental in the Gold medal successes of Emily Seebohm and Brittany Elmslie, and when the Tokyo Olympics get underway next year, he is hoping for another medal success.

Brown is heavily involved in Chinese Backstroker Xu Jiayu’s Olympics’ preparation. “Jiayu won Silver in the 100 Backstroke at the Rio Olympics and since then has won the World Championship in Budapest in 2017. Jiayu is the current national record holder in backstroke in all distances.

‘We are hopeful he will defend his records in Tokyo next year.”

Before his success as a coach Brown, made quite a splash in the pool as a swimmer himself. “I made several Australian teams and represented at the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane, where I finished sixth in the

Making a splash in and out of the pool

In less than 12 months the 2020 Summer Olympics will kick off in Tokyo and one Old Collegian is hoping to make a splash in the pool. Renowned international swim coach Matthew Brown (1979), who swam for Australia at previous Pan Pacific Championships and Commonwealth Games, is now working hard outside the pool, coaching some of our top swimmers to go for Gold.

Matthew Brown with Xu Jiayu - China Silver medalist Rio Olympics 2016


400 Individual Medley, and at the 1983 Pan Pacific Championships, I finished in second place in the same event.”

“At the College I was a member of the ACC Swim Squad for three years, from 1977 to 1979, breaking a few ACC records at the old 1956 Melbourne Olympic pool.”

“I swam Victorian State and National championships at that pool. It was always a full house for the ACC championships, it was awesome. “

After leaving De La Salle College, Brown completed a Bachelor of Sports Studies and a Coaching and Diploma of Coaching at Canberra College of Advanced Education or Canberra University as it is known today.

“At the same time, I was offered a place at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra which I attended while completing my studies.”

“Towards the end of my swimming career I knew that I wanted to be involved in swimming as a coach.”

“My old club coach in Western Australia offered me a job coaching junior swimmers. I stayed in that role for two years and then became Head Coach of a new program in Perth. I was there for 13 years until I was offered a role as Director of swimming at St Joseph’s Nudgee College where I stayed for 12 years.”

“I headed back to Melbourne for two years as Director of Swimming at Surrey Park Swim Club and then returned to Brisbane two years ago as Head Coach of the Rackley Swim Team.”

In his role with the Rackley Swim Team, Brown is involved on a range of levels, including managing staff, swimmers’ programs, the club and the swim centre itself as well as training swimmers to compete at School, Club, State and national team levels.

“I’m up at 4:15 am to be at the pool by 5:00 am for a three-hour training session. There is always administrative work after training and then I’m back on deck at 3:00 pm for another four

hours training. This is repeated six days a week and during competition season, seven days a week.”

Throughout his career Brown has notched up a long list of Personal Bests. He is proud of his record as coach of the Australian Swim team for the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games, the 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games, the 2010 and 2014 Pan Pacific Games and the 1996 and 2000 Paralympics Games. In 2016, he

was the Coach of the Chinese Swim Team at the 2016 Olympics. Similarly, he enjoyed success in the pool, as a member of the Australian Swim Teams for the 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games and the 2010 and 2014 Pan Pacific Championships.

When he is not at the pool, and that is rare, Brown never strays far from the water.

“I love to fish and still surf as much as I can in the warmer waters of the Tweed river region.”

“I have a daughter Rosie who recently graduated with a Double degree in Nursing and Paramedicine.”

“I think the most valuable legacy that I still cherish from my days at the College, was the camaraderie. I felt valued, both by my peers and teachers in any endeavour I chose to apply myself to.”

Ms Kerry Martin

(above) Matthew Brown with Emily Seebohm - Gold medalist - Brisbane Pan Pacific champs - Aug 2014

Matt Brown, (front right) ACC Champions 1979


THE TOBIN CONNECTION

Late last year Des Tobin (1956) launched Just a Man Called Phonse, the anything but Ordinary Life of A.V Phonse Tobin - the biography of his father, Phonse Tobin, who along with his brothers, founded Australia’s most successful family owned funeral service company, Tobin Brothers Funerals. The Tobin family have been connected to De La Salle College for almost 80 years. All three of Phonse’s sons, Barry (1954), Des (1956) and Gavan (1965) attended the College, as did three of his grandsons. Phonse also played a pivotal role in the evolution of the College as we know it today. In this issue of Roll Call, Des shares some of his father’s story with our readers.

Before Tobin Brothers was established in 1934, Phonse worked as a storeman, a salesman, a soldier and a fireman. Gifted with a fine singing voice, he also produced many amateur theatrical productions.

He was also a natural sportsman, particularly as a successful professional foot runner. He was also a long- erving member of the North Melbourne Football Club committee.

Phonse was one of those rare characters who could communicate with people from all walks of life, whether it was a prize fighter or a prime minister, a grave digger or a Governor, but it was a keen eye for business, that in 1953, led to a decision that would help shape the future of the College.

At the time, our family lived in Sorrett Avenue opposite the original ‘Kinnoull’ homestead and dad had befriended the gardener, who told him the owners were putting the property on the market but did not want it to ‘fall into Catholic hands’. Slipping the gardener a 10-shilling note, Phonse got hold of the keys, called the College Principal and suggested he come straight around and look at the property. Thirty minutes later two Brothers in ‘civilian’ dress, escorted by Phonse, unofficially inspected the property.

At the time, the De La Salle Tiverton Campus was bursting at the seams and there was little room for expansion. The Brothers quickly realised that acquiring Kinnoull would solve the space problem so, after an offer ‘too good to refuse’, even by

‘anti-Catholic’ vendors, the property changed hands and the rest is history!

In 1935, Phonse married Vera (Crough) and in the ensuing years Barry and I came along. In 1943 we moved from North Melbourne to Malvern, where Denise and Gavan were born. When it was time to go to school, De La Salle was the natural choice for Barry, Gavan and me - as

The Tobin Connection

“ My father, Phonse Tobin was born in 1905, and as a young boy he followed WW1 troops as they marched through the streets of South Melbourne to Station Pier to board troop ships, earned pocket money trapping rats for the Council and ‘haunted’ the Collins Street theatres. Not at all academically inclined, he spent a lot of time avoiding school and ended up being sent away to board at St Augustine’s orphanage in Geelong, before eventually completing his Merit Certificate with the Christian Brothers in Moonee Ponds in 1919.”

Des Tobin

Tobin family


was Kildara for our sister Denise - and thus began a long, happy and continuing Tobin connection with the College.

Barry excelled at sport and represented the College in Athletics as well as cricket and football. I also played football and cricket and was a member of the 1952 ACC Championship Swim team. Gavan played under-age and first XV I I I football and was the only one of Phonse’s sons to Matriculate and attend university.

Barry was ordained a priest in 1965 and, before he retired in 2017, was the parish priest of the Ormond/Murrumbeena twinned parish. Gavan worked for RMIT University in their accounting division before joining Tobin Brothers in the mid-1980s, where he worked until his retirement, while my sister Denise trained as a teacher and interestingly taught at the College’s Kinnoull campus for several years. Her sons Patrick (1991) and Michael Shine (1994) also attended the College.

My son Martin (1983) also an Old Collegian, did well in sports and academically and succeeded me at Tobin Brothers as the CEO. He left the company in 2011 to set up what

Dr Paul Steinfort (1963) has been awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his services to the construction sector and to the community. Steinfort is regarded as a leader in his field of project management and has worked on some of Victoria’s major infrastructure projects.

After Cyclone Tracey devastated Darwin in 1974, Steinfort was engaged to manage the upgrading of 33 public buildings to new cyclone standards and rebuilding projects. His Darwin experience highlighted the importance of a coordinated approach in managing large scale projects. Since then he has overseen post disaster management in Indonesia, New Zealand, Japan, Pakistan, Nepal and The Philippines. Steinfort is now focussed on Indigenous housing and health improvement projects and regards the treatment of our Indigenous peoples as disastrous.

Qualifying initially as a civil engineer, Steinfort completed his PhD, looking at how project management could be applied to relief aid projects. In 1985 he established his company, PSA Projects, which since then has overseen $3 billion worth of projects.

At the end of Grade 7, Steinfort won a Diocesan Scholarship to study at De La Salle, and in 1963 he completed the College’s Proficiency (Year 9) before moving to St Bede’s College Mentone.

Top Honours for Project Manager

(Below) Book Cover

(Bottom) Kinnoull Mansion

has become a successful business consultancy practice.

Phonse’s great-grandson Daniel Shine is enrolled at De La Salle to commence Year 7 in 2021, continuing the 80-year-strong connection between the Tobin family and De La Salle. Deo Duce.

Since retiring from Tobin Brothers in 2002, Des Tobin has published five biographies including ‘Just a Man Called Phonse - The Anything but ordinary life of A.V. (Phonse) Tobin.’ For further information visit www.destobin.com.au

Ms Kerry Martin


OLD COLLEGIAN EARNS A TRIPLE DOUBLE

In just three years, Jopling, has gone from intern to a key role in the League’s revitalisation as the NBL’s National Program and Major Events Manager.

After a successful Tour of China in 2018, Jopling was named the NBL’s Employee of the Year. This year he oversaw the successful Harlem Globetrotters 2019 tour of Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, which took on shows in 13 different cities in 16 days across the three countries.

During his tenure he has seen the NBL expand its brand and influence. “Things have really changed since I joined the League. We have acquired the Harlem Globetrotters tour rights for numerous countries; created a new game, 3x3Hustle, a competition which starts on a local street level and ends up at the Olympic level; established the NBL 1 – a feeder league run in winter for the best Victorian and Tasmanian talent, obtained the commercial rights for

all of Basketball Australia’s assets, and are in the process of introducing a number of other properties to ensure that there is basketball content in the Australian market 365 days a year.”

To think that it wasn’t that long ago that Jopling was resurfacing basketball courts at Rubberworx, a part time job he took on while doing a business degree at Monash.

Old Collegian earns a Triple DoubleWhen Ben Jopling (2012) left school, he had absolutely no idea what he wanted to do but an internship with the NBL led to a dream job, a tour with the Harlem Globetrotters, and the title of Employee of the Year.

Ben Jopling


“When I was resurfacing basketball courts, I thought I might take on a trade as I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, but when a University friend put me onto an Internship at the NBL everything changed. When a vacancy in the League’s Operations Division opened up, I thought I’d give a go.”

“I worked hard to learn fast and as my knowledge of the League’s operations grew, I was given more and more responsibility; starting with managing the business intelligence of the company, and then progressing to facilitating major events, followed by my current role.”

“I have been privileged to have had so many opportunities over the last three years. This year’s Harlem Globetrotters Tour was definitely the biggest project I have been involved with, but one of the most memorable experiences came last year when I was managing the 2018 NBL All-Australian Team’s tour of China.”

“Before the game, the teams and staff stood on the court for our national anthems. That moment of being in a foreign country, in front of thousands of people and looking up at the Australian flag, whilst our anthem played was an incredibly emotive and humbling experience.”

While Jopling is optimistic about the growth of the League he is also aware of the challenges ahead. “One of the biggest challenges facing the NBL is the evolution of the brand’s perception.”

“When people think about professional basketball, they think of the NBA. However, since the League’s privatisation in 2015, the popularity and perception of the sport has drastically changed.”

“Basketball is now the second highest participation sport in

the country and is also the only one to have experienced year-on-year growth in national interest over the past four years. The most recent season saw the NBL achieve its highest attendances in history and had national free to air viewership increases and significant growth in its global broadcast reach.

“As opposed to the NBL positioning itself against the NBA as a direct competitor, the League has done a great job of working with the NBA to foster a strong relationship. In each

of the past three years, the NBL has played a series of pre-season games against NBA teams, and has made the sport in Australia a legitimate pathway to enter the NBA.”

“The NBL is currently in the conversation as being the second-best professional basketball league in the world. There is definitely a long way to go, but the foundations have been laid and the momentum is building to transform the NBL into a powerhouse in the Australian sporting landscape.”

“It’s an incredibly exciting time for basketball in Australia, and I want to be a big part of the future success and prosperity of the League.”

Ms Kerry Martin

(top left) 2019 Harlem Globetrotters Promotional Tour – Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

(above) 2018 China Tour – National Anthem Ceremony, Jiyuan.

(below) Jopling earns a Triple Double.


ALL IN THE FAMILY

All in the FamilyThe iconic Ripponlea shopping strip, with its heritage buildings and small specialty shops, is a close community and thanks to one Old Collegian his family business, after almost half a century, remains at the heart of that community.

Bonnici’s Hairdressing is an old-fashioned barber shop which has been operating in the heart of the Ripponlea shopping strip as a family business for 49 years.

Andre Bonnici (1999) took over the family business five years ago when his father retired and along with his wife, Fiona, is continuing the family tradition of providing an old-fashioned barber shop.

“My father started the business in 1970 and after I graduated from the College, I started my hairdressing apprenticeship with him. I worked with him for nearly 20 years until he decided it was time to hang up his scissors,” Bonnici said.

“When my father first started 49 years ago there were paddocks just up the road.” But for many years things along the strip didn’t change,” he said.

The strip has no banks, no chain stores, not even any fast-food outlets and many of the businesses are operated by the local Jewish community, who run kosher delis and restaurants.

The small suburb is home to Melbourne’s largest ‘Addasinik’ Jewish community and its small shopping strip is a unique mix of culture and tradition.

This ultra- conservative Jewish community have for decades called Ripponlea home and most days, men in long black silk coats and fur hats can be seen rubbing shoulders with school goers and shoppers.

“We are very lucky to have customers from a wide

variety of ages and nationalities and have been accepted by the Jewish community to the extent that they are a major part of not only our business but also our friends.”

“Last year we were in a car accident and the local community rallied around us to make sure we were OK. We even got a call from Israel. We are very grateful for the Jewish community that we have around us.”

Alongside the traditional kosher delis and butchers, the strip has a reputation as a “foodie” haven. The arrival in 2005 of the highly acclaimed restaurant, ‘Attica’, across the road from Bonnicis, was something of a magnet for new eateries, which have subsequently opened up along the strip.

Bonnici comes from a long line of barbers. “My grandfather was a barber as well as my uncle and father,” he said.

“My wife and I continue to run the business the old-fashioned way. With my father still coming in to lend a hand during the busy periods. We are a men’s barber shop that cut hair and still do face shaves the old way.”

While a student at the College, Bonnici was the captain of the First XVIII

football team, played ACC hockey and was a member of the cross-country team. “After I graduated, I also played with the Old Collegians for a while before life got too busy.”

“I played footy up until my second child was born, but now, I generally spend any spare time with my kids, although I have just recently started playing basketball with a client’s team.”

Like any small business operator Bonnici’s days are long. “During the week we open at 8:30 am and finish at 6:00 pm, if we are lucky, on Saturday’s we are finished by 12:30pm.”

“After work we love to spend time with the kids.” Bonnici has a daughter, Codie who is in Year 8 at PCW and two sons, Noah 8 in Year 3 at Ripponlea Primary, and five-year-old, Raphael.”

For Bonnici, family and community comes first. “I consider myself fortunate that I have been able to work with my family, first with my father for 20 years and now with my wife, amongst this wonderful community.”

Ms Kerry Martin

Bonnici’s Hairdressing


FOLLOWING IN THE STEPS OF MENZIES

When Michael D Wyles Q.C. (1979) was 12 years old he read a biography of Sir Robert Menzies. The story of Australia’s longest serving Prime Minister, who rose from humble beginnings to be admitted to the Victorian Bar and the High Court of Australia, proved inspirational for the young boy who eventually would follow in Menzies’ footsteps to the Bar.

After graduating from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws, Wyles started his career as a solicitor at Arthur Robinson & Hedderwicks and after completing the Bar Readers Course, was admitted to The Bar in 1990.

Known as someone who doesn’t shy away from difficult cases or hard work, Wyles has taken over 300 cases to judgment including, the Cadbury’s battle with Darrel Lea over the use of the colour purple to sell chocolate and representing Telstra to protect its intellectual property in the colour yellow in telephone directories.

Earlier in his career he was retained in various matters arising from failures of Farrow Finance, the building society in which many residents of Geelong and surrounds lost their life savings.

Wyles’ days are long, starting around 3:30am with a regime of exercise and catching up on the latest news before arriving in chambers.

When running a trial or appeal, a typical day, involves discussions with his juniors before Court, otherwise he spends the day in conferences with clients and junior counsel, reading materials, reading cases and writing opinions and arguments.

“Generally, I find some quiet time before Court to distill my thoughts. In Court I engage in legal argument and presentation of the client’s case - a privilege which carries with it enormous responsibility,” Wyles said.

“Whilst in Court I listen to every word of evidence and seek to internalise it to use for the benefit of my client.

Cross-examination is another skill I have learned over the years.”

“In appeals I need to engage the Court to understand where they disagree with the case I am advancing. Appellate argument requires a deep familiarity with the thinking of the High Court of Australia. There would not be a day in chambers go by where I do not read decisions delivered by the High Court.”

The day usually ends between 6:00 and 7:00pm. While he avoids work on Saturdays, Sundays are usually spent on case work.

In 1996 Wyles became a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors which enables him to better understand matters from the client’s point of view, and significantly gives him the ability to assist his clients to find the optimum commercial outcome in any dispute.

As well as running a successful practice, Wyles also does pro bono work, such as developing and making submissions to the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Protecting Victoria’s Vulnerable Children.

Wyles is passionate about the integrity of the adversarial system. He believes

that ensuring it is an efficient and effective tool for the delivery of what the community accepts as the just and fair ordering of the affairs of the individuals and companies of which it is comprised, is an enormous challenge for the legal profession into the future.

A career highlight for Wyles has been arguing cases in the High Court of Australia. “This is a privilege few enjoy.”

He believes De La Salle College set him on a pathway for academic pursuit and the acquisition of knowledge as a lifelong endeavour.

“Br Damien Harvey impressed upon me at a very young age the need to take a position and not just sit on the fence. This has no doubt caused me some grief over the years, but it has also stood me in a good stead and was a large part of my motivation in designing and pursing successfully the campaign to restore the use of the title of Queen’s Counsel in Victoria. “

“I encourage today’s students to be hungry for success every day, bearing in mind that success is a protean concept.”

Ms Kerry Martin

Following in the steps of Menzies

Michael D Wyles


THE WINDING ROAD TO WORK

The winding road to workWhat do a winding road, a staircase and a signpost have in common? They are commonly used visual representations of that intangible thing which we call a career, and like many Old Collegians, Justin Lyster’s (1989) career has taken some unexpected twists and turns along the way.

Lyster’s winding road started in engineering three decades ago. After leaving De La Salle College and graduating with a double degree in Civil Engineering and Business Administration from RMIT University, Lyster worked for Melbourne Water and Telstra for several years before joining SEEK. While at SEEK an opportunity arose to move into the e-commerce space – a career move he has never regretted.

“SEEK was an opportunity for me to move into e-commerce, which is actually very similar to engineering, loads of data, analytics and problem solving.”

Lyster’s next move was to Singapore where he took up a role with the global technology company, Premier Farnell, again in the e-commerce space. He embraced working overseas and the opportunity to appreciate other cultures.

“Making the transition from one workplace culture to another requires, an open mind, a positive attitude and the ability to adapt.

“Every workplace is different, and you have to be open to new ways of doing things. Singapore is very multi-cultural, and we celebrated lots of religious festivals, Ramadan, Diwali and Chinese New Year, although the flipside, was no public holidays for Easter Monday or Boxing Day.”

After six years in Singapore, Lyster who by then had a young family, moved to the UK where he took up a leadership role, still with Premier Farrell, as their Global Director of e-commerce Trading.

“We quickly adjusted to the cold and

enjoyed the experience of Christmas in a cold climate. When the sun rises at 9:00am and sets at 3:30pm, many traditions, such as hot, roast dinners and Christmas lights, make so much more sense.”

After three years in the UK, and a decade after leaving Australia, Lyster returned to Sydney, to take up a position for Blackwoods, suppliers of more than 200,000 industrial and safety goods to companies like BHP and Rio Tinto. Based in Sydney, Lyster is the company’s General Manager, Digital, with responsibility for its 140 Australian businesses.

“In my current role I get to lead an awesome team of e-commerce professionals who manage the company’s websites, which trade close to $300 million a year and are a key growth channel for our business.”

While Lyster has a real passion for e-commerce he still gets to wear his engineering hat a lot of the time. “Given the emergence of artificial intelligence into commercial applications, I actually spend a lot of time with data scientists and data engineers. Engineering provides a very adaptable skill base.”

“Working overseas is a great experience and highly recommended. After growing up in Melbourne, I will

always love Melbourne, but I was keen to explore other parts of the world.”

Lyster said his three children, April, Aiden and James have had amazing opportunities due to his career moves. “As the family expanded along the way sometimes it was difficult for us all to adjust, however it did enable us to grow as a family.”

Lyster’s career has been anything but dull. “Getting the opportunity to lead a team based in 12 locations around the world across diverse cultures has been a highlight of my career to-date. It reinforced that no matter where you are from, great teams rely on great communication, being treated fairly and working towards a common goal.”

Even though it is a big world you are sometimes reminded of how small it can seem. “I literally bumped into Tim Grogan (1989) waiting in line in customs at Bangalore Airport in India. It was close to midnight and it was the first time since Year 12 that I had seen him. It is always a high to bump into an old friend from De La Salle. It is good to know some things never change.”

“Success is the intersection of what you enjoy and what you are good at - keep striving to find that sweet spot in your career.”

Ms Kerry Martin

Justin Lyster


THE OLD COLLEGIANS ASSOCIATION

The Old Collegians’ AssociationIn April this year, Br Bill Firman (1961) returned to Malvern after 10 years in South Sudan, completing another chapter in his life of commitment to the De La Salle Brothers and their mission.

Former Principal of the College and Old Collegian, Br Bill grew up in Wattletree Rd, Malvern, with his elder sister, Patricia and two older brothers; Ron (1953) and John (1957). He commenced his life at De La Salle in Year 3 and nine years later graduated as the College Captain, Captain of the First XI and Captain of the First XVIII.

He entered the Brothers in 1962, and after graduating from the University of New South Wales, took up a position at De La Salle Ashfield in 1968, where he remained for five years. He came to Malvern in 1972 for a short period of time, before moving to St Bede’s Mentone in 1973. A year later he was appointed Principal, at the age of 31, a position he held for 14 years.

He was subsequently elected Provincial of the De La Salle Brothers for the Australian and Papua New Guinea District for a four-year term, followed by appointments to Boystown in Queensland and New Plymouth in New Zealand.

In 2004, Br Bill returned as Principal at De La Salle College Malvern. Not one to shy away from a challenge, while at the College, he oversaw many building improvements including the completion of the St Miguel Theatre at the Kinnoull Campus. Br Bill’s return to the College was the completion of the circle, which for him started in Year 3, but it was the beginning of a new circle that would be perhaps the most challenging in his career.

That challenge came in 2009 when he was appointed to war ravaged South Sudan to take up a mission known as, “Solidarity with South Sudan.” The Mission was to rebuild. Br Bill said he accepted the challenge to walk with the people of South Sudan as they endeavored to recover from many years of civil war. “The mission

brought together a collective of religious from many different congregations and nationalities responding collaboratively” Br Bill said.

“The collective was known as “missionaries of hope” following the example of Christ in his public life reaching out to the poor and needy, helping children receive better tuition and ensuring more effective health and pastoral care.”

In 2013, the Solidarity Board relocated the role of Executive Director from Rome to South Sudan, and Br Bill was invited to accept the role assuming overall responsibility for the whole organisation. Unfortunately, this coincided with the country imploding into civil war. “Six years on all of South Sudan was sucked into widening violence, a disintegrating economy, declining law and order, lack of food and a much lower standard of living. The future of hope and optimism have given way to uncertainty and insecurity.”

Despite these conditions, Solidarity has built two campuses for teacher training and opened a Health Training Institute. Each College has over 110 students in residence who come from different tribes and live and train together to become teachers, nurses, midwives and agricultural officers who will work to provide the food required for this young country.

Today, Solidarity comprises 30 religious men and women of 19 nationalities from 20 different congregations.

When I asked him what he thought were the highlights of his 57 years in the De La Salle order, Br Bill said his involvement in the running of boarding schools for a total period of twenty-four years and his most recent experience in South Sudan.

I’m sure all our Old Collegians join me in congratulating Br Bill on his achievements in seeking to create sustainable educational, health and pastoral programs that will help to empower the South Sudanese people to build a just and peaceful society. We welcome him back to familiar territory for a well-earned break.

Mr Tony McIlroy President

(above) Brother Bill Firman in South Sudan.


Sadly, we bid farewell to Tony McIlroy (1969) whose term as the President of the Old Collegians will come to an end this year. His son Tom McIlroy (2003), who is the political reporter with The Australian Financial Review, pays tribute to his father’s contribution to the Old Collegians.

After four years, Tony McIlroy is stepping down as president of the De La Salle Old Collegians Association, his latest chapter in a lifetime of connection with the College.

When he was invited by Principal Peter Houlihan to help reinvigorate the long-standing organisation for former students in 2016, Dad described De La Salle College as being part of his personal DNA.

His father, Charles Ross McIlroy was a member of the Class of 1929, attending classes in the Tower Building alongside future De La Salle Brother and College Principal Br Damian Harvey.

His own brothers and nephews attended the College, and I graduated in the Class of 2003. Soon after, one of Dad’s three daughters, my sister, Kate McIlroy, joined the teaching staff.

Some of his fondest memories and strongest friendships come from years as part of the Old Collegians Football Club, including a decade on the committee and two years as secretary in 1978 and 1979. He was also active in the Old Collegians Athletics Club.

Dad served as Chairman of the College Council from 1999 until 2003, working closely with the Board and Br Tim Peter during a time of growth and development. He has maintained a close association and warm friendship with many of the Brothers in Melbourne and beyond - men who shaped the hearts and minds of thousands of students because of their commitment to the teaching vocation.

At the end of 2018, Dad retired from a long and successful career in local government in Melbourne and regional Victoria, including working at the City of Camberwell, Bayside City Council and most recently completing 15 years as the Chief Executive of Benalla Rural City. Now with a bit more time on his hands, he is enjoying new challenges in Melbourne. He loves looking after his three grandchildren, rarely misses Collingwood games and is never far from the races at Caulfield and Flemington. His willingness to help others with small or significant tasks is legendary.

During his time as president, Dad has attended countless College events and reunions, helping foster the future sustainability of the Old Collegians and grow the spirit of De La Salle. He has enjoyed and valued the role, helping others keep up associations with the College and their peers.

As Br Damian Harvey famously said, “You can take the boy out of De La, but you can’t take De La out of the boy”.

Tom McIlroy (2003)

FAREWELL TO OUR PRESIDENT

Farewell to our President

Tony McIlroy with grandsons, Billy (left) and Jimmy Hall


Season 2019 has delivered some amazing moments across our nine teams, but the overarching feeling at Waverley Oval is one of bewilderment given our well-justified early optimism for the senior side. Injuries and a lack of cohesion amongst an ever-changing line-up have not helped the quest of the side, who as a result have struggled to strike and maintain form, in what has been a challenging first season for new coach, Peter Schwab, new President Matt O’Callaghan and players.

Looking ahead the future looks bright with a number of new young recruits including the recent debut, in Round 16, of Tom Deane-Johns, who at just 17-years of age, acquitted himself well in the Seniors’ side and has a bright future at the Club.

Meanwhile, Ant Forato, Will Mackie and Adrian Indovino, all notched their 100th games for the Club this year. Club legends Peter Harrison, Andrew Mackintosh and Ben Corin each played their 300th game on the same day, in what was a special day for them, their families and the entire Club and a third successive flag (and fourth in eight years) awaits the Masters team this year.

At the time of writing, we have two games remaining for the majority of our teams. Our seniors are fighting to stave off relegation, with a victory in Round 16 positioning us well. It may well come down to a final round clash with Old Trinity at our home ground in Round 18 to determine which team will remain in Premier grade – Trinity themselves played finals last year, such is the unpredictable nature of the competition.

In Summary:

• The Reserves have made a remarkable effort considering their ever-changing line-up in support of our senior side are in contention for top four.

• The Women’s Masters, (The Cannons), won five of 10 games in their opening season, with the vast majority of the side not having played the game before! An amazing effort from Coach, Pat O’Callaghan, and the team.

• The open age Women’s team, (the Guns), had a great season with three wins.

• The U19 program, coached by Gabe Deane-Johns, is set to do battle with Old Xaverians and St Kevin’s for top spot.

• The U19 Golds are in line for a final’s place, sitting fourth and clear by a game, with two to play.

• The Colts are sitting fifth with a game to make up from the two remaining, in order to clinch a spot in the business end.

• The Thirds, Premiers in 2018, have endured numerous opposition forfeits but look set for finals as well.

• The Masters Men’s team, continue to roll on towards a third successive flag.

As always the effort and work ethic of our players, coaches and volunteers is outstanding and the fantastic atmosphere, attendance and overall positive vibe of the Club is the envy of other Clubs. The Blue and Gold Gala Ball, which was another sell-out, saw Pat Maher and Ralph McHenry inducted as Legends. Our U19 program results, coupled with the number of young players showcasing their talent in the senior side this year, bodes for an outstanding 2020.

Troy Buntine www.delasalleocfc.com.au

OLD COLLS FOOTBALL CLUB

Old Collegians’ Football Club

Caption text to go here


CLASS OF 1989 REUNION

On a cold Friday night in late May, the class of 1989 gathered at the Racecourse Hotel to remember, reminisce and rekindle old friendships. Plenty of familiar faces, some a little more difficult to recall. Lots of banter, ribbing and tall stories, with the room erupting into laughter at regular intervals. A stylish 1980s College tracksuit, a fashionable Year 12 T-shirt (how do they still fit?) and some less-than-sober, emotional late-night speeches. The night had it all. Thanks, so much to the College for organising such a terrific evening. Getting a crowd of 70 Old Collegians together on the one night is quite an achievement.

Dave Roberts (1989)

Class of 1989 Reunion


Despite it feeling like a Term 3 holiday break, it had actually been 10 years since we all left the Kinnoull Campus for the last day of school, and in celebration, the Old Collegians’ Association warmly welcomed the Class of 2009 to the Racecourse Hotel on a freezing August night.

Upon arrival, a sea of familiar faces brought back a wave of memories (luckily, name tags were provided to help jog some of these…). A short speech from the current Principal, Mr Peter Houlihan, as well as a ‘class photo’ with Mr Hewett reignited the boisterous fervour once again and before long it was as if we had never left.

Over the course of the evening, old friends become acquainted all over again, sharing stories and memories from the years that had brought us all together so long ago.

On top of the reminiscing, old classmates shared stories of their careers, travel experiences and new families, which really confirmed how much we had all grown up.

A huge thank you to the Old Collegians’ Association for bringing us

all together once more for what was a very enjoyable evening. We now look ahead with great anticipation to the next milestone!

Tim East (2009) Vice-Captain





Eight months after finishing our time at De La Salle College, the class of 2018 came together in July again as a cohort for our first reunion. The Racecourse Hotel provided the venue and the boys provided the memories of their journeys and first experiences of life outside of high school; travelling to Europe, ‘Schoolies’, the Yaluwo immersion program and university life. It was great to see some teachers in attendance and College Principal, Mr Houlihan gave us a warm welcome and an up to date on current College news. It was a fantastic night which reignited the brotherly connection we formed at De La Salle, whether it was with good mates or some peers we may have lost contact with over the break and first semester of University. We all look forward to our next reunion and will always to try stay involved and keep updated in life at De La Salle College.

Panos Menidis College Captain (2018)



Michael Dwyer (1998) is now Melbourne foreman for the Godolphin Stables where James Cummings, grandson of Bart, is the head trainer.

Christopher Northey (2016) is working as an Orderly at Cabrini Hospital, Malvern.

Gerard Jackson (1989) heads up the VCAL program at St Bede’s College, and lives in Parkdale with his partner Jill and son Darcy and daughter Eve.

Stefan Del Monaco (1989) is an operations manager for Exxon Mobil.

John Brumtis (1989) owns his own import/export business and has two boys.

Nicholas Hope (1989) is a Qantas pilot and lives in East Malvern.

David Christie (1989) worked in London as a lawyer and lives in Mt Martha with his wife and three daughters.

Luke Delaney (1989) is a Clinical Neuropsychologist and lives in Mount Waverley.

Frank Callea (1989) runs a fruit and vegetable business.

Mark Noonan (1989) works in community development and lives in Eltham.

Gerard Healey (1989) is an EAL teacher living in Dromana

Justin Murphy (1989) is a Radiographer and lives in Ashwood.

Michael Pearson (1989) is a nuclear medicine technologist and lives in Glen Iris.

Paul Woods (1989) is a lawyer for Maddocks and lives in Surrey Hills.

Michael Montgomerie (1979) is an accountant and lives in Blackburn.

Matthew Brown (1979) is a swim coach based in Queensland.

Andrew Coghlan (1979) is an emergency services manager with the Red Cross.

Andrew Mullaly (1979) is a primary school principal.

David Benton (1979) is a plumber.

Anthony Cannizzo (1979) is a lawyer and lives in Armadale.

Peter Barry (1979) is a concreter and lives in Frankston.

Brendan Macleod (1979) is an accountant and lives in Hampton.

Michael O’Meara (1979) works in construction and lives in Kinglake.

Bryan Kellett (1979) is a station officer with the CFA based in Frankston South.

Frank Pentifallo (1979) is a hairdresser and lives in McKinnon.

John O’Shea (1979) works in marketing and lives in Camberwell with his wife Tess and has three children Ryan, Clare and Liam.

James Golds (1979) works in education and lives in Balwyn North.

David Mullaly (1979) is an entrepreneur and lives in Mont Albert.

Joseph Tesoriero (1979) is a pharmacist and lives in Glen Iris.

Saranga Kottachchi (1979) is a warehouse manager

Andre Bonnici (1999) is a hairdresser who with his wife, Fiona, now runs the family business, which has been operating in Ripponlea for 50 years.

David Stephens (1999) works in sales and lives in South Yarra.

David Healy (1999) is a member of Victoria Police and lives in Chelsea.

Matthew Luba (1979) is an engineer and lives in Dee Why, NSW.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Where Are They Now?


Andrew Crimson (2009) is an engineering consultant and lives in Wantirna South.

Dan East (2009) is an Osteopath and lives in Windsor.

Tim East (2009) worked in events management at Wimbledon (UK) and has recently returned to Australia and is now working in Events at the MCG.

Ryan Gallagher (2009) is a software developer and lives in Prahran.

Paul Hussey (2009) works in construction and lives in South Yarra.

David Hutchinson (2009) works in digital marketing and lives in South Yarra.

Nicholas Ibarra (2009) is an osteopath and lives in East Brighton

Tom Kitson (2009) works in medical science and lives in East Brighton.

Christopher Klidaras (2009) works in real estate investment and lives in Caulfield.

Andrew Lombardo (2009) is a podiatrist and lives in Altona North.

Michael McHugh (2009) is an operations manager in the manufacturing industry and lives in Moorabbin.

Tom Parsons (2009) is an artist and lives in Geelong.

Corey Patterson (2009) works in construction and lives in Dingley.

Dean Petras (2009) is a plumber and lives in Richmond.

Joseph Phillipos (2009) is a doctor working at Frankston Hospital.

Jacques Plompen (2009) is a plumber and lives in Mulgrave.

Kane Roberts (2009) is a carpenter and lives in Mount Waverley

Spencer Roberts (2009) is a marketing specialist and lives in Bentleigh.

Jack Gray (2009) is the Player Engagement and Activations Lead for the AFL.

Timothy Soumplis (2009) is a production accountant by day and a DJ by night and lives in Elsternwick.

Alessandro Stazio (2009) is an electrician and lives in Oak Park.

Matthew Stewart (2009) is an electrician and lives in Mentone.

James Van Der Wolde (2009) is working on chronic kidney disease research part time while studying medicine at Deakin University. He lives in Caulfield South.

Ben Tesoriero (2009) works for BDM and lives in Malvern East.

Barry Tjahjadi (2009) is the Business Development Manager for Generation-e. Generation-e is the Australian authority in unified communications, advanced audio visual and cloud technologies. He lives in East Malvern.

Jake Wilson (2009) is a carpenter and lives in Yarraville.

Daragh O’Brien (2009) is a carpenter. In December last year, Daragh and his partner Kathryn, welcomed Odin O’Brien into the world.

Rob Sita (2009) works in sales and marketing as a legal technologist.

Paul Siarabalos (2009) is a consultant with Ernst and Young and lives in North Caulfiled.

Matthew Ennis (1999) works in marketing and lives in Burraneer, NSW.

Chris Hamilton (1999) is an electrician and lives in Mitcham.

Luke Moloney (1999) is a foreman in commercial and residential construction and lives in St Kilda East.

Justin Lyster (1989) is the General Manager, Digital for Blackwoods and lives in St Ives with his wife Rebecca and their children, April, Aiden and James.

Riccy Larcena-Webster (1999) is a business analysts and lives in Aspendale.

Tom Curry (2007) is teaching at St Joan of Arc in Brighton

James Best (1997) is teaching at St Joan of Arc in Brighton

Levi Otto (2012) is teaching at St Joan of Arc in Brighton

Paul Dungan (2003) is teaching at St Joan of Arc in Brighton

Michael Altidis (2009) is an audiologist and lives in Ormond.

Nicholas Bolt (2009) is a nurse and lives in East Bentleigh.

David Bruce (2009) is a registered nurse working in Emergency and Trauma at Sandringham Hospital.

Daniel Calman-Orr (2009) is a construction foreman and lives in Yarraville.

James Chaplin (2009) is a data analyst for the National Australia Bank.

Brendan Close (2009) is a recruitment consultant.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?


The past two years have seen a revival of the De La Salle College archives. With donations of historical and significant records from past students and the continued support of the Brothers’ community, in particular, Br Peter Smythe, the archives seems to be enjoying a return to the glory days once enjoyed under former archivist Steven Stefanopoulos (1992).

However, our museum collection can always be improved so if you have items from your time at De La Salle that you are willing to part with and donate to the De La Salle Archives, we would love to hear from you.

During the next few months, we plan to introduce a new initiative on our social media platforms to engage with our Old Collegians. This initiative will look very similar to the viral ‘Throwback Thursday’ and ‘Flashback Friday’ trends. Once a month, we will be posting old photographs from our collection to the College Facebook page. The posts will be a celebration of De La Salle history and the Old Collegians who forever remain part of the De La Salle story.

This new Facebook presence will be called “Back in the Day” and will feature an historical photograph and an appeal to our membership to help identify people and provide information about the photo. However, we recognise that some people may not want their photograph published on a social media website, so if you have any reservations about this initiative, please feel free to contact me at [email protected].

THE SODALITY OF OUR LADY 1934 AND 1942

Pictured here are the 1934 and 1942 groups of the Sodality of Our Lady. The Sodality of Our Lady was a devotional group with its origins traced back to 16th century Rome. It was founded by a Jesuit priest for young male students attending the university. Following this tradition, De La Salle College was quick to establish a Sodality for Our Lady group, although in the early days, it was not the only Sodality. In 1926, we have records of the junior years belonging to the Sodality of the Knights of St Anthony and a large proportion of the student population belonging to a group known as the Knights of the Blessed Sacrament.

The Sodality of Our Lady promoted prayerful reflection and devotion to Mary, Mother of God, and encouraged boys to consider a consecrated life. At De La Salle, this was a much esteemed group to belong to and in the very early days, the members cast votes on who to accept into their community. If you were a member of either group we would like to hear your recollections.

Ms Jessica Attard College Archivist

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Hilary Hayes 1942

Maurie Murphy 1950

Robert McCarthy 2011

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From the Archives

Rest in Peace

TIVERTON CAMPUS 1318 High Street, Malvern

HOLY EUCHARIST CAMPUS 1241 Dandenong Road, Malvern East

KINNOULL CAMPUS Northbrook Avenue, Malvern

T: +613 9508 2100 www.delasalle.vic.edu.au

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