2023 BGS GENERATIONS PHOTOGRAPH

IT IS A WONDERFUL TRADITION TO SEND YOUR SON TO YOUR OLD SCHOOL.

This year we chose to celebrate the BGS Generations with a photograph of all current students who are sons or grandsons of Old Boys, together with their Old Boy forebears.

The result was a magnificent photograph of over 220 Generations members taken under our beautiful Oak tree, followed by breakfast in the Quad.

There will be more Generations events to celebrate this great tradition.

The fifth round of inductions into our BGS Hall of Fame, established in 2008, occurred at a Gala Dinner held at Quat Quatta Receptions on Tuesday, 8 November 2022.

Nineteen Old Boys were inducted into the Hall of Fame on this occasion, three as Young Achievers.

Attendees were left in awe as the achievements of these remarkable Old Boys were shared throughout the evening. From doctors to business leaders, entrepreneurs to sporting champions, their paths are diverse but all are truly successful.

Please read their stories.

Chris Banks AM

(OB 1956) HOF Inductee

After graduating from Brighton Grammar School in 1956, Chris Banks AM joined AV Jennings Construction as an office boy before moving to Perth to establish the AV Jennings Housing Division at just 23.

He was later appointed General Manager of the AV Jennings Housing and Land Group, and in 1981 was appointed the youngest Executive Director of Jennings Industries.

The Federal Government appointed him as Chair of the Joint Venture for more Affordable Housing in 1985 and as Managing Director of the Delfin Property Group, led the Company to become Australia’s most respected Community Developer.

In 2005 he was appointed Inaugural Chair of the Victorian Planning Authority, overseeing the orderly planning and design of Melbourne’s new suburbs, a position he would hold for the next 10 years.

Charlie Carrington

(OB 2011) Young Achiever

Charlie Carrington left school at the age of 15 to pursue his dream of becoming a chef. By the time he was 21, he’d worked at a Gordon Ramsay Michelin-starred restaurant along with some of Australia’s best including Vue de Monde in Melbourne and Marque and Firedoor in Sydney. His thirst for travel during this time also took him to work in kitchens across the globe.

At just 22, Charlie opened his own restaurant, Atlas Dining, inspired by his travel experiences. In its first year Atlas received one hat from The Age Good Food Guide, with Charlie being the youngest chef ever to achieve this honour.

In more recent times Charlie, together with brother Ben, have established themselves as key players in Australia’s thriving subscription food box market, with Atlas Weekly now delivering on more than 2000 orders a week.

Simon Crowe

(OB 1990) HOF Inductee

Simon Crowe knew from an early age that he would run his own consumer-based business, he just didn’t know what. After graduating from BGS in 1990, Simon began his career at pharmaceutical giant Procter & Gamble before landing a senior position at the Foster’s Group as International Brand Manager in North America.

Simon’s frustration of a lack of a decent burger in Australia and passion towards the ‘paddock to plate’ food movement saw him enter a crowded fast food category dominated by global behemoths like McDonald’s. With a single restaurant and a single idea, that eating burgers isn’t bad, Grill’d was born in Hawthorn in 2004.

Now with 154 restaurants across Australia, in 2019 Grill’d also went global by opening its doors in Seminyak, Bali.

With a keen eye for highly marketable brands and promise to turn the world of chocolate upside down, in 2016 Simon purchased Koko Black, a sophisticated and premium chocolate brand, now with 16 stores nationally.

Simon is widely recognised as one of Australia’s most creative entrepreneurs.

Matt Dennis & Luke Marget

(OBs 1995) HOF Inductee

Childhood friends Matt Dennis and Luke Marget met at the age of 9 and still consider themselves as the best of mates. When concocting health product ideas with foundation partner Brad Wilson in the early 2000s, the original intention was to make a drink they would like to consume themselves. By 2005 the Made Group was born.

Fast forward 17 years and Made can boast being the first Australian company to launch vitamin-infused bottled water through NutrientWater, coconut water, high-protein breakfast drinks and coldpressed juices with an extended shelf life; beating giants such as Coca-Cola Amatil Schweppes to the market by several years.

Spanning Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, their national distribution network now services 20,000 retail customers ranging from independents to Australia’s largest retail chains.

With brands representing more than $200m in annual retail sales, Matt and Luke’s original dream of producing a homegrown innovation has become a homegrown success.

Associate Professor

Ron Dick OAM

(OB 1973) HOF Inductee

After completing his studies at BGS in 1973, Ron completed his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery in 1979 and by 1986 became a Fellow of the Australian College of Physicians. Ron had a keen interest in interventional cardiology and embraced the opportunity to complete a fellowship at the University of Michigan Medical Centre in the USA.

Ron has forged an outstanding career in all aspects of interventional cardiology, with a special interest in the management of acute coronary syndrome including myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock, and clinical research.

Ron is the Chairman of the Cardiovascular Institute at Epworth Healthcare and was also the Past Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee and Past Board of Management Member. He is currently an Honorary Cardiologist at the Alfred Hospital and Bendigo Healthcare Group.

In 2017, he received an OAM for service to medicine as a cardiologist.

Ben Hance OAM

(OB 2018) HOF Inductee

When Ben Hance OAM broke the 100m backstroke S14 world record at the Australian Para Swimming Championships in 2021, you sensed something special was on the horizon at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

In his Australian Dolphins debut on the biggest stage Ben certainly didn’t disappoint, winning gold in just outside his own world record, as well as taking silver and bronze in freestyle and butterfly respectively.

The Champion Swimmer of the Junior School in 2012 Ben moved to Queensland to pursue a swimming career, a state he still calls home as a key member of University of the Sunshine Coast Spartans Swimming squad.

Ben’s extraordinary form has continued in 2022, and at the World Para Swimming Championships in Madeira he again won gold, this time in the in the men’s 100m backstroke S14 in a championship record. Just weeks later at Birmingham’s Commonwealth Games Ben took home the silver in the men’s 200m freestyle S14 event.

Colin Heseltine

(OB 1964) HOF Inductee

Colin Heseltine attended Brighton Grammar School from 1956 and was crowned Dux in his final year of 1964. He wasted no time upon completing an Economics degree at Monash University and by 1969 had begun a career with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that would span four decades.

Colin’s distinguished career included a number of postings across Asia and senior policy advisory positions in Australia. He also had diplomatic appointments in Chile, Spain and for the United Nations General Assembly.

From 2001 Colin served as Australian Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, and after ambassadorial and directorship positions in Singapore, officially retired from the Australian Government in 2008.

Not one to sit still, since retiring Colin has sat on the board of Sino Gas and Energy, served as Vice Chairman for the Australia Korea Business Council and is an Adjunct Professor of RMIT University.

Walter Jack

(OB 1892) HOF Inductee

Walter Annandale Jack attended Brighton Grammar School from 1885 to 1892 alongside his four brothers. In 1913 Walter was elected just the fourth President of the Old Brighton Grammarians’ Society before joining the BGS Council for the next 41 years, including 17 as Chairman.

Crucially he was a key benefactor during the School’s greatest time in need in 1924 that secured the ongoing viability of BGS. Without the generosity of benefactors like Walter, BGS would have closed its doors.

Away from the School, Walter worked for the family’s wholesale paper business, Andrew Jack Dyson & Co, and his business acumen saw him appointed Chairman in 1956 before assuming the same role for the Brighton Gas Company that occupied the Junior School site.

Walter is a man to whom our School owes so much.

Craig Marais

(OB 2020) Young Achiever

It isn’t easy being heralded as a child prodigy while at primary school, but as Craig Marais has shown hard work and determination converts a reputation into results.

The South African-born Wizkid burst onto the scene for the U12 School Sport Victoria state side and has never looked back, playing in five junior state carnivals prior to being selected for the U18 Australian Youth Olympics team in Argentina when just a Year 10 student at BGS.

By Year 11 Craig debuted for the newly created Hockey One national competition, and in his final year of school was selected to represent his country in the National U21 team who sadly never took to the pitch due to COVID-19 interruptions.

In early 2022 Craig was elevated to the revered Australian Kookaburras squad and made his debut in Perth against Malaysia just weeks later.

Ian Mence

(OB 1954) HOF Inductee

A pioneer of the Australian Timber Industry, an educator in entrepreneurship and a community leader, Ian’s extraordinary feats cut across a number of sectors.

A product of the BGS Junior School, Ian spent the 1960s cutting his teeth in sales, financial analysis and management that would prove invaluable. By 1969 Ian founded Mence Timber Australia, who from a humble beginning of making cheap furniture grew to turning over $100m annually. It was during this time that Leeron Investments was born, specialising in the seasoning and machining of Tasmanian hardwood. In 2012 Ian was appointed as the Chairman of the Forestry Industry Council.

A Guest Lecturer on Entrepreneurship and Small Business, and in conjunction with Melbourne University, Ian established the Melbourne Accelerator Program in 2012, with 22,000 members being taught business education by experienced business people.

Ian has held past positions as a Councillor of the Brighton Community Hospital, Chairman of the Bayside Drug and Youth Suicide Centre and board member of the Mayflower Retirement Community.

Marcus Morrelli

(OB 2012) Young Achiever

Marcus Morelli took up ballet aged 10 at the urging of his family and has never looked back. He studied at the Jane Moore Academy of Ballet and The Australian Ballet School, and toured with The Dancers Company in 2013.

Marcus joined The Australian Ballet in 2014 and just a year later was an Australian Ballet Dancer Award nominee. By 2017 he was elevated to a soloist position, and following a renowned role in Spartacus, Marcus was promoted to the prestigious role of Senior Artist in 2018.

In recent times Marcus played a key role in the Australian Ballet’s La Bayadere and is currently preparing for the Sydney season of Instruments of Dance at the Opera House.

Colin Neave

(OB 1961) HOF Inductee

After graduating in 1961 Colin completed a law degree from Melbourne University, and by 1967 was practicing as a solicitor that would consume the next 15 years.

Roles for Toyota and as a public servant in four states and territories followed before being named Banking Ombudsman in 1996. Colin held the position as Chief Ombudsman for the Financial Ombudsman Service, during which time he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for service to public administration and to the banking and finance industry, particularly through dispute resolution.

Colin was appointed as the Commonwealth Ombudsman in 2012, a role that he would hold for the next five years prior to his appointment as Fairness Advisor for the ANZ.

Colin’s unique skills in administration, as well as his ability to drive a common goal, has seen him serve as Chair in a number of organisations including St Michael’s School, the Canberra Street Theatre and the Jan Pentland Foundation, that he still heads today.

Ian Paroissien

(OB

Ian Paroissien graduated from BGS in 1969 with his name not long after becoming became synonymous with Price Waterhouse Coopers, after joining as a cadet in 1973. From cadet to Partner and a Member of the Partner’s Board, there wasn’t much Ian didn’t achieve win 43 years with PWC. His taxation expertise would take him across the globe, including two stints as Partner in Charge in Indonesia and specialist consultant throughout Europe while based in Paris.

Ian’s contribution to BGS has been profound, serving 16 years as a Member of Council including 12 as Chairman. Among a number of highlights, Ian led the purchase and development of Girraween and the appointment of Ross Featherston as Headmaster. He is an OBGS Honorary Life Member and a Life Governor of the School.

Ian continued to shape lives away from BGS as Deputy Chair and Chair of the Property Committee at the Brotherhood of St Laurence. He was also founding Chair of the Brotherhood’s David Scott School Council.

Hugh Purse

(OB

Hugh Purse began his schooling at BGS in 1889 and by the turn of the century he had rifle in hand serving his country at the Boer War.

Upon returning he and older brother Arthur etched their names in BGS folk law when combining to produce the School Song consisting of two verses and a refrain, referred to today as the BGS Chorus.

Inspired by older brother Jack’s Premiership heroics with the Melbourne Football Club in 1900, Hugh went about making a name for himself on the game of Australian Rules Football.

Noted for his strong marking, after showing great skill for VFA club Brighton, Hugh followed in Jack’s footsteps in representing Melbourne, playing many of his early games as a half forward.

By 1907 Hugh was widely regarded as the Club’s best player, and the following season was crowned Melbourne Football Club Captain.

Hugh played his final game in 1915 and turned his hand to a successful career as Director of the Yorkshire Insurance Company.

Gary Smith

(OB 1968) HOF Inductee

Gary Smith graduated from Brighton Grammar School as Dux in 1969 and has enjoyed a distinguished career in academia.

Gary is an active researcher on areas relating to Australian and International relations and is an author and editor of numerous articles and books on international relations in the Asia Pacific global governance and civil society.

Gary’s name is synonymous with Deakin University, where he originally held various roles including Professor of International Relations and Program Director at the Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies at the Australian Defence College.

Before returning to Deakin in 2013 when appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor (Global Engagement), Gary held positions at Western Sydney University including Executive Dean of College of Arts and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Engagement and International).

Gary has also been a visiting high-level foreign expert at Renmin University of China in Beijing.

George Thomson

(OB 1951) HOF Inductee

With an association with Brighton Grammar School nearing 80 years, the School would not be what it is today without George Thomson.

There is no finer honour roll than George’s at BGS, including terms as OBGS President, Chairman of Council and Life Governor of the School. He is one of just 19 Honorary Life Members of the OBGS and currently serves as a Patron of the Sequamur Society.

Away from BGS George forged a reputation as a pioneer in the real estate industry, and in 2022 was inducted as a Real Estate Institute of Victoria Life Member. George is a Fellow of the Real Estate Institute of Australia and of the Australian Institute of Valuers. He also served on the REIV Executive Council, including a significant period as VicePresident.

George is a man whom many call a dear friend and one who epitomises the very essence of our School motto, Meliora Sequamur.

Harry Williams

(OB 1930) HOF Inductee

Harry Williams was educated at Brighton Grammar School until 1930 playing golf from the age of 10, and at just 12 was elected a junior member of Commonwealth Golf Club

A child prodigy, he won his first monthly medal in 1928 starring in the club’s senior pennant team. At the age of 16 he joined Victoria Golf Club and that year won both the Australian and Victorian amateur championships. Williams won the Victorian amateur championship again in 1934, 1935, 1936 and 1939. After winning his second Australian amateur title in 1937, he was heralded by many as ‘the greatest golfer Australia had produced’.

Chronic asthma cut short Harry’s army service and he did not play golf seriously after World War II. A poor financial manager, the family fortune dwindled as rising prices, a keen interest in horse racing and unemployment took their toll.

In 2002, Harry was named as one of the twelve members of the Victorian golfing team of the 20th century.

Berrick Wilson

(OB 1988) HOF Inductee

As Vice-Captain of the School in 1988, Berrick Wilson was regarded a hardworking and selfless student who lit up the Rugby pitch and can boast a rare 1st XI Cricket Century.

Berrick is founding partner and National Head of KordaMentha Real Estate and Managing Director of KordaMentha Investment Management, highly regarded as one of Australia’s leading property experts.

When Berrick and wife Caroline’s two-dayold daughter Milla was rushed to hospital with a brain haemorrhage, an idea was conceived in the heart of the stress. While Milla made a full recovery, Berrick made a promise to turn the experience into a force for good. It was at that time that the Chain Reaction Challenge Foundation was born. Chain Reaction is a long-distance cycling event for senior executives with a passion for cycling to raise money for sick children. Berrick came good on that promise and since the first ride in 2007, that force for good has raised a staggering $37m for critically ill children.

Vale

It is with sadness that we advise the names of Old Brighton Grammarians who have passed away. Our condolences to their families.

Dennis Belcher (OB 1955)

Peter Reith AM (OB 1968)

Malcom Titshall QC (OB 1966)

Peter Mowson (OB 1979)

Stan Marks OAM (OB 1945)

Denis Sholl (OB 1951)

Keith Patterson (OB 1946)