NUMBER 150
2018 ISSUE
OSA Review T H E O L D S O U T H P O RT O N I A N S ’ A S S O C I AT I O N
PAST PRESIDENTS Mr R H Nimmo Mr L A Delpratt Mr C E Cook Mr F R North Mr R S Billington Mr R J McWilliam Mr G E Johnson Mr N V Henderson Mr G E Johnson Mr E C Fernandez Mr G E Johnson Mr R J McWilliam Mr G E Johnson Mr C S Roberts Mr W W Pike Mr T G G Lahey Mr C L H Monteath Mr A R Tritton Mr D J McWhirter
1919-20 1920-21 1921-22 1922-23 1923-24 1924-25 1925-26 1926-27 1927-28 1928-29 1929-30 1930-31 1931-32 1932-33 1933-36 1936-38 1938-39 1939-40 1940-41
OSA COUNCIL 2017: President: Christopher Johnstone (Dix 79-82, Bid 89-90) Hon. Secretary: Scott Parry (McK 86-90) Hon. Treasurer: Peter Waller (Wal 82-87) Patron: Jake MacRonald (Tho 49-57) Hon. Editor – Review: Christopher Johnstone (Dix 79-82, Bid 89-90)
Mr J O Yates Mr C M C Bere Mr C A Burcher Mr T M Foggitt Mr I M B Cribb Mr R A Clarke Mr J C H Gill Mr I M Grant Mr I A H Perry Mr E D L Anning Mr A R Charity Mr J F Overall Mr R Newton Mr F G Vidgen Mr R C Overell Mr A H Kaiser Mr H E Tweedale Mr J R Walker Mr D J M Murphy
Elected Council Members: Vaughan Oxenford (Mel 80-84) Duncan Young (Bid 90) Hilton Pohl (Wal 95-99) Michael Bond (McK 94-99) Scott Andrews (Wal 94-98) Old Boys on School Council: F.D. Perrin (Rad 78-84) M.M.A. Blumenstein (Mau 88-92) G.C. Rix (Wal 72-77) A.K Twemlow (Mit 85) N.I. Quartermaine (McK 96-99) N.C. Sharpe (Tur 88-95) School Archivist: Debbie Turner
Membership Development: Scott Andrews (Wal 94-98) Marketing and Public Relations: Peter Lockhart (Tho 62-65) Bursary Chairman: Peter Waller (Wal 82-87)
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1941-42 1942-43 1943-45 1945-47 1947-49 1949-51 1951-53 1953-55 1955-57 1957-60 1960-62 1962-64 1964-66 1966-68 1968-70 1970-72 1972-73 1974-76 1976-78
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Mr C Newton 1978-79, 1998-99 Mr D R M Murphy 1979-81, 1999-2001 Mr P J Overell 1981-83 Mr M W Broomhead 1983-84 Mr P M Rouse 1985-86 Mr J B Anning 1986-87 Mr W J R Chandler 1988-89 Mr H J Kennett 1990-91 Mr G E Davidson 1992-93 Mr M A Searle 1994-95 Dr J R Wicks 1996-97 Mr M A Wilkinson 2001-2002 Mr G P R Friend OAM 2002-05 Mr P R Cross 2006 Mr J T Carter 2007-08 Mr V B Wright 2009-10 Mr P C Wood 2011-12 Mr P E Lockhart 2013-14 Mr N I Quartermaine 2015-16
EDITORIAL COMMITTEE: LAYOUT & DESIGN: CSQD COVER: 1992 First XV Team OSA OFFICE: OSA Co-ordinator – Ms Amy McDougall: The Southport School, Winchester Street, Southport QLD 4215. Tel: 07 5531 9803 Fax: 07 5591 2124 Email: osa@tss.qld.edu.au Website: www.tssoldboys.com.au
Contents FROM THE PRESIDENT
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FROM THE EDITOR
5
FROM THE DEPUTY HEADMASTER AND HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL
6-7
2018 Old Boys Weekend
8-9
TSS Foundation Golf Day and McWhirter Cup Day
10
Paying it Forward - Supporting our Indigenous Education Program
11
St Albans Chapel Organ Appeal
12
Feature - Anzac Day 2018
13
My Story
14-19
1992 1st XV Back on Home Ground
20-24
BRANCH NEWS
25-27
SCHOOL NEWS TSS hosts the 2018 Annual International Boys’ Schools Coalition
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Broomhead Lecture Theatre Official Opening 29 Annand Theatre on the Drawing Board Stand Up to Bullying White Day
30-31 32
SPORT NEWS Swimming 33 Cricket 34 2018 GPS Tennis Champions
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Sailing 36-37 Basketball 38 Football 39 Rugby 40 Rowing 41 Cross Country
42-43
BIRTHS & BAPTISMS
44-45
WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS
46
PERSONAL NOTES
41-48
OBITUARIES
52-55
Reporting child sexual abuse and seeking help Child abuse is a crime. If you have been a victim of abuse, or are currently concerned about a child being abused, you can report your concerns to the local police, or to the Headmaster (for TSS related incidents), or the Anglican Diocese Director of Professional Standards who is responsible for responding to any complaints of abuse within schools, parishes and agencies of the Diocese. Director of Professional Standards – Ph: 07 3835 2266 Email: dops@anglicanbrisbane.org.au
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From the President Christopher Johnstone (Dix 79-82, Bid 89-90)
I often wonder whether, where the OSA is concerned, no news is good news. To the vast majority of our members, I am confident that that is the case. On the ‘no news side’, apart from Old Boys Weekend, we had 7 branch functions in Melbourne, Sydney, Singapore, and Gold Coast. I had the pleasure of joining our Melbourne branch for a great night prior to Game 1 of the State of Origin; although not the best result. Old Boys weekend itself began with the fantastic twin events of the McWhirter Cup Golf Day and the Older Old Boys Assembly and lunch thereafter. I had the pleasure of presenting ties to our newest Older Old Boys, some of whom I knew as parents when I was at School; a reminder that age catches up with everyone I suppose. The usual Saturday night event was well attended by the classes of 1978, 1988 and 1998. 2008 chose to get together elsewhere, preferring something less formal than a dinner. This has given us at the Council pause to thought as to whether the format on the Saturday night might need review. Amy will be contacting the year group co-ordinators for the 2019 year group reunions to better ascertain what events might suit them. We have maintained through the Clavill Bere Fund and through our bursary programmes, full support of the School, within our own investment parameters and capital growth objectives. This year we have also managed to finally conclude the sale of Hidden Creek. The receipt of those funds is recorded in our accounts, allocated pursuant to the terms of the trust on which they were originally received, and thereafter held. It is important in this respect to note that Hidden Creek was owned by the OSA as
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trustee of Old Southportonians’ Association Building Trust (which was first called The Southport School Foundation Building Trust and then the Old Southportonians’ Association Hidden Creek Trust). We are in the process of obtaining professional advice in respect of these funds to assist us in formulating a plan for these funds, but it is important to note that the OSA is restricted by the terms of its own Constitution (as approved by the Australian Taxation Office) which provide: 37.1In the event that the buildings constructed on the land owned by the Association at Lot 3 Youngs Road, Limpinwood, are sold or otherwise disposed of, then any proceeds referable to those buildings shall be paid to such one or more of the following institutions funds, bodies or authorities and in such amounts as the Association in its absolute discretion may decide; (a) any fund formed in replacement or succession thereto or having similar purposes or objects; or (b) any purpose institution fund or authority approved within the Income Tax Assessment Act; (c) in the construction of building to be used as a school in replacement of those buildings. 37.2 In the event that the buildings described in Rule 37.1 are no longer required for educational purposes by The Southport School then the Association shall cause those buildings to be used as school or college buildings by another public educational institution or for some other purpose approved within the Income Tax Assessment Act or disposed of and the proceeds applied in such manner as provided in Rule 37.1." Pursuant to the terms of the trust deed, the OSA is also obliged to maintain a separate bank account for the Trust, and account for the funds separately, which the OSA, through the Treasurer continues to do.
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Finally, it is also important to recall that the guiding principles for the OSA Council in dealing with these funds as found in article 3 of the OSA Constitution: 37.3The primary objects of the Association shall be with the stated charitable intent of promoting the welfare of the school and to support the school in the realm of sport, in public appeals and generally as the Council shall think fit and to assist in the education at the school of sons of Old Boys and such others as the Council may from time to time think fit by such means and carrying out these primary objectives and to achieve their purpose the Association may: (a) Foster a spirit of good fellowship between past and present boys of the School with the honour and progress of the School as the common ideal. (b) Keep alive old friendships and give opportunities for reunion. (c) Do all such acts and things as may be necessary to carry out and give effect to all and any of the above objectives. After all, if we do not adhere to these, we may as well all go home. This year I have come to know some of our newest members from the class of 2018, and we should all be delighted to have them amongst our ranks. They are a fine group of gentlemen who have had a fantastic year of success. As custodians of TSS, they have done a terrific job. Finally I wish to thank Amy for her valuable assistance she has provided to me this year. Also, the support I have received from Peter Waller and the finance committee chairs, Scott Parry as Secretary, the Council generally, Peter Lockhart for his assistance in getting the sale of Hidden Creek across the line, and the Past Presidents for their continued, valuable advice. It remains to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy new year.
From the Editor Christopher Johnstone (Dix 79-82, Bid 89-90)
Another year, another Prime Minister. And as I write this editorial, the first full question time of the minority government 2018 has just commenced. I fear sounding old and nostalgic, but one cannot help longing for times in the past when (it at least seemed) that people were prepared to do their jobs without complaint (or perhaps with less complaint), and elected officials were content with their lot in life, without complete self-centeredness as their apparent guiding influence.
I guess the instability of government, and the internal machinations causing these regular governmental implosions now has happened too often for it to be considered a ‘change’. Those who catalogue their copies of the OSA Review will have noticed that we too have changed how we produce this publication. There were three drivers for this - first we are consciously increasing the quarterly updates via our online newsletter, and the second and third are related: the pure cost of postage for two publications per year was approaching a prohibitive amount so the OSA and the School agreed to increase our
contribution to Band of Brothers, which you all receive (or should receive as OSA Members) and reduce this publication to one per year. But this is not the limit of recent change. My good friend from Biddle House, Duncan Young (Bid 88 - 90) has agreed to take over the editorship of the OSA Review so this will be the last of which I am editor. I trust this edition meets your high expectations, and I am confident that it will continue to flourish under Duncan’s stylish hand.
Our OSA Past Presidents recently enjoyed an evening together at the Queensland Club in Brisbane for their annual dinner from left to right: Phillip Rouse Peter Lockhart, Malcolm Searle, Garth Davidson, Chris Johnstone, James Kennett, George Friend, Derek Murphy and Chris Newton.
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E D U C AT I N G T H E G E N Y ' S A N D G E N Z ' S
From the Deputy Headmaster and Head of Senior School Mr Andrew Hawkins (McK 92-95)
Each year as we approach the end of the school year it is important to remind our boys of the importance of commitment and loyalty. This comes in the form of commitment to academics and also commitment to their activities at the end of each term here at TSS. We face many challenges raising adolescent children in this day and age, whether it be parents in the home environment or staff at TSS educating our next generation of Australian males. According to award-winning social researcher Mark McCrindle our current Generation Z (aged 7-21) will have 5 careers, 15 homes and 17 jobs in their lifetime. They are referred to as the Generation Connected, iGen, Screenagers, Digital Integrators, The Zeds, or the Dot Com Kids. They will have seen the changes from www.google.com in 1997 to the Apple iWatch in 2015 and everything in between from Myspace, Twitter, Instagram, and the GoPro. For the Baby Boomers (age 52-70) among the parent body and for those that fall into the Gen X (37-51) and Gen Y (22-36), you had your Childhood, your Teenage Years and your Adulthood. Our Gen Z and Gen Alphas have their Childhood, their Tweens, the Teenage Years, Young Adulthood, Kippers, Adulthood, Career-changer Years and the Downagers all to look forward to. The Gen Zs live at home longer, even into their 30s, they will have their first child at 33.0 years and have a life expectancy well in to their 80s. The landscape of our Generation Z has changed and we have to respond to them accordingly.
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The greatest challenges educating this generation of boys are the following: 1. Social media & screen time We have worked really hard over the last two years to educate boys on healthy screen time and the hazards of screen addiction.
2. Risk taking behaviour Morals and values haven’t really changed from generation to generation but risk taking behaviour has certainly increased.
3. Personal responsibility We are always alarmed at how many hats and blazers are left behind in classrooms, assemblies and sport on the weekends. It is hard to teach an adolescent the value of money/personal items.
Old Boys reading this may have sons or grandsons, siblings, or relatives at the School and you may or may not agree with some of the challenges listed above. Some of the younger Old Boys reading this may even fall into the Generation Z category and may have already turned the page to the next article! Our current Year 12s have been great examples to our younger years for showing commitment and loyalty. These are extremely important traits for our boys to show now and through their journey of life as Gen Ys, Gen Zs or even for you baby boomers reading this piece. Committing to teams and sports at school is a great way for boys to learn these skills, and the success we have had this year in Rowing, Sailing, Cricket, and Tennis, and coming painfully close in the Rugby, were
4. Appropriate use of language This is a really tough one with such poor examples in the movie and music industry, but as a community we need to maintain the standard of what is appropriate and what is not.
5. Commitment and loyalty Sport has always been a great vehicle for finding examples of what people are willing to do to represent their countries or their teams. With the age of professionalism, it is increasingly difficult to find examples of athletes demonstrating loyalty and commitment to their club or country.
great examples of boys showing outstanding commitment and loyalty to their school. The Year 12s have also had a very strong year academically and we are confident that their results will be another strong year for the School. On point number one, social media and screen time, the School has invested a large amount of money to purchase a license for every family of every boy from Year 4 to 12 to a company called Family Zone. Without getting too technical or going into any great detail, Family Zone essentially allows parents to easily ‘block’ any data use on a phone. During school hours, the phone is just that, a phone. To access the internet while on campus, the boys can only use our WiFi. Our internet has many restrictions limiting the capacity to access social media, gaming and movie streaming. We are the first school to trial the whole school licence and actually put something in place to limit the distractions in class caused by phones and devices. So far, so good.
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OSA NEWS
2018 Old Boys Weekend By Amy McDougall OSA Coordinator
Friday 24th August saw the annual gathering of our Older Old Boys, those who commenced at the School 60 years ago or more. This annual special assembly fosters and strengthens the very important traditional links between the present boys in the School and the generations of Old Boys who have gone before. It really brings home the history of the School to our current boys. This year, 80 Older Old Boys attended, with 10 of those being our newest Older Old Boys receiving their special Older Old Boys’ tie, a tradition commenced in 2010. We were also thrilled to see Alan Radcliffe in attendance this
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year. Alan is our Oldest Old Boy, he attended the School in 1927 and then returned for years 1935-1939. During the Assembly, the current boys give a resounding War Cry to the Older Old Boys and not to be outdone, an equally responding loud War Cry back from the Older Old Boys. It’s a heartwarming scene and one of our favourite things about Old Boys Weekend. The Assembly is followed by a luncheon in the Dining Hall served by our School Prefects. This year, 125 Older Old Boys and their families enjoyed their much-loved lunch of lasagna and caught up with friends, old and new.
Reunion Dinner
This year we welcomed 170 Old Boys back to the Dining Hall on both Friday and Saturday evening. Friday evening we were fortunate enough to have Harry Smith (THO 11-17), son of Iain Smith, present a special gift to the magnificent 1958 crew to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of their dominant Head of the River victory. Iain Smith was the Rowing Director at TSS from 2009 to 2014 and continued to coach up until the 2018 national championships. In his time at the School he came across the bow and stern section of an old boat in terrible condition. The name was covered up with years and years of dust and too many old coats of varnish. “The Southportonian” name, which was gold leaf hand-painted in 1957 could barely be seen. Iain had restored this section of the boat to
immaculate condition aware of the relevance 2018 had for the winners on the anniversary of their historical win. Congratulations must go to all the year group coordinators for their fantastic efforts to contact their classmates and encourage them to attend. The atmosphere on both evenings is a testament to the connection and close friendships fostered among the majority of Old Boys. The OSA is proud to provide the opportunity for reunions for all Old Southportonians and we look forward to next year when we welcome back the 1959, 1969, 1979, 1989, 1999 and 2009 year groups. If it is your reunion year next year and you are interested taking on the role of year group coordinator, please contact Amy McDougall on 55 319 803.
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St Alban's Chapel Organ Appeal To donate visit TheSouthportSchool.com/Foundation
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FOUNDATION
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PAY I N G I T F O RWA R D
Supporting our Indigenous Education Program By Olivia Dean TSS Foundation
In addition to funds raised at the TSS Foundation Business Breakfast series of events throughout the year, the Indigenous Education Program at TSS is also funded through the generosity of a handful of very special donors, committed to the advancement of our indigenous students. These annual donations and pledges support the TSS Foundation's Indigenous Education Scholarship Program, which funds the education of indigenous students who may not otherwise have the opportunity or means to attend TSS. In 2018 the TSS Foundation and The Southport School are supporting 24 indigenous students by way of funding all tuition and boarding costs throughout the year.
The students of TSS must have the highest level of education to never forget who they are whilst taking their minds and talents to the highest level"
2018 Indigenous Donor
Whilst the Foundation works to support these students in every capacity possible, the contribution from these donors provides an unparalleled opportunity for these students, whom we have proudly seen in the past go on to graduate from many of Australia’s top universities. Supporting the Indigenous Program at TSS is life changing for many and displays a critical commitment to the education of these incredible students. If you share our vision to create tangible, measurable and enduring social change through evidence-based investment in Indigenous Education, you can support our work by making a donation online or via private arrangement. To activate your support or for more information contact Olivia Dean of the TSS Foundation office or head to the Foundation page on the TSS website. Olivia Dean | TSS Foundation olivia.dean@tss.qld.edu.au
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TSS Foundation Golf Day and McWhirter Cup Day By Olivia Dean TSS Foundation
With the rain looming, TSS Foundation Golf Day attendees gathered confidently at Royal Pines on Friday 23 August, ready to beat the weather and their opposing competitors. With the event selling out in a record 4 weeks, the competition could not have been hotter. Welcoming back many players from the previous year including the reigning champions Andrew Speirs and the Condev Team, the McWhirter Cup was also on offer for our Old Boys, making the competition a fierce midday tee off. A slight shower mid-way through proceedings didn’t dampen the mood and players continued on with the last players arriving at the prize giving reception after dark.
Some amazing prizes were up for grabs this year for a variety of on-course activities such as Longest Drive and Nearest The Pin which always adds to the excitement. Around the course refreshment was provided by two Hole Sponsors, Sheraton Mirage and Bos Property giving players some well-deserved sustenance. In the end, the Elk family were once again named not only the overall winners on the day but claimed the McWhirter Cup for 2018 as a full team of Old Boys. Congratulations to John Elks, Malcolm Elks, Murray Elks and Jim Twentyman. Also thanks to Old Boy Doug Murphy and his family for continuing the traditions of the McWhirter Cup. The TSS Foundation thanks all of our players and sponsors for the day and we look forward to welcoming you again in August 2019.
With thanks to our sponsors: Golf Day
Hole Sponsors
Gold Coast BMW
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A N Z A C D AY 2 0 1 8
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M Y S T O RY
Lionel Meerkin Shepherd 1942 - 1947
My brother, Matthew, and I arrived at the School in the Autumn of 1942. The Japanese invasion scare was at its height, and school in Queensland did not start until the middle of March. Our school population consisted of 22 boys plus staff. Matthew was only 4, the youngest boarder ever at TSS. In 1942, The U.S Medical Corps took over the Senior School as a Base Hospital. They erected new buildings for the wounded, who were mainly from the Guadalcanal Campaign, and installed a new sanitary system, which was built where the Headmaster’s house is now. This was a concrete circular building, the height of a three story building. The sewage went into the top and fertilizer came out the bottom. The School used this system until Southport had a sewerage system. In 1942 the Nerang River was in its natural state; where the soccer fields are now there was a mangrove swamp, the same as MacIntosh Island. We also had a very large sandpit at the foot of the Junior School, an area called “Mossie
Lionel Meerkin 1947 far right
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Bush” for obvious reasons. During the seventies Hookers, The Real Estate people, rearranged the course of the river to what it is today, and the School ended up with soccer ovals at no cost, thanks to the negotiations made by C.G Pearce. Further past the School, the island now called Chevron was dairy farmland, and where the Arts Centre is now, one could walk across the ford at low tide to Surfers. Back in those years, the Gold Coast had a population of 5,000. There was a railway from Southport to Brisbane, 50 miles, taking two and a half hours, stopping all stations. There was also a branch line to Coolangatta from Bethania Junction. The present highway from Tugun to the border was the railway line – you can still see traces of it at Tugun.
Butch Crawford, Arthur Morgan, Dave Miller and Lionel Meerkin
M Y S T O RY
Denis Ogg McKinley 1942 - 1948
I was due to go to TSS at the beginning of 1942, but due to the war and the threat of Japanese attack, the School did not open until March that year. It was during the latter half of 1942 that the Americans took over the Senior School for a hospital and convalescent home. This meant the whole school was accommodated in the Junior School Building. Somewhere around this time an Australian Armoured Division moved onto the old rifle range over Ferry Road. The Americans erected a large circus tent between the Junior School and the tennis courts and staged shows and pictures for those servicemen able to move about. It was not uncommon for some of the senior students to sneak over and watch the shows from under the flap of the tent.
The boys hurriedly returned to school, and it is now believed Mr Pearce stayed for the remainder of the show. The Junior School had many games of cricket and football and for most of us these were our first taste of competitive sport. It was good to have these games as most GPS sports were abandoned between 1942 and 1945 because of the war. At the end of 1944, the Americans moved out of the Senior School, so we were able to move back at the beginning of 1945.
One night Mr Pearce, a School Master, received a message from one of the operators and, on entering under the flap of the tent, was surprised to walk in on boys watching the show.
Prefects of 1948
Denis Ogg's Rowing Singlet
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M Y S T O RY
Brian McCullough Delpratt 1957 - 1962
Another stalwart of TSS was the rowing coach, Clavill Bere. This big, strong, quiet, humble and patient man was “one of the boys”, a father figure for me and for most of the rowers at the Boat Shed, someone to look up to. This gentleman was so respected by the rowers that, to my knowledge, he did not have a nickname, although his peers may have given him one. During the rowing seasons, which were in both the 1st and 3rd terms, he would give of his time, effort and wealth of experience for nothing. He would be at the Boat Shed or out on the water at sunrise and also be there when the boys finished class for the day, leaving most days after dark, to return to his home on Bauer Street, Southport. When coaching/training the rowers, he used his own powerboat that had a small outboard which could not stay with the 1st eight during starts. One knew when he was about to say “GO” because he would gun the outboard motor, attempting to get the boat on the plane before he would say “GO”. He also used his own vehicles, a Whippet Ute, to drive to the Boat Shed from home and a Citroen “Goddess” to ferry rowers to and from various regattas. When one of the sculls or boats had a maintenance problem, he would fix it as best he could with strips of cedar, copper nails and glue. I remember when the 1960 1st Eight was on a training run rowing up river through a particularly tight section for an Eight, near Narrow Neck, rocks on one side and sandbar on the other with a strong outgoing tide. The Cox, Ian “Shorty” Black, had to get the perfect angle against the outgoing tide. While keeping the oars away from the rocks he was too close to the sandbar and ran aground. All the crew bailed out and walked the Eight across the sandbar to the drop-off. As the crew was hopping back in the Eight our No. 4 crew member, Leo McInntosh’s foot slipped off the centreboard and put his heel through the bottom of the Eight. Well, when Clavill inspected the damage, he instructed us to find our own way back to the Boat Shed. This meant that we had to swim various parts of the Nerang River at
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four places, dodging mid banks and mangrove areas. Our smart No 4 crewman, Leo, advised Clavill, “I can’t swim!” I believe Leo got the silent treatment from Clavill all the way back to the Boat Shed and he had to hang over the back of the powerboat holding the Eight all the way back. The last we saw of Leo was his big grin from ear to ear as he disappeared around the bend. Due to the Junior School having too many pupils and the Senior School having a spare dormitory in 1958, a few other pupils and I from the Junior School were given the opportunity to miss out on year 8 and start at the Senior School in a Sub/Sub Junior Class, thus giving those pupils a five year Senior School education. Because of this situation, a friend of mine, Trevor “The Tractor Driver” Heckles, and I had the opportunity to pester and persuade Clavill to allow us access to the Tub Four’s so that we could learn to row (I think that Trevor’s brother, John, who was selected in the 1st Eight in 1958, also had some influence in the matter.) A few other friends from our dormitory, Murray “Fis” Johnson, Graham ‘George” Greenup and Ian “Shorty” Black, also ably assisted us in this endeavour. By the 3rd Term that year 1958, our rowing had improved so much that we were given the opportunity by Clavill to prove ourselves against opponents in regulation coxed 4’s. So Clavill entered us in a Novice Fours Race at the newly formed Pine Rivers Club Regatta on Petrie Lake. We hopped in a borrowed Four and headed for the start line for our allocated start time. The Start Line was chaos and we could see that the other crews were very much older than us. We worked hard in the race but came second by a canvas. Clavill was very excited with our performance as there was a mix-up at the Starting Line and he informed us that we rowed in the wrong race against Trial Four rowers.
TSS First VIII 1961
We also rowed the race at a 42 rating for the whole race. Clavill must have been impressed as most of that crew found themselves in the 1st Four the following year (1959) for the GPS Head of the River Regatta. At the end of 1958, I defeated all the junior rowers at TSS in the Junior Sculls and at the beginning of 1959 was picked for the No.3 position in the 1st Four to represent TSS at the Head of the River to be held at Milton Reach on the Brisbane River. Six weeks from the “Head of the River”, the No 7 bow-side oarsman from the 1st Eight, Rob Kelly, was admitted to
hospital with appendicitis. The rowing coach looked at the 1st Four for a replacement and chose me rather than Murray “Fish” Johnson, as I was taller and heavier. I was given the No 5 bow-side position and was lucky to be in the winning crew that year. In amongst the euphoria of the win, I remember going back to the commercial rowing shed on the baycruiser “Niki” and being handed a XXXX beer to celebrate. I was 15 years of age at the time. I went on to represent TSS in the 1st Eight at the Head of the River for the next three years.
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M Y S T O RY
Kevin Fowler McKinley 1966 -1971
My first association at TSS commenced in 1963 when my Dad, Ray “Chooky” Fowler, became the groundsman at the School. It was a position he held for 30 years. Sadly, my dear Dad passed away in 2014. His cricketing mates Don Taylor, Peter Salmon and Ron Pearson suggested to the Bursar, John Glenn, that he would make a fine groundsman. He did, and he was extremely grateful for their support and friendship. It is worth noting that John (runout at the bowler’s end for 51) and Don played against the touring South African cricket team in the same year. Dad prepared the wicket at the local Showground and Peter Pollock who was their opening bowler at the time asked if he could roll the pitch up and take it around Australia with him. I still have a match ball which was presented to Dad after the match. In the mid-sixties the School made an offer to my parents that when my brother Jeff and I were 13 we could attend TSS free of cost. Jeff declined the kind offer as he wanted to become a carpenter/joiner and there were no classes at TSS. He went on to become a first class joiner, building inspector and building surveyor. I of course jumped at the chance, and enjoyed every opportunity that came my way.Later on our sister Leona was appointed as a junior Secretary to the Bursar. Luckily nepotism and Fringe Benefits Tax weren’t around in those days. Prior to 1966 when I started at the School I can vividly remember coming to the School with Dad on weekends and my school holidays when he would either be finalising preparation of the wickets, rugby fields, tennis courts, or pool. Dad tried to get me to help with mowing or whatever (it wasn’t a question back then) however Pong Creek was far too attractive for me. If I wasn’t catching bloodworms to go fishing with my Grandfather, I was catching mullet for my Grandmother.
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We were fortunate that the pool was available for our Christmas swims if the surf was too rough. Unfortunately, I damaged my right eye at 14 and could not play Rugby. I ran the line for the rugby teams and controversy seemed to follow me around. I remember the first XV playing against BGS (away) in my Grade 12 year. I signalled one of their wingers out. He crossed the line and a try was awarded however, the ref had to change his decision after I showed him the sprig marks on the line where someone’s foot touched it. The local crowd was not happy. Whatever. Luckily he didn’t ask me if I had 20/20 vision. I was very lucky that I could continue with my cricket. Bill King coached me a couple of times (U13 and Ist XI) and I feel very proud that we won a premiership (shared with BGS) in his first year as the 1st XI coach. He was a good friend to my Mum and Dad. The worst sledge I ever got in cricket was Under 15 coming back from my eye injury and the match was down to the wire. We were 9 for and battling for a draw. I was batting and even though our coach thought time was up the other coach (BGS again) convinced me that time was not up by showing me his watch. Our coach called out “How would he know, he only has one eye.” Whatever. We survived. Sometime in Grade 9, I remember going to a guidance counselor who asked me what I wanted to do when I left school. I said that I wanted to be an Accountant. Even though I had no clue what an Accountant did that is what I became. Aren’t the current students lucky with their mentoring program being in place.
What about all of the other wonderful facilities at the School I hear you ask.
school simply to stay in contact directly or through the school.
I have stopped work for now however my highlights would have to be doing tax returns for Alan Ware and Don Taylor (both being my teachers at TSS) and auditing the P&F Association. I always wished Alan and Don were as impressed with me whilst I was at School as they were when I sent out their refund cheques.
I married my wife Dianne 43 years ago and have two great sons and daughters in law and three grandchildren. Life is good and I hope it stays that way.
I continued playing cricket for some time after school and also took up umpiring. I think it is worthwhile for all sportspeople to have some participation after they finish playing their chosen sport. Dad had done the same thing and this culminated in us umpiring a match involving a touring New Zealand side. I got a lot of enjoyment in bringing Dad out to some home cricket and rugby matches. You can only imagine what he said when he saw the oval redevelopment take place some time ago. During the yearly celebrations (mine being 1971) it was noticeable that there were unknown addresses for some of our schoolmates. I take this opportunity to ask them to contact the School so that their details can be registered. I make a callout to School friends to contact me and or anyone from our
On 19 September 2018 I visited the TSS museum under the Clocktower and enjoyed the company of curator Debbie Turner and her assistant Lionel Meerkin. It brought back memories, some good, some not so good, however I encourage a visit when you can. I mentioned to Debbie that I had started my musings about 4 years ago after having a discussion with Bert Cockerill. He also was a good friend to Dad, and isn’t he a great friend of TSS? Anyhow, Debbie encouraged me to submit my story. Here it is. Thank you Debbie. In closing, I note that the Ist XV went down to Nudgee on 15 September 2018 and that I watched part of the livestreaming. Imagine what my Dad would have thought about livestreaming. Losing is never easy when you know you have put in so much hard work however that is when you band together. I was very impressed by our Captain’s words spoken straight after the match. It displayed true sportsmanship.
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1992 1st XV Back on Home Ground On the 15th September the 1st XV from 1992 returned to TSS to support the 1st XV ahead of their Grand Final game against Nudgee. The Old Boys attended Chapel at St. Albans Chapel to present the jerseys to the boys and had lunch in the Darnell Room before heading up to Brisbane to watch the match. Here is what some of the Old Boys had to say about their time at TSS;
Andrew Bickell McKinley | 1986 -1992 1. Position played in 1st XV? 2nd Row
Fiji trip and the friends that I made.
I played club rugby out of school and met many new friends that I had played against throughout school, many who are still good friends.
3. What is the biggest difference now from when you were playing in the 1st XV?
7. What would you say is your greatest accomplishment to date?
Skill, size, professionalism.
3 beautiful, well-mannered kids.
4. What advice would you give to the graduating seniors of 2018?
8. Where do you live now and what are you up to these days?
Getting to where you want to be can take a long time, so don’t sweat it.
Own/Operate Management Rights in South Brisbane.
2. What was most memorable to you about your experiences playing in the 1st XV?
5. What is your most fond memory? My alcove was a general meeting place for the boys (right outside the dining room). Teammates, both day boys and boarders, would meet there during lunch and give old Ear-muffs a hard time.
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6. How did your athletic involvement aid in the path that you chose following graduation?
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Ben Michael Radcliffe | 1980 - 1993 1. Position played in 1st XV? Hooker
6. How did your athletic involvement aid in the path that you chose following graduation?
2. What was most memorable to you about your experiences playing in the 1st XV?
Teamwork and being able to work to a common goal under pressure is something that I’ve kept with me
Beating Nudgee at Nudgee and friendships that have lasted +25yrs.
7. What would you say is your greatest accomplishment to date?
3. What is the biggest difference now from when you were playing in the 1st XV?
My Family
They’re bigger and faster!
8. Where do you live now and what are you up to these days?
4. What advice would you give to the graduating seniors of 2018?
Hong Kong working at JP Morgan in the markets business.
You only get one shot, make the most of it as you’ll be talking about those days for the next 25yrs. 5. What is your most fond memory? Most of it to be honest.. rowing years, rugby, rugby tours to Fiji, some of the teachers and their positive impacts.
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Nathan Grey Maughan | 1988 -1992 1. Position played in 1st XV? No.12 and No.8 2. What was most memorable to you about your experiences playing in the 1st XV? Friendships and learning to work hard for not much success 90 won 1 game, 91 Won 2 games, 92 won 6 (again I think!). 3. What is the biggest difference now from when you were playing in the 1st XV? Bit of a weird question but so much and so little. I enjoy the game still and am now a professional coach and loving it. Also having played professionally after school. TSS taught me the game of rugby and it has played a huge part in my life. All the lessons from dealing with adversity through to dealing with success and being humble and grateful for the opportunities given to you throughout the game. A lot of my 1st XV mates are still friends to this day…that is an indication of the power of the game and the School provided us the opportunity to grow and bond, and forever I am grateful for that. 4. What advice would you give to the graduating seniors of 2018? Work hard, don’t look for praise, it will come if you earn it. Be happy in your own skin and who you are. Good people will appreciate you for you and write your own story, carve your own path, and enjoy the process along the way. Take on the multitude of twists and turns that will come as your journey through life continues….it’s just getting started. TSS has provided you an outstanding foundation to build from. Go get it. 5. What is the most valuable tool you learned while you were a student at TSS? You get out what you put in….take nothing for granted. 6. What is your most fond memory? Too many from the years with friends from all walks of life. From Rugby, and Rowing to House plays, to boarding life, to holidays with mates, to St Hildas girlfriends, to House masters and teachers….so many it truly is too hard to put my finger on one.
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7. How did your athletic involvement aid in the path that you chose following graduation? It allowed me options, and the School taught me that. It also taught me to work as a team member, show empathy towards others, and the fact that if you work hard you just might be successful. I was a bit lost after I left School and sport provided an outlet for me to express myself and with the onset of professionalism I was lucky enough to do something I love and get paid for it…So I was all in committed, and made significant sacrifices to be the best I could. I never lost the fact of who I was and the people who helped me get to where I did. The people from the school helped me achieve many things, through mentoring from teachers, and mates who kept you grounded and made you laugh. For that I am forever grateful. The school laid a great foundation in showing me how to be a young man…I made a lot of errors and a few stupid decisions but beneath that I think the School taught me how to be a good person. I continue to strive to be a good citizen and contribute to others in my own way. Being a coach now provides me an opportunity to give back to the game of Rugby that has given me so much. 8. What would you say is your greatest accomplishment to date? Yet to come…..certainly my kids are up there… and being healthy and happy are two things you can never take for granted. 9. Where do you live now and what are you up to these days? Live in Sydney on the Northern Beaches and am currently Assistant Coach of the Wallabies National Rugby Union team.
Mark Weis
McKinley | 1991 -1992
1. Position played in 1st XV?
6. What is your most fond memory?
Outside centre
Weekends and afternoons at whatever boarding house we would find ourselves with the great friends I made at TSS who are still my great friends now 26 years later.
2. What was most memorable to you about your experiences playing in the 1st XV? Our coach, Gary Nucifora. I loved playing under “Nuci”. I came from Rugby League and had never played Union, Nuci and my inside centre and fullback partners had to teach me from scratch about rugby union. 3. What is the biggest difference now from when you were playing in the 1st XV? The boys are bigger, much bigger! 4. What advice would you give to the graduating seniors of 2018? I suffered an accident in the Christmas holidays ‘91, so I completely missed the 92 season, I tried to stay involved with the 92 team as much as possible, whether it be cleaning up the sheds after a game or running the water. Which became a source of inspiration for me, just to stay involved somehow with the team was important. I guess I’m saying, whatever adversity you come across there is always something you can do to try and make a bad situation better, we can all learn something from Perry Cross. 5. What is the most valuable tool you learned while you were a student at TSS?
7. How did your athletic involvement aid in the path that you chose following graduation? Being successful takes discipline somewhere along your life journey. Training, waking up early when I didn’t want to, all helped me later in life when I needed discipline to achieve my goals. 8 What would you say is your greatest accomplishment to date? Making it to the top of my career that I choose. There is no doubt that sport at TSS, no matter what level you play, will help you achieve. 9. Where do you live now and what are you up to these days? Based on Hong Kong, I’m a Boeing 777 Captain with Cathay Pacific. Mainly long haul flights. We live in Phuket, Thailand and I commute to and from Hong Kong. Our youngest son began his journey at TSS this year in Rogers House and we also have a daughter at St Hilda’s in grade 10. They are loving boarding life.
You have to stay positive, no matter what comes your way.
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Martyn Chalmers Biddle | 1988 - 1992 1. Position played in 1st XV?
6. What is your most fond memory?
Hooker.
Mateship.
2. What was most memorable to you about your experiences playing in the 1st XV?
7. How did your athletic involvement aid in the path that you chose following graduation?
Representing TSS with mates who would be part of the rest of your life.
The importance of teamwork when working with others. Everyone can be a leader working for a manager.
3. What is the biggest difference now from when you were playing in the 1st XV? The facilities and equipment are equal to those at the highest level. 4. What advice would you give to the graduating seniors of 2018? Embrace change and be ready for anything. Win, lose or draw – tomorrow is another day. 5. What is the most valuable tool you learned while you were a student at TSS?
8. What would you say is your greatest accomplishment to date? Having a family. 9. Where do you live now and what are you up to these days? Brisbane with my family and 4 year old boy. Ceased working as a lawyer and have been at Suncorp for 10 years in insurance.
Leadership.
Greg Pink Thorold | 1988 - 1992 1. Position played in 1st XV?
6. What is your most fond memory?
Open Side Flanker No:6.
Growing up with mates that now feel and act like brothers.
2. What was most memorable to you about your experiences playing in the 1st XV? Winning against Nudgee at Nudgee.
7. How did your athletic involvement aid in the path that you chose following graduation?
3. What is the biggest difference now from when you were playing in the 1st XV?
Practice, Practice, Practice, whether it’s a presentation, meeting, interview, sales pitch practice
The professionalism of the boys and the team. 4. What advice would you give to the graduating seniors of 2018? Have a go, have fun and enjoy and learn from the moment (good or bad). 5. What is the most valuable tool you learned while you were a student at TSS? Trust
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8. What would you say is your greatest accomplishment to date? Outside of family and knowing Andrew Bickell, still being able to have a good laugh about myself and mates 9. Where do you live now and what are you up to these days? Brisbane, working for BOQ (Bank of Qld).
BRANCH NEWS
Singapore By Garth Trathen MEL 93-98
Recently (Sunday 16 September) we enjoyed a fantastic afternoon brunch with an esteemed visitor and a much-admired past TSS business teacher, Mr Barry McGuckin, whom we’ve had the pleasure of entertaining in Singapore three times in the past few years now. The aforesaid ‘Don’t Let a Monday Ruin your Sunday’ brunch was held for the 5th year in a row and is the brainchild of Chris Harris and a mutual friend of ours Matt Campbell, starting out as a casual yet boozy brunch on the
Singapore F1 weekend as a precursor for the F1 Event, thankfully within walking distance. The brunch grew rapidly in popularity and by 2016 presented Matt and Chris with an opportunity to make something more of the event and so a charity was selected with generous corporate donations provided by many of the attendees with proceeds going to a different, selected well-deserved charity since 2015. This year’s event was held at Café Swiss at the Swissotel The Stamford with more than 150 brunchers attending and more than $10,000 raised going to Star Shelter, a charity that provides assistance in their hostel for women and children who are victims of domestic abuse. Certainly a great day had by all!
From left: Garth Trathen; Cameron Milne; Michael Parsons; Cameron Wild; Iain Twine; Barry McGuckin; Christopher Harris
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MELBOURNE S TAT E O F O R I G I N
Warren Adderley (DEL 59-68), Harrison Bailey (RAD 04-10), Greg Honeyman (McK 63-66), Ed O’Callaghan (SUR 89-00)
Steve Vickers (WAL 83-87), Scott Pendlebury (SUR 84-88).
SYDNEY
From left: Simon Greville (MCK 87-93), James Irvine (MAU 86-93), David McIntosh (SUR 86-93) and Peter Lujic (SUR 86-90)
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From left: Josh Stega (ATK 90-00), Justin Hong (WAL 95-00), Kyle Vinnicombe (WAL 95-00), Jonno, Howe (ATK 96-00), David Pointon (RAD 88-00), Simon Barlett (MCK 89-00)
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B E AG L E B OYS LU NC H
Berrick Boyd (43-56 MCK), Greg Cornelson (Director of Philanthropy) and Jim Fouras (49-56 THO)
Bob Ariel (49-51 MCK), Brian Parkinson (50-57 DEL) and Ken Mander-Jones (50-55 DEL)
Dr John Robertson (51-54 MCK, and Rad West (51-54 MCK)
Ian Cameron (52-56 MCK), Brendan Egen (55-59 MCK), John Hindmarsh (56-61 THO)
SYDNEY OOB LUNCH
(L-R) Chris Townsend (DEL 68-72), Stuart Hutton (THOR 55-62), Ian Marwedel (MCK 50-55), John Hawker (MCK 59-63), Greg Cornelsen, Tony Goodwin (THO 49-54)
John Hawker (MCK 59-63), Nicson White (TUR 92-01)
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SCHOOL NEWS
TSS hosts the 2018 Annual International Boys’ Schools Coalition The Southport School was granted the honour of hosting the Annual Conference for the International Boys’ Schools Coalition (IBSC) in July this year. With more than 600 delegates from 15 different nations in attendance, the event was met with resounding success. The many outstanding teachers, leading researchers and educational innovators who joined us here on the Gold Coast, embraced this year’s theme ‘Our Boys, Their future: Learning to Lead’. TSS Headmaster Mr Greg Wain said the theme was one that resonated with the School given Learning to Lead is a phrase used to “clarify a key aspect of our mission here at The Southport School.” “I firmly believe that all in our community have leadership ability and leadership potential… Hence we teach leadership of self and the formation of good character before we teach leadership of others.”
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Mr Wain said the 2018 conference helped stimulate thinking, increased understanding of self and others and helped to enhance leadership abilities in those who attended. Within the conference framework, there were four Academic Streams – Leadership, Boys Education, STEM and Futures. Also included this year, for the first time, was the topic Junior Years which was met with much enthusiasm. These key areas were selected to reflect the fundamental elements of boys’ education as we strive to prepare young men to become progressive, caring and responsible citizens in an ever-changing world. The conference included some of Australia’s most influential academics and social commentators along with a number of internationally recognised keynote speakers. There were also 11 nationally noted featured speakers and over 80 separate workshop presentations.
SCHOOL NEWS
Broomhead Lecture Theatre Official Opening An exciting new modern facility where school meets university, was officially opened at TSS earlier this year by Old Boy and Director of BHP Billiton Limited Malcolm Broomhead. The aptly named Broomhead Lecture Theatre resides adjacent to the newly refurbished Harley Stumm Senior School library. Its design has mirrored that of a lecture theatre in Harvard University – the Harvard U – which has seating wrapped around the teacher who is positioned in the centre of the room. This theatre comfortably seats 220 and has already been used for a variety of activities including House meetings, lectures and parent information sessions. Mr Broomhead, who is a major donor to the School, said he was very impressed with the theatre and its modern design.
It’s great to see the School thriving and I think this facility and its concept is fantastic. It helps with the transition between school and university, which I personally found difficult, so I hope this helps with that"
Mr Broomhead
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Forecourt Perspective
Southwest Perspective
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SCHOOL NEWS
Annand Theatre on the Drawing Board By Ross Cardiff Chief Financial Officer
Over the last 18 months there has been much discussion regarding the Annand Theatre. The current structure is a fantastic building, however, the reality is that it is too small, seating only around 680 and our student population on the senior campus is now just on 1000 boys. It has become difficult to even have a full assembly of the Senior School. Working with our Architects, and with the guiding vision of the Headmaster and the School Council, we have gone through a number of plans, originally utilising some of the existing building. However, after much to and fro it has been decided that the best way forward is to demolish the existing building and to then build a new 1200 seat Annand Theatre that will serve the School for the rest of the Century. Why 1200 seats? Essentially, once you add the student cohort along with the staff on the senior campus you are approaching that number. The School is pretty much full on the senior campus so this figure should future proof the building and the senior campus. Importantly we want to ensure that we continue to have our key ceremonies such as Speech Day and Graduation remain here on campus.
Another key component of the build is the inclusion of Music. For many decades the music department has been living in the old Cable Station building. While this has served its purpose, a new facility is well overdue. The new theatre will have a large undercroft area, nearly as large a footprint as the theatre above. This will allow for a modern music school, which will be unmatched on the Gold Coast and will greatly enhance music here at TSS. As we speak, we have now achieved the base floor plan, a key component of the overall design. Over the coming months we will be revising the cost of the building and developing the design to get to the tender phase. Importantly, we are also looking at our overall financing of the project. As with any business, the affordability of the building is an important component. All going to plan though we are hoping to have the building commence construction during the first half of 2019, with completion by the end of 2020. Unfortunately, this does mean that our graduating class of 2019 will not be able to use the Annand Theatre. However, preliminary plans are underway to ensure that the roundabout at the front of the building, a key part of the graduation ceremony, will be available for the boys to do their final War Cry before they head off into the world and officially join the ranks of the OSA.
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SCHOOL NEWS
Stand Up to Bullying White Day By Jacqueline Latimer TSS Marketing
The importance surrounding the issue of bullying and violence in schools is one that has always been at the forefront of student wellbeing at TSS. On March 16, staff and students collaborated in support of the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence (NDA) by wearing white and raising necessary funds for Act for Kids - a not-for-profit charity helping to treat and prevent child abuse and neglect. Deputy Headmaster and Head of Senior School Mr Andrew Hawkins said both cyber safety and the inappropriate use of the internet has been very much the focus in 2018. The National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence presented a great opportunity for all areas of the School to collaborate in support of our boys and staff, particularly with regard to cyber safety and the internet”, Mr Hawkins said.
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Preparatory School Deputy Head – Pastoral Care Mr Mark Wyer said the day allowed the TSS community to collaborate and pay recognition to this important issue. “The NDA provided an opportunity for our Prep boys to consolidate and reinforce the messages that are conveyed through our Prep School Chapel services and also through our Bounce Back pastoral programs,” Mr Wyer said. “This day allowed all TSS boys to stand united in the fight against the many forms of bullying, and further educate them about promoting positive social skills and behaviour.” Mr Wyer said the continued work with classroom teachers, Housemasters and cocurricular staff allows all boys to come to school every day in a safe and caring environment, encouraging them to reach their full potential.
S P O RT N E W S
Swimming By Liam DuFeu
The sports program starts with the GPS swimming championships and TSS finished in second place, just behind Brisbane Grammar School. The school swimming program has grown steadily stronger over the past five years, finishing in the top two every year since 2012 (winners 2013, 2015 & 2016). At the National level TSS student Kalani Skipps won Gold last week, a first ever title from our very own learn to swim program. Students Connor O’Neill and Zach Maher have represented Queensland at a junior level and Old Boy Max Osborn has qualified to represent Australian at this year’s Junior Pan Pacific Championships. On the international stage the School was pleased to see our own High Performance Coach Chris Nesbit on the Australian team at the Commonwealth Games, and three TSS Aquatic swimmers won medals at the Games (1x Gold, 2x Silver, 1x Bronze). Two TSS Old Boys missed the team by one place. It would be fair to say TSS now has one of the strongest swimming programs in the country. No swimming program in Australia is developing junior swimmers into senior Athletes like TSS. Collectively 28 years of coaching at TSS went into the four medals at the Commonwealth Games.
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SCHOOL NEWS
Cricket By Steven Baker
The GPS Cricket season 2018 is concluded and TSS are winners of the GPS Cricket for the 20th time in a century of GPS sport. TSS now has more premierships than any other GPS school in cricket. We have automatic entry into the State Cup which is much later in the year…so the 1st XI boys have a few more games in the red, white and blue to come. The TSS 1st XI has been a close knit side led by Hugo Burdon who showed excellent composure and game smarts under pressure. They have taken on all challenges on the training paddock, on tour and in all games played to have a whole undefeated season… even beating the Old Boys Team! This was a champion team with Hugo Burdon, Jack Hocart, Casey Murphy, Matt Eddowes, Ky Newitt, Kye Shields, Tom Watts, Harry Lickiss, Cody Durante, Brad Munro, Eli Fahey, Jack Sinfield, Matt Manley and Luke McIlwraith … who played 1st XI this season.
The TSS Yr7A and 2nd XI Teams have had outstanding undefeated seasons with teams that played hard, fair and smart, backed by exceptional coaching. Well done to parents, players, coaches and the School for all of your efforts! The Presentation night was a fun night capping off an excellent season with the boys speaking well. The opportunity to recognise the efforts of all involved and celebrate the triumphs and the camaraderie were highlights. The “Hocart Family” and “Ross Wallace” were recognised via the Sam Loxton award. The following awards were presented.
The Handyside Trophy - Most Successful Team: Sam Loxton Trophy - Best Supporter of TSS Cricket
1st XI, 2nd XI and 7A’s Undefeated Ross Wallace and The Hocart Family
10+ Years of Service to TSS Cricket: The John Glenn Trophy - Best Junior Cricketer : The Westcott Family Trophy - 1st XI Bowling Award:
Daniel Statham Ky Newitt
The Westcott Family Trophy - 1st XI Batting Award:
Eli Fahey
The Dirk Wellham Trophy - 1st XI Best Fieldsman:
Cody Durante
The Paul Norris Memorial Trophy - 1st XI Best All Rounder:
Hugo Burdon
2nd XI Player of the Year Perpetual:
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Bruce Waite
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Sam Carter & Ben Funnell
S P O RT N E W S
2018 GPS Tennis Champions By David Hodge
TSS has reached the pinnacle of Australian Schoolboy team tennis by winning the 2018 Championship in the Centenary Year for the GPS competition. With no shortage of heroic performances during the season, it will forever be remembered by all. Head Coach Kaden Hensel saw the First IV team realise its potential under the Captaincy of senior William Timoney and unanimous Player of the Year award winner Jack McCarthy, who had considerable support on and off the court from Ethan Shoesmith and Ryan Selvey. With only William Timoney graduating and a deep line-up of career-high ranked challengers wanting to earn a First IV position, the expectations on the team are sky high for the future. 2018 saw continued performance improvements across the board as our larger playing group and extended practice hours culminated in impressive results against all schools. We were excited to open the newly resurfaced tennis courts at the Prep school this year and hope to continue to develop the facility into the premier GPS tennis home court advantage.
Our yearly awards evening was a great celebration of a standout tennis season. The Hewitt Family Shield for Team of the Year was won by the First IV of Jack McCarthy, William Timoney, Ethan Shoesmith and Ryan Selvey. The Overall Most Valuable Player was won by grade 10 player Jack McCarthy who went undefeated. Our year group Most Valuable Players were: Open Jack McCarthy 11 Charlie Hanraha 10 Thomas Schwerkolt 9 Saxon Gemeri
8 Wylie Bucknel 7 Kosta Karathanasopoulos 6 Ethan Ong 5 Harry Furnell
Year group Most Improved recipients were: Open 11 10 9
Matias McDonald Taj Young Brandon Rerrie Will Abbott
8 7 6 5
Nick Doyle Ben Postle Kael Saw Finley Drew
TSS Tennis made history in 2018 but the team remains focused on continuing to improve.
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S P O RT N E W S
Sailing By Nick Stansbie
The sailing season of 2017-18 concluded on Sunday March 18th at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron at Manly, with the GPS Sailing Championships and Queensland State Pacer Championships. Three GPS schools, ourselves, Brisbane Boys College and Brisbane Grammar School, together with the local schools Iona College, Moreton Bay College and Moreton Bay Girls College provided a number of crews and there was a packed field of entrants. The Racing teams were coached by Grant Wharington, Tom Cunich and Matt Wright. It was great to see Grant back with us, after recently suffering a serious injury aboard Scallywag during the Volvo 60 Ocean Race. In light conditions, the boys raced extremely well, with great raw speed making them competitive in every race. The outstanding crew of the day was our own Tom Wright and Lachlan Free, who won all seven races, despite some heavy competition, particularly in race 6, where Tom came through from 4th place,
passing other boats from Brisbane Grammar and Iona College on the final downwind leg to take the honours. This was a magnificent achievement and Tom repeated his exploits of three years ago, when again he was the top performing skipper in the GPS Championships. Tom was well supported by his fellow members of the First team, notably skippers Xavier Doerr and Oscar Weatherseed. Oscar and his crew Ethan Donnelly finished second overall and Blake Wilson, with the assistance of Andrew Douyere, also had by far his best sailing day so far this year, finishing in third place overall. When the points were calculated at the end of the seven races, the results were TSS in first position, BGS in second position and BBC in third position. It should be noted also that the TSS Second team finished ahead of the BBC First team in the overall standings.
The TSS Crews comprised: First team: Tom Wright, Lachie Free, Oscar Weatherseed, Ethan Donnelly, Xavier Doerr and Zach Miller-Wright Second team: Connor Pilcher, Harry Stapleton, Blake Wilson, Andrew Douyere, Lachlan Wheatley and Xavier Smith-Power Squad: Tom Edmunds, Charlie Hart, Oscar Billson, Foster Lane, Jack O’Hagan, Lachlin Iland, Tom McGregor, Brandon Rerrie, Cameron Roberts, Max Hateley, Jackson Fray
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Back – left to right Thomas Wright, Connor Pilcher, Xavier Doerr
Front – Left to right Lachlan Free, Oscar Weatherseed, Zac Miller-Wright
Left to right: Xavier Doerr, Tom Edmunds, Oscar Weatherseed, Connor Pilcher
Much credit is also due to the remaining crews, all of whom worked extremely hard not just on this day, but throughout the season, many of them having their first taste of racing. Over 100 boys have sailed at TSS this season, with nearly 50 boys learning to sail for the first time. We look forward to seeing their skills continue to develop in future seasons. In a further initiative this season, we have been very fortunate to have strengthened our relationship with Southport Yacht Club and on four Wednesdays in Term 3, a group of 16 boys sailed some Blazer yachts – much larger than those we sail at school, under the instruction of coaches from SYC. This greatly helped to improve the skills of our developing skippers, and the racing nous of all concerned. It is also fitting to mention the Y12 boys who have shown true servant leadership this season,
taking the lead in terms of their work with the other boys, whether organising, fixing boats or helping to teach other boys and helping to inspire them onward. Tom Edmunds, Oscar Weatherseed, Xavier Doerr, and Sailing Captain Connor Pilcher, have been instrumental in ensuring that Sailing at TSS is at an all-time high in terms of numbers, and the winning of this 2018 trophy is a fitting testament to their work and commitment over many years. In addition, the boys would not be able to get on the water without our team of coaches and of course the Friends of Sailing group, led by Matt Wright, who have ensured that whatever we do we will continue to be looked after and supported with the best interest of the boys in mind.
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S P O RT N E W S
Basketball By Brendan LeGassick
During the 2018 GPS season strong levels of competition were displayed across all age groups and saw some outstanding basketball being played. A highlight for our basketball program was the implementation of our multi-level development programs for younger high school students, focused on building a player’s skillset and preparing them for their GPS seasons. This consisted of two development squads; junior Year 7 and Year 8 and a senior squad of Year 9 and year 10. These squads provided elite training resources for students who were identified as being potential Open Firsts players. The players were guided by a NSW Country representative coach, Mr Alvin Caoyonan and TSS Old Boy Mr Matthew Gullotta (U.S. College and QBL player). This is an area in which we will continue to provide development opportunities for passionate basketball students within the School. The Open First team experienced a changing of the guard from last year with 9 out of the 12 players graduating in 2017. Due to the challenge of player availability and injuries, our younger players were given the opportunity to step up and compete at the highest GPS level. It was exciting to watch our younger players hold their own against older and more experienced players. We commenced the season with two close losses, one to Churchie on our home court as the boys fought back hard coming from a deficit to hit the lead in the last quarter. The following week travelling to Brisbane State High School, losing in overtime in front of a vocal home crowd. The boys then closed the season out strongly, winning 4 out of their last 6 games to finish 5th on the GPS ladder. Less than a week after the final GPS round game, our Open team competed against 16 of the best basketball schools throughout the State at the Championship Basketball Schools Queensland tournament in Logan. We started
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the tournament strong, winning our first game against Mountain Creek High School by 11 points and falling short to Brisbane State High School by 10. However, in our first game we lost our star player Oliver Hill to injury which hurt our leadership and scoring ability for the remainder of the tournament. Cody Meuleman was a standout during the entire championships, posting multiple 30+ scoring games and double-digit rebounding, finishing second leading scorer for the tournament. First year TSS player Harry Blair stepped up and showed his ability to play against the best in the State, easily one of the most impressive 15 year old’s in the competition. Brock McMahon stood tall early in the tournament, scoring at will, showing his determination and scoring ability, finishing the tournament with an average of 15 points. With a disappointing crossover game, TSS fell into the bottom 8 with a surprising matchup against GPS premiers Ipswich Grammar School, competing for 11th spot. TSS had the lead by 10 at the half time break, however ran out of energy and weren’t able to keep the lead, finishing 12th in the Championship Division. In Term 4, TSS will again participate with a U17 development team at the Australian School Championships (ASC) in Melbourne during the first week of December. This tournament will allow TSS an opportunity to compete against some of the best players in the nation and provide the returning players national exposure and development for next year’s GPS competition. Our basketball program continues to experience growth with close to 300 boys playing, providing a platform of enjoyment for all levels of participation.
S P O RT N E W S
Football By Joe Dolan
TSS Football in 2018 continues to go from strength to strength as we develop our links with football clubs across the region, as well as expanding our internal program to more of our students. "TSS Preparatory School Football Club" was born in 2018, as Football Gold Coast granted us a licence to enter teams in the local competition after our trial period in 2017. This led to Under 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 teams playing regular club football from April to September - a fantastic offer taken up by nearly 100 boys at the Prep School. Our GPS Programme continues to inspire and motivate our younger year groups which is key to its continued success at Senior School level - with 7 GPS teams in Year 5 and 6. With another 30 teams at the Senior School competing in GPS Football, the enjoyment of the game is still clear to see amongst the students. The Year 12s value their time on the Village Green as we went as deep as we can with 5 Open teams, and the Year 8s continue to astound with 6 teams regularly competing against the bigger GPS schools.
great away wins, one at Brisbane Boys College and the other at Toowoomba Grammar School, a fortress of GPS Football in recent times! The Football Development Programme (FDP) offered 12 students a once in a lifetime opportunity to go to the UK and train with Crystal Palace FC, a Premier League Football team, for two weeks in the September holidays. This trip is hard for the boys in so many ways as they train every day, sometimes twice a day, with players of Premier League quality for the duration of the trip. They also get time to observe live professional football at various levels and return with renewed vigour to aspire to the heights of sacrifice required for professional sportsmen. Another fantastic year of TSS Football will conclude once our First XI squad of 22 visit Melbourne in the first week of December to play a game against NPL opposition Beeigh Greens as well as a Melbourne Victory Academy team.
Our First XI suffered a difficult season results wise, however highlights came from two
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S P O RT N E W S
Rugby The TSS First XV fought hard in the final GPS Rugby round against Nudgee College and only just missed out on winning the premiership after what was a tough and gutsy team performance. Both sides were undefeated all season and while Nudgee took control of the game from the first blow of the whistle, leaving TSS lagging behind by a staggering halftime score of 0-24. TSS clawed its way back in the second half and with six minutes until the final whistle, making the score 29-29. However, Nudgee were too strong in the final moments and retained the ball for much of the time, winning with a final score of 34-29. Director of Rugby Adrian Blundell was undoubtedly proud of the team’s effort, with many of the boys unable to contain their emotion after such a close loss. First 15 Head Coach Mike Wallace delivered a powerful and
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emotional post-match speech explaining how proud he was of them all and their efforts during the entire season. The 2018 season as a whole proved favourable with the All Schools 7s completing an undefeated tour of South America, the Prep School touring the North Island of New Zealand and all the A teams travelling to the Sunshine Coast for a break at the end of Term 2. All teams across all ages performed well with the level of determination and commitment expected and delivered each year by the upstanding players.
S P O RT N E W S
Rowing After a difficult start to the year that created huge implications to the rigorous training schedule the First VIII rowers must undertake, due to much of the team succumbing to the norovirus, the team crawled their way to a shocked victory. With limited training sessions and the team weakened by illness, the boys gave it their all winning the O’Connor Cup in this year’s Head of the River for the first time in over a decade, leading TSS Director of Rowing to call it “one of the gutsiest performances I have ever seen in my time in rowing.”
available with three extra crews to bolster the squad. This led to many highlights including the improvement of the Year 8, 10 and 11 programs. The Year 11 crew displayed continued determination throughout the season and they are now being touted as strong contenders for 2019 and the hunt for the O’Conner Cup.
The TSS Rowing program had 210 rowers signed on for the 2018 season which allowed the School to field all GPS point scoring events
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S P O RT N E W S
Cross Country For many, Sundays are for sleeping in but this wasn’t the case for the TSS Track and Field students who were up bright and early each week completing various training sessions and park runs early in the year. The Centenary GPS cross country championships saw TSS finish in third place overall with some great individual and year group performances, under the guidance of Head Coach Jackson Elliott and his dedicated team. Since then the athletes have continued to train consistently and have successfully competed in a number of events. Two of our runners – Year 10 student Oliver Cronin and Year 9 student Diesel Donnelley both competed at the Australian Cross Country Championships. There is always plenty of action on the sporting field at our Preparatory campus and this year is no exception. Under the guidance of our Prep Sportsmaster Robert Egan, the array of sporting opportunities offered to students is continuing to increase. Likewise the participation levels are also very strong, indicating just how inclusive and diverse the sporting program is.
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TSS Prep sporting teams have competed in local and state competitions on numerous occasions, going up against the best Queensland has to offer and the boys have certainly held their own in all areas of competition. The 2018 GPS Rugby Season was one of the most successful in a number of years. Athletics has seen wonderful results with a number of boys representing the School in a variety of track and field events throughout the year. We have also seen plenty of great results in many other sports including cricket, gymnastics, swimming, equestrian, chess, football and cross country to name but a few. Well done to all the boys for participating and showing great sportsmanship throughout the 2018 season.
S P O RT N E W S
Prep Sport There is always plenty of action on the sporting field at our Preparatory campus and this year is no exception. Under the guidance of our Prep Sportsmaster Robert Egan, the array of sporting opportunities offered to students is continuing to increase. Likewise the participation levels are also very strong, indicating just how inclusive and diverse the sporting program is. TSS Prep sporting teams have competed in local and state competitions on numerous occasions, going up against the best Queensland has to offer and the boys have certainly held their own in all areas of competition. The 2018 GPS Rugby Season was one of the most successful in a number of years. Athletics has seen wonderful results with a number of boys representing the School in a
variety of track and field events throughout the year. We have also seen plenty of great results in many other sports including cricket, gymnastics, swimming, equestrian, chess, football and cross country to name but a few. Well done to all the boys for participating and showing great sportsmanship throughout the 2018 season.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Births and Baptisms
Jack Roderick Cronin born 13th November 2017, parents are Ashley Cronin (KAI 93) and Candace James (Cronin) an Old Girl of St Hilda’s 2002. Jack’s christening will be held at TSS on 17th November and his Godparents are Derek Cronin (KAI 88), Tom Forbes and Brad James (TUR 95 ). Stonier and Grace Spencer.
Mo Lacey (DOB 04.08.18), son of Adam & Brodie and brother to Lenni (DOB 06.07.17). Lenni’s Godfather is Chris Salmon (1996) and Mo’s Godfather is Adam Hutchison (1996). Adam & Brodie hope to have both children baptised here at the School next year. the chapel of St Alban's with godparents Brett and Kate McFall.
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Teddy James Murtagh was born on the 11th June, 2018 at Pindara Hospital on the Gold Coast. Teddy is the first son, and second child, for Gerard Murtagh (TUR 96-01) and his wife Emily and big brother to sister, Millie-Valentine.
William Robert Simmons was born on the 15th February in Sydney. William is the first child for Rob Simmons (MCK 02-06) and his wife, Lucy.
Jeremy Parsons (ATK 01-03) and his wife, Vanessa, welcomed Alison in to the world on the 12th June, 2018.
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Toby William Anderson was baptised at the Chapel of St Alban on 26th July 2018, the second child and first son for Simon and Tanya Anderson (TUR 98). Toby’s Godparents are David (MEL 98) and Adriana Serafini. (L-R, David Serafini, Toby, Adriana Serafini, Simon Anderson and Tanya Anderson).
Lola Mae Lawson Baptised Sunday 9th September (L-R) Mark Lawson (2001) Lola Lawson, Olive Lawson & Sophie Lawson.
Charli Irvine was born 28th April, 2018 in Sydney. Charli is the first child for James (MAU 93) and his wife, Emma.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Engagements & Weddings
Derek Cronin (KAI 83-88) had been planning the wedding from the moment the same-sex marriage postal survey results were announced last year, before finally popping the question to Tom Forbes in May during a sunset boat cruise in Cambodia. The wedding is due to be held at Bond University on November 11.
Weddings -Yue Hao Zeng to Nan Feng Xia – 24th February -Mitchel Hamilton & Lauren Bond – 9th September -Adam Harrison & Rebecca Price – 21st September
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PERSONAL NOTES
New York Tennis Victory Hugh McDonald (THO 04) and Stephen Darke (ATK 91) partnered to win the Larchmont Shore Club Member-Guest tennis tournament in New York. Beating out a field of 16 teams, the two TSS Old Boys brought home the trophy, to the dismay of the remainder of the American field. Hugh was a member of the First Four in 2002, 2003 and 2004. Hugh, a Vice President at CBRE and Stephen, a Managing Director at Macquarie Group, they met in New York through the OSA in 2011.
Old Boy receives Bravery Award 34 years on In September 1983, Peter Kerkenezov (DEL 57-65) was at sea off Ballina when tragedy struck. He was doing work for the Coast Guard when police asked him to go to sea to escort two vessels into the port. Peter asked two other men in the Coast Guard to join him and unfortunately, disaster struck. A 15-20 foot wave rolled Peter’s boat, washing one man away who was never seen again. The other man was stuck in the capsized boat and Peter went under the boat and guided him out. Dr Kerkenezov was honoured at the Australian Bravery Decorations in March this year at Government House in Brisbane for displaying “considerable bravery”.
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Umpire Milestone Old Boy, Bruce Oxenford (RAD 72-77), officiated his 50th Test Match in August at the England v India match at Southampton’s Aegas Bowl. Bruce is just the 18th umpire to reach this milestone in 141 years of international competition and is delighted to have reached a milestone which has eluded 463 others since Test cricket began in 1877. On the International
Cricket Conference elite panel for the past six years, Bruce has also marched to the middle in 88 one-dayers and 20 Twenty20 matches since his debut in 2006.
Rower scores another medal Congratulations to Cormac Kennedy-Leverett (BID 12-17) (pictured on the right) for picking up a bronze medal at the 2018 Buenos Aires Youth Olympic Games in the Junior Men’s 500m Single Scull. Already the holder of the Junior Men's Double Scull gold medal which he won with Fergus Hamilton as the youngest crew in the final of the 2017 Junior World Championships, Cormac was thrilled to accept the medal in front of a packed crowd.
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Matt Inglis Fox Congratulations to Old Boy Matt Inglis Fox (TUR 04) on the publication of the book; Eliud Kipchoge - History's fastest marathoner: An insight into the Kenyan life that shapes legends, along with Tait Hearps. After concluding his career as an elite 800m runner in Europe and North America, Matt started an online media outlet – Sweat Elite – devoted to documenting the habits, routines and training methods of the world’s best athletes.
Sean Jacobs "Winners Don’t Cheat" Sean (TUR 03) returned to the school on the 6th November to launch his newly released book, Winners Don’t Cheat: Advice for young Australians from a young Australian. Endorsed by Wallaby legend John Eales, Sean’s book comes at a time when many young Australians are reaching out for purpose and self-responsibility, covering timely topics such as resilience, building skills, finding your aptitude and the difference between education and employability. Jacobs reversed his own ‘slow start’ out of high school into a stellar career working for the National Security Adviser, the United Nations, the Australian aid program in the South Pacific and as a key adviser to the Lord Mayor of Brisbane. He is a graduate of Griffith and Macquarie Universities, and is former national water polo champion (www.seanjacobs.com.au).
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Ben Farinazzo THO 1986-1990 By Debbie Turner Archivist
School prefect, Vice House Captain, Rugby team, 1st V111 Rowing team, Sailing, Track and Field Open team, Cross Country Open Team, Cadet Under officer, Captain of Drama, W.P. George Memorial Prize Winner. 2018 Invictus Games Gold Medal winner in the Men’s IR6 Four Minute Indoor Rowing endurance event at Quay Centre, Sydney Olympic Park for 1314 m in four minutes and a personal best in the Weightlifting event After graduating from TSS and Thorold House in 1990, Ben was accepted into Duntroon to start his career in the ADF and upon graduation entered the Infantry Corps in the Parachute Regiment. After the Parachute Regiment in the Infantry Corps, Ben was selected to be part of INTERFET, United Nations peace enforcement mission in East Timor. East Timor was in turmoil at that time due to the voting for independence. It was a brutal and violent chapter in East Timor’s history with Ben witnessing many
horrific scenes, leaving him with undiagnosed mental scars. Ben battled PTSD and mental illness until becoming a founding Director and Ambassador of Soldier on Australia, an organization set up to help fellow veterans and their challenges. Another setback came when Ben had an accident whilst mountain bike riding, breaking his neck and back in 5 places. For more than a year Ben battled to regain his strength and regain his life, never giving up for his wife and children. Ben’s story along with the other 500 wounded, injured or ill veteran Invictus competitors is one of amazing resilience, strength and courage. We are proud of you Ben!
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Ben Tarr - Shark Tank By Mike Wallace First XV Coach
Ben joined TSS in 2012 when his parents moved down from Brisbane to the Gold Coast. Ben had previously played First XV rugby for BBC.Ben is a genuine character and immediately was very popular with his peers. He is one of those rare individuals who lead positively on the strength of their personality. Due to Ben’s playing ability, leadership qualities and popularity amongst his peers he was named Vice Captain of the First XV in 2012. Ben was, and remains, a keen shark fisherman practicing a catch and release policy. He would always come to training and regale the squad with stories and picture of the Bull Sharks, Tiger Sharks and Hammerheads he has tagged and released over the previous weekend. Right at the start of the season Ben gave an impassioned speech to the playing group talking about the fact that we needed to turn the Village Green into a shark tank where we, TSS were the Sharks, the Apex Predator and our opposition were the prey. We would stalk them, hunt them down, attack them with ferocity and finish them off. We were pretty sure he meant that we were to dominate our opposition. So, the “Shark Tank” became our theme for the year. The other boys in the school caught on
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to the idea and soon the Village Green became known as “The Shark Tank.” At the end of 2012, Ben donated a banner with “THE SHARK TANK” emblazoned on it. That banner was put up for every home game. In 2017, the Seniors, with the permission of the Headmaster, decided to make it a permanent fixture and so had a sign created for the scoreboard. Our beloved Village Green from now on will be colloquially known as the “Shark Tank” and Ben came back too TSS to see his vision become a reality! Ben is now a professional Rugby Player. He is currently playing for the New Orleans Gold in Major League Rugby in the USA. He is also a member of the USA Eagles National Squad and has played test matches against all major European countries and Argentina.
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O B I T UA R I E S
Farewell Dear Friends Those we love remain with us – for love itself lives on. And cherished memories never fade because a loved one’s gone. The OSA extends its sincerest condolences to the families and friends of the following Old Boys. To help ensure Old Boys are recognized appropriately, please send notifications to osa@tss.qld.edu.au.
Gregory Barlow (DEL 49-50)
Kitiona Maulio (MCK 01)
Donald Cameron (THO 64-68)
Arthur Morgan (DEL 51-55)
Christopher Carter (SUR 87-95)
Donald Ross (DEL 56-61)
Richard Crombie (THO 40-42)
Glen Skinner (THO 55-57)
Joshua Crook (MEL 99-04)
Arthur Tree (1947)
John Falconer (MCK 48-54)
John Tritton (MCK 53- 56)
Ellis Goldman (THO 35-39)
Timothy Wilson (THO 60-61)
Graham Kunde (DEL 40)
Aaron Zalewski (ATK 95-98)
John Holland DEL 54-56
John was born in Atherton, North Queensland on 8 March, 1939. He then travelled with his mother on the MV Malita to Rabaul in 1940. They lived at Wide Bay for a time and then moved to Pondo Plantation at Open Bay, which was a large plantation owned by W.R. Carpenter and Company, where there was a large saw mill, ship building concern, and a desiccated coconut factory. As the Japanese were making advances through the Pacific, the Australian Government
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decided to evacuate women and children on the MV Macduhi because of the inclement weather. Many people on the south coast of New Britian were unable to travel to Rabaul to board the Macduhi. The administration chartered a Seventh Day Adventist vessel which was a 80 ton vessel called the Ambon. The 75 passengers (which included John’s family) arrived in Rabaul on Christmas Eve 1941. The Australian government then chartered two DC three aircraft from Australian National Airways to evacuate those people to Australia. Group captain John Lerew of the RAAF no. 24 squadron was in charge of organising the refueling of the aircraft and loading of all passengers.
This was all done in about 15 minutes, an incredible feat by the RAAF Group Captain Lerew organised two Wirriway Fighters to escort two DC 3’s for 100 miles to the south of Rabaul which was the limit of their fuel.
corporal. He also then started new employment with the Commonwealth Dept. of Works as a patrol grade operator. He graded all the roads on the gazelle peninsula including the reconstruction of Mango Avenue, Rabaul.
The two DC 3’s then flew to Port Moresby for refueling and sandwiches were supplied to the passengers, and then they flew into Cairns where they spent the night at the Hides Hotel and then travelled next morning by train to Innisfail. From there they went by car to Atherton and eventually on to Mount Garnet where John, his mother and sister went to live with his grandmother for the rest of the war years. His father was still at Pondo Plantation and did not rejoin the family until 17 March, 1942.
In 1960 John returned to Australia and bought a citrus farm in partnership with his father at Howard, Queensland. John met Avril Ross in Howard and married her in 1965. John’s dad had returned to Australia and continued to run the orchard. John managed to be employed as a plant operator in Brisbane by Queensland Underground digging trenches for the sewer lines in Brisbane. On his wedding day he was offered employment by Alan Gunn from a firm called Sear & Gunn (plumbing and brass ware manufacturers) as a sales representative and stayed working with them until 1991 when the company was sold to metal manufacturers, they continued to employ him until he retired at the age of 65. Sadly Avril passed away in 2003 and did not live to see their four grandchildren all born after her death..
John started his education at the Mount Garnet State School. On Christmas Day 1946, John along with his family, returned to Rabaul and lived on the shores of Simpson Harbour at Toboi where his father was working for J.L. Chipper & Co. – John’s dad was a director of this company. His dad was cutting timber in the Karevat area. In 1948 John and his sister, Ann were sent to continue their education at boarding schools at Charters Towers. They flew to and from school in flying boats from Rabaul to Townsville and then went by train to Charters Towers. John attended Thornburgh College and Ann was at Blackheath College. In 1953 John transferred to TSS on the Gold Coast, to continue his education – this was a much more enjoyable experience than the one he had had at Charters Towers. Ann went to St. Hilda’s on the Gold Coast. On finishing school and returning to Rabaul, John began working in the Warangoi River area – he operated a D6 bulldozer loading timber trucks to take the logs to Kokopo which were then rafted (100 logs at a time) and towed by tug to Rabaul. Some of the types of timbers that he logged were kamarai, town, erima, new guinea walnut, and new guinea cedar. In 1958 he travelled to Europe on the MV Fair Sea and returned to Australia on the MV Strathnaver. When John returned to Rabaul from his holiday, he joined the Papua New Guinea volunteer riflemen and attained the rank of
On a couple of occasions he unearthed bombs that had been buried by the Japanese during the war. Corporal Brown from the bomb disposal squad had to destroy them.
In the early days, John had been heavily involved with volunteering, mainly at the schools his children attended. More recently, he was instrumental in the organising and building of the PNGVR military museum, and its recent extension, where he had been curator since it opened in February 2006. As curator, he worked tirelessly to encourage visitors to the museum especially schools. Through his efforts, the museum was included for the first time last year in the Brisbane Open House week end event, and is now part of the Brisbane living heritage network. John had been actively involved in sausage sizzles, museum open days, grant applications and other ways of raising funds to maintain the museum. In January 2017 he was one of the recipients of the Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Certificate of Achievement award for his community service. John is survived by his two daughters, Amanda jane and Jodie and his four grandchildren, Alyssa, Joshua, Louise and Sophie and last but not least, his wonderful partner, Jessica whom he met in 2005.
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Glen Harcourt Crowther Honorary OSA Life Member 1961-1997 Next month, Palgrave Macmillan will publish my eighth book, Bringing the Human Being Back to Work. The book is dedicated to my English teacher. The first page reads: To Glen Crowther, on outstanding English teacher, who loved his work, challenged his students to better things, and inspired me to be a writer. Glen's inspiration wasn't direct or obvious; it was subtle and subconscious, but nevertheless convincing. My mother passed on a message she'd received from Glen. "Tim is a lot more
capable in his written expression than he believes," said Glen. Although dismissing this feedback, it meant a lot to someone who viewed themselves as a mediocre English student. Little did I know at the time, it would greatly impact my life. There are two qualities that define Glen Crowther: He loved people and was fiercely loyal to those he cared about.With his perpetual wide smile and his familiar chuckle, he took a genuine interest in the lives of his students.
Dear Tim, You actually will remember me. I have such delightful memories of you as a junior delinquent and, of course, of your lovely family. Delighted to see you are organising the 1977 show and despite my great age, would like to catch up with you and the other youngsters, however briefly. My staying powers are not what they used to be so the preference is to drop in to the informal evening wherever it is being held for half an hour or so (if you can cope with that). My other request is for you to provide me with a list of attendees so that my fading memory can cope with changing hairlines and waistlines. By all means get back on this email but would love an initial call on this number. VERY old these days but will try to sharpen up for your big event. Very best, Glen C
Glen wrote to me in June last year: What a pleasant surprise. I invited Glen to attend our lunch at Cav's Steakhouse. He was so excited to meet up with us all again after 40 years. I'm sure most of our teachers-if they were still alive and kicking-would have been quite happy to never see us again! But not Glen.He wanted to know who was attending and spent several hours researching the feats of the class of 77 in the old school magazines. He was warmly received at our lunch, staying longer than he anticipated, reminiscing and chuckling. He held court at the bar, surrounded by a cohort of Old Boys. It was a sight to behold.
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He thanked me profusely after the event and I could tell how important to was for Glen to reconnect with those he introduced to Shakespeare and other literary luminaries. As many of you know, Glen would regularly attend old boy events, TSS barbecues, football games, and other special gatherings. The Old Boy's Weekend in August was the highlight of Glen's year. And sadly, he will miss this year’s festivities for the first time. To be an outstanding teacher, you need two fundamental qualities: a passion for your subject and a genuine interest in the welfare of your students. Glen had both attributes in spades.
Old Boy Paul Whittaker presents Glen Crowther with a copy of his new book.
Glen Harcourt Crowther Tribute At St Alban's Memorial Chapel The Southport School 10th of June 2018
I am honoured that Glen's daughter Jenny invited me to say a few words on behalf of his students. And in preparation, I called a few of my year group to ask them for their recollections of Glen: •Glen had a rapier tongue, one said. •One teacher not to mess with, said another. •He didn't tolerate fools. •Glen had high standards and expected you to meet them. •The smiling assassin said another. •A ll I can remember is that broad smile and acid tongue, said another. •An outstanding teacher said another. Many teachers fill their classroom with regalia, posters, and sayings. Glen only had one message on the wall: "The Pursuit of Excellence." I recall that purposeful stride into the classroom on a Monday morning, the customary clearing of the throat, while clutching in both hands a bulging manila folder, filled with our essays he'd been pouring over the night before.
Although he was very thorough in his preparation, the plan could very easily and often go out the window from a question or response from one of the boys. He'd pause for a moment; looking out the window of his dedicated classroom, the reflection of the chapel and surrounding buildings imposed on the lens of his glasses. He'd respond thoughtfully, and the lesson would go off on an unanticipated direction, which was undoubtedly more compelling than the lesson he'd planned. He introduced me to the Merchant of Venice and Brutus and Shylock and Portia. His love of English literature would bring those characters to life. We called our youngest daughter Portia. Cheerio Glen, old mate. You left your mark and influenced the lives of thousands of boys lives. That's something to be proud of and you can rest peacefully in that knowledge. We'll miss you, but you won't be forgotten. Thank-you for your inspiration to be a writer.
Dr Tim Baker Walker 1970-77
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Who am I? Guess who it is to the right of the photo and be the first to email: osa@tss.qld.edu.au for your chance to win an OSA cap. Hint: The year is 1949
2018 Old Boys Weekend
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