GN summer 2020 by Brisbane Grammar School

Grammar News

BGS COMMUNITY SUMMER 2020

In This Issue A culture of philanthropy 99 years and not a day wasted Making the impossible possible

Our Purpose Brisbane Grammar School educates boys within a strong learning culture that is innovative yet respectful of its traditions, by nurturing their intellectual, physical and emotional wellbeing to become thoughtful and confident men of character who contribute to their communities.

Our Ambition Brisbane Grammar School aspires to be the best school for boys in Australia and an international leader in teaching and learning. The School is committed to offering premium educational and leadership opportunities for boys of all backgrounds, to strengthening its global connections, and to building a vibrant school community among students, parents, staff, Old Boys and the broader society.

Our Values Endeavour Learning Respect Leadership Community

Our Motto nil sine labore – nothing without work

The School is committed to a liberal education philosophy. Our major goals for each boy are: To develop attitudes, skills, and a base of knowledge as a foundation for critical intelligence, imaginative and creative powers, effective communication and the capacity and enthusiasm for independent, lifelong learning. To develop and extend personal character and talents. To develop a strong sense of service, community, leadership and loyalty to others.

COVER IMAGE Soldier, pharmacist, poet, author and university English lecturer, BGS Old Boy Stan Mellick ’34 has enjoyed a busy life. The 99-year-old is the School’s oldest known Old Boy and a member of the Great Hall Society. Read his story and several others as part of this edition’s feature on philanthropy. Registered by Australia Post Publication No. QBN 4259

CONTENTS

STUDENT SUCCESS P12

PH I LANTHROPY P14

GLOBAL CITIZENS P26

OLD BOY FEATURE P32

TIME TO REFLECT P36

GENERATIONS P42

gn is produced by Advancement and Community Relations Brisbane Grammar School, Gregory Terrace Brisbane, QLD 4000 phone +61 7 3834 5379 email grammarnews@brisbanegrammar.com www.brisbanegrammar.com

EDITORIAL TEAM Heather Hamilton Executive Director â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Advancement and Community Relations Chris Walker Marketing and Communications Manager

Shannon Breen Marketing and Communications Officer

Andy Copeland Marketing and Communications Officer

Elise Browning Marketing and Communications Officer

Paul Brandist Graphic Designer Designed externally by: Naomi White Graphic Designer

CONTRIBUTORS Rebecca Campbell Larry Carmichael Michael Forrest Petrina Gilmore Carla Hardy Vivien Harris Anthony Micallef Karen Scott Grace Tudehope

“I support boarding at BGS because it provided me and my sons with the best possible education. Boarding offers incredible academic, sporting, cultural and social opportunities.” Neil Peacey BGS Old Boy ‘71

Give now

W giving.brisbanegrammar.com/event/harlin-house E giving@brisbanegrammar.com I T +61 7 3834 5748

Boarding is at the heart of Brisbane Grammar School and makes the School unique.

H E A D M A S T E R ’S M E S S A G E

A year of celebrations and farewells Anthony Micallef

ollowing on from the momentous year of BGS150 celebrations, any thoughts of a quieter 2019 were mistaken. Two incredible servants to Brisbane Grammar School stepped down, an Old Boy became a Rhodes Scholar and the School said farewell to the OP system along with the Class of 2019.

and Drama performances (pages 22-23), and a reflection on an immersion to Stanford University (pages 26-27). An Old Boy feature looks at the career of ultra-triathlon world-record holder Richard Thompson ’02. His story (pages 32-33) of refusing to limit ambitions is inspiring. The Generations story (pages 42-43) looks at the Wilson family, who span four generations at BGS. Wilsons Architects is one of the oldest family architectural firms in the world, they designed and built The Lilley Centre and will soon do the same for the STEAM precinct.

The incredible legacy of long-serving Chairman of the Board of Trustees Howard Stack is celebrated (pages 16-17) after he stepped down following almost 30 years in the role. He was a mentor and friend to me and his passion for the students and the School, along with his push for constant advancement, has shaped the School we are today.

The year marked the end of the OP system. After 25 hugely successful years of academic success, the final Year 12 cohort sat the QCS Test and received the last OPs. The Class of 2019 were a dynamic and energetic year group. I congratulate and encourage them to stay engaged with the School as adults. Read a reflective article from Head of Year Larry Carmichael (pages 36-37), which captures the spirit of our newest group of Old Boys.

This year we farewelled Ron Cochrane as he enters retirement after almost 40 years of dedication to everything light dark blue. He is a walking sports encyclopaedia, but beyond that he genuinely cares for the students and makes time for all. Read a story on ‘Ronnie’ (page 34) that describes the impact he had on so many in the BGS community.

I would like to single out an achievement by Old Boy Nicholas Salmon ’12 who is the first BGS student since 2007 and the 25th overall to become a Rhodes Scholar. This is a tremendous accomplishment and a reflection on the education he received at BGS. He will relocate to Oxford University to undertake a Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) Engineering Science.

This edition of Grammar News celebrates the power and importance of philanthropy as part of an eight-page feature (pages 14-21). Brisbane Grammar School was established on principles of philanthropy and giving remains vital to the School. Learn about a moving tribute to Old Boy Charles Vincent McMahon ’08 (page 18), and our oldest known Old Boy Stan Mellick ’34 (pages 20-21).

I encourage you to send letters to the editor to grammarnews@brisbanegrammar.com and stay connected through the School’s social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Read a fantastic story on Omar Abiad (pages 12-13) who is sharing the lead role in the iconic Billy Elliot the Musical. Other student stories include summaries of the key Music

SOCIAL MEDIA

STAY CONNECTED

facebook.com/brisbanegrammarschool instagram.com/brisbanegrammar

Brisbane Grammar School 8 November

Legendary BGS staff member Ron Cochrane was farewelled during a special assembly today. He is retiring after serving the School for almost 40 years as Boarding Master and Director of Sport. Mr Cochrane’s encyclopaedic knowledge of all things BGS is unparalleled and his investment in the personal development of students cannot be understated. Thank you. The graduating Class of 2019 was also farewelled ahead of their final week at BGS next week.

linkedin.com/brisbanegrammarschool twitter.com/brisbanegrammar

BGS Old Boy Nicholas Salmon ’12 is a Rhodes Scholar. The engineer will relocate to the University of Oxford where he will undertake a Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) Engineering Science. Congratulations. He is the 25th Rhodes Scholar from BGS and the first since 2007.

RHODES SCHOLAR NAMED Reach 22,133

BGS LEGEND RETIRES Reach 40,108 1861 likes 185 comments 30 shares Traviss Orr One of the all-time greats of BGS. Surely a grandstand, oval or something significant deserves to be renamed after Ron. Nathan Brown Congrats Ron, many a great man shaped by your time at BGS. Tai Smith Well done Ron. What a legacy. Simon Gleeson A true legend! Had an influence on so many lives.

Brisbane Grammar School 12 September

Brisbane Grammar School 29 July

BGS Old Boy Andrew Stephens ’05 has been appointed to perform one of the highest pressure jobs in the country on Friday night – umpiring an AFL finals match at the MCG. He will oversee the Geelong v West Coast match. Good luck.

UMPIRE APPOINTMENT Reach 13,816

1050 likes 25 comments 16 shares

Elizabeth Justo Wonderful news. Warmest congratulations on this amazing achievement. Amanda Joy What an outstanding fine young man Nicholas is. Well done on your wonderful achievements. So well deserved. Anne Hewitt Congratulations on this most special honour. Hannah Larrescy Congratulations Nick.

Claire Matheson Congratulations Ron. I'm convinced your blood runs light dark blue!

435 likes 5 comments 1 shares

Anthony Micallef Terrific accomplishment Andrew. David Hine Good luck Andrew. I’m sure your hard work and dedication have prepared you well for the challenge ahead. Rhys Cox Such an incredible achievement! Amazing to hear your story on SEN earlier this week as well.

Brisbane Grammar School 9 August

BGS Old Boy Nick Mauger â&#x20AC;&#x2122;96 successfully completed the English Channel swim last night in a time of 10 hours and 42 minutes. The swim was to raise money for brain cancer research.

Brisbane Grammar School 4 September

End of an era. The Class of 2019 celebrated completing the last QCS Test this afternoon, belting out a passionate BGS war cry. Keep an eye out for the video out soon.

Brisbane Grammar School 19 September

The BGS Premier Chess team are the undefeated GPS premiers this year. Congratulations to the young team of Nadula Tennakoon (Year 9), Tony Zhong (Year 11), Sze Yong Ng (Year 8), and Jaden Teow (Year 8).

SWIM FOR CHARITY Reach 21,391

QCS TEST WAR CRY

799 likes

Reach 15,150

22 comments

4 shares

1,036 likes 42 comments 26 shares

GPS CHESS SUCCESS Reach 12,726

1,032 likes 14 comments 17 shares

Chris Titley One of the greats. Nicholas Hinton So good, inspiring Mauger! Karl Lash Great guy, great cause, great effort. Rob Chatterjee Wow, amazing achievement Nick.

Fiona Lindgren Well done Class of 2019!

Lou Dingle Go boys in blue, we love you. Well done.

Annie McMahon Such great school pride. Just loving the advancements at BGS.

Alan Brassil Well done young men!

Caroline Porter Brilliant school spirit and top-notch marketing! Ian Howlett Rite of passage!

Cathy Oxley The new Magnus Carlsens. Well done team! Millie Yee Good job boys! David Logan Well done boys.

NEWS SNAPSHOT

KOKODA CHALLENGE

ART RECOGNITION

CAMBODIA IMMERSION

Several BGS boys and their fathers completed the Kokoda Track during the September holidays. The students proved great ambassadors for the School. It was a moving experience for the boys and their fathers as they learned about the incredible history of the Kokoda Track and reinforced their connection. One father described the trek as “an extraordinary and, at times, deeply moving experience to share alongside your son. An adventure held to the highest traditions of nil sine labore.”

Three BGS Old Boys were finalists in the inaugural Brisbane Portrait Prize: Scott Breton ’99 with ‘Trauma and Grace’, of ballet soloist Vito Bernasconi after injury; Christopher Inwood ’07 with ‘Alec the King’ of Alec Knight, the first Australian male in the New York City Ballet; and Daniel Sherington ’14 with ‘Anthony’, of BGS Headmaster Anthony Micallef. Any artist with a connection to Brisbane is eligible to enter the Brisbane Portrait Prize. The sitter must also have a connection with Brisbane.

The BGS Year 10 Cambodia Immersion provided students with a wonderful opportunity to experience the local culture during the September holidays. The trip began with an emotional tour of Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21 Prison) and the Killing Fields, providing a level of understanding of Cambodia’s recent history. During the service component of the trip, the boys developed connections with local families. The trip finished with a visit to Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, built in the 12th century.

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

TEACHER RECOGNITION

TEST BREAKFAST

The Clarkes are a generational BGS family and dedicated contributors to the School community. In October, their business TC Clarke & Son celebrated 100 years. They are renowned for having constructed several heritage-listed buildings in Queensland. The business has been passed down from TC (Thomas Charles) to Morris in 1945, Geoff in 1970, and soon to Scotty. Morris ’39, Geoff ’64 and Scotty ’99 are Old Boys. Geoff’s grandsons Tom, Alex, Freddie and Harry are enrolled to attend BGS and extend the Clarkes’ connection with the School into a fourth generation.

Passionate BGS English teacher Michelle Ragen was a finalist in the 2019 Queensland College of Teachers TEACHX Excellence in Teaching Award. Ms Ragen was recognised for her ability to engage boys in learning and her championing of professional development. She also aims to instil a sense of public purpose in her students and has led them in fundraising for the World’s Greatest Shave and the World Vision Backpack Challenge. BGS has raised almost $100,000 for World Vision over the past three years..

The BGS Cricket community gathered at the Tattersall’s Club for the annual Willow Club First Test Breakfast in November. Attendees were entertained by former Australian cricketer and now commentator Melanie Jones OAM and former Australian batsman and wicketkeeper Wayne Phillips. Melanie offered her perspective on the rise of Australian women’s sport and Wayne drew plenty of laughs with tales from the ’80s. Ron Cochrane received a standing ovation for his four-decade contribution to BGS Cricket.

SPORTS ROUNDUP

FENCING

TRACK AND FIELD

BGS Fencing enjoyed another successful season, with 41 teams competing at the Brisbane School Teams Fencing Championships. Many boys progressed to State and National events with great success. Congratulations to the Sabre fencers, who won the Australian Under 15 and Under 17 events while representing Queensland. Thank you to Captain of Fencing Hugo Brown and Vice Captain Jude Forrest for serving their community outstandingly.

The Junior and Senior GPS Track and Field teams performed strongly at their respective GPS Championships, with both finishing in fifth place. The Senior team displayed tremendous effort and fought to secure every point earned. BGS has finished in the top five at the GPS championships for 20 consecutive years. Congratulations to BGS boys who achieved an exceptional 35 personal bests across the 69 events.

TENNIS

More than 375 boys across 36 teams were involved in the 2019 BGS Basketball season. Congratulations to the 8C and 7D teams who were undefeated GPS premiers. All Middle School teams had strong results, with 15 of the 18 teams finishing in the top three of their divisions. BGS Basketball continues to enjoy development and growth at all levels and we look forward to continued growth in 2020.

BASKETBALL

The BGS Tennis community enjoyed another stellar season, with 19 teams winning undefeated premierships. The 2019 season saw the highest Middle School participation numbers in the programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history, with 170 players involved across all year levels. BGS again led the GPS Tennis competition and finished as the best performing school. The First IV narrowly missed out on the premiership. Year 11 student Angus Gentner was BGS Tennis Champion and Year 10 student Alex Patane was runner-up.

CROSS COUNTRY The 2019 Cross Country season involved more than 260 students. The annual camp at Tallebudgera Creek tested the boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; aerobic endurance and strengthed team bonds.

Strong performances throughout the season saw BGS recognised as the most successful school over the season’s meets. The Junior team recorded an excellent podium finish, tying for third place at the championships. Tremendous results in the 16 years and Open age groups saw BGS claim third place.

Archie Halliday on winning the Richard Gilliver Senior Rugby Player of the Year. Thank you to the many volunteers who graciously offered their time and knowledge.

CHESS BGS Chess continued to perform at a very high standard in 2019. The Premier Team won the GPS Championship for the first time since 2016 and qualified to compete at the State Championship, where they placed third. Of the nine divisions, BGS won the Open C and E divisions and finished second in the Open A, B, D and F divisions. Overall, 2019 was an extremely successful season.

GYMNASTICS The BGS Gymnastics community experienced another successful year in 2019. Many BGS students again represented Queensland and the School. It was an honour to host the GPS Gymnastics Championships again in what was a wonderful event. Some excellent performances saw BGS win its ninth consecutive GPS Gymnastics Championships with another clean sweep of all three divisions.

FOOTBALL Football remains the School’s largest sport, with more than 650 players across 40 teams. BGS won 55% of games and, when combined with draws, were undefeated in 70% of all matches played. This translated to 11 premierships, including seven undefeated teams. In a great demonstration of the BGS Football program’s depth, a total of 24 out of 34 teams finished top four.

RUGBY BGS Rugby saw over 400 students involved in the 2019 program across 21 teams. GPS Rugby becomes more competitive each year, and there was further improvement in 2019. Congratulations to Sam Mellick on being named the Noddy Xavier Junior Rugby Player of the Year, and

STUDENT SUCCESS

The power of dance and hard work

ost performers start with a small role in their first professional musical – Omar Abiad is doing it differently. The BGS Year 7 student has been chosen to star as Billy in the 10th anniversary Australian tour of Billy Elliot the Musical. Omar will share the lead role with three other boys, performing in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, before finishing in Brisbane in September 2020. The famous musical has been seen by 12 million people worldwide and received 85 awards internationally. “It means the world to me that I have successfully been cast in one of the most famous musicals,” Omar said. “Being in Billy Elliot The Musical is such an honour and an amazing experience. Everyone involved is so supportive and it feels like a family.” “This is my first ever professional musical, although I have performed in many concerts and dance eisteddfods for my dance school as well as many local musicals and of course attended drama classes at BGS.” Omar’s parents were thrilled by their son’s achievement. “The Billy Elliot story is so close to Omar’s heart about

a boy trying to express himself,” Dr Gus Abiad said. “He has worked so hard on his dancing and singing and to see him rewarded is just awesome.” “He just loves performing and the energy he brings to the stage is so captivating to the point where you feel automatically drawn to him. I believe his greatest attribute is being able to listen to his teachers and mentors.” Dr Abiad said dance had played a significant role in Omar’s life. “What started as something to do to improve his self-confidence, dance has now become an extension of himself. It’s become a vehicle for him to communicate, express himself and to transport him to a place of being free.” “As parents we always want the best for our children and Omar has certainly made us proud. More importantly, he has put in countless hours of practice with his teachers and mentors.” Omar has taken extended leave from BGS for the national tour and will continue his education through a travelling teacher. “Education is extremely important at Billy Elliot The Musical,” he said. “We have a wonderful teacher that tours with us

around Australia and we have tutoring as part of our weekly schedule.” The next year will prove busy for the Abiad family. Omar will be accompanied on tour by his mother Nadine, while his eight-year-old brother stays in Brisbane with their dad. Looking to the future, Omar is keen for education and performing to remain the priorities in his life. “I wish to continue being a professional performer and entertaining people,” he said. “I still want to study hard and get an education and hopefully someday I can be both a professional performer and a doctor.” Omar’s time at BGS so far has been brief, but Dr Abiad said the School motto had already had an impact. “Nil sine labore, nothing without work, is so appropriate here,” he said. “To never lose faith. It’s okay to dream big. It’s okay to go through rejection and disappointment. The lesson here is that talent can only take you so far and nothing can replace sheer hard work and dogged determination.” See Omar in Billy Elliot The Musical in Brisbane at the Lyric Theatre at QPAC from July 2020.

F E AT U R E

A culture of philanthropy

BGS Timeline of Giving

1868

Brisbane Grammar School was established on principles of philanthropy. Old Boys, parents, students, the P&F Association and industry partners have generously committed to the School’s fundraising endeavours, helping to grow and reinforce a culture of philanthropy. This culture of philanthropy was embedded before the School opened. In 1864, just five years after the Colony of Queensland was established, members of the Brisbane community began fundraising to create the township’s first secondary school. The Grammar Schools Act 1860 granted any municipality able to raise £1000 an additional £2000 to build a school and provide ‘the advantages of a regular and liberal course of education’.

A public subscription list to raise funds to build a grammar school in Brisbane opened in 1864. Brisbane Grammar School was founded in 1868 and opened to students in 1869. _________________________________

1916

AJ Hockings was the first name on the subscription list, and by 1867 the fund held over £2000. On 29 February 1868, Prince Alfred laid the School’s foundation stone. The following year, Headmaster Thomas Harlin opened the School to students. Over the next 150 years, philanthropy continued to play a fundamental role in improving school facilities and increasing access to a BGS education. Headmaster Anthony Micallef said he is proud to be part of such a generous school community, who are so willing to donate financially and physically for the betterment of the School and its students. “The investment of time, treasure and talent builds a sense of community at BGS, which has real benefits for students,” he said. “The role parents play in volunteering provides students with a strong awareness of cooperative spirit. In turn those students are likely to act ethically and altruistically, developing their social and emotional skills.” “Over the past 25 years I have witnessed how parents, Old Boys and donors have contributed financial, human and social capital to the School. This has had an enduring impact on the community’s wellbeing. Our school prospers from the connections we make as we bond over shared values and endeavours.”

Read more about how philanthropy has made and continues to make a difference at BGS in the coming pages. Learn about how you can continue to support the School’s philanthropic endeavours.

Second Master Stuart Stephenson led the War Memorial Library appeal. A committee of BGS Old Boys raised £3,000 for the project, equating to over $150,000 today. _________________________________

1948

One of the School’s earliest and greatest benefactors, Frank Walker, donated more than £11,000, equating to over $500,000 today. This funded a new gymnasium and contributed to the War Memorial Pool. _________________________________

1950

Cobb and Co. donated funds for a bursary for deserving boys to be supported for four years of education. _________________________________

1997

2017

The Indoor Sports Centre campaign raised $2.6M of which the P&F Auxiliary provided $1.5M. _________________________________

The P&F Auxiliary contributed to the School's 2020 Campaign by pledging $500,000 to the Bursary Fund. Old Boy Matt McLennan '86 pledged US$500,000 towards the boarding fundraising campaign to build Junior and Senior boarding houses. _________________________________

1958

The Centenary Building appeal launched, aiming to raise $150,000. By 1968, the campaign had raised $500,000, about $4M today. _________________________________

1960

The P&F supported a bursary to enable a boy to attend BGS. _________________________________

1974

2001

2018 A campaign for the BGS Art Centre raised $527,000. The major donors were the P&F Auxiliary which contributed $200,000 and the Art Committee (now Art Support Group) which contributed $100,000. _________________________________

2007

The BGS Rowing Shed opened after a committee of Old Boys, parents, Trustees and teachers raised $10,000. _________________________________

1979

An Art Centre (Music) campaign raised $515,000. _________________________________

1993

The Endowment Scholarship Fund (now Bursary Fund) was established to raise funds to provide bursaries. The fund grew to a base of $3M by 2004 through preserving enrolment confirmation fees. _________________________________

The Lilley Centre campaign raised $6M, with the P&F Auxiliary contributing $1.5M. _________________________________

An anonymous donor contributed $750,000 to the Bursary Fund to support a regional or Indigenous student. The P&F Auxiliary supported the War Memorial Library Appeal with a donation of $250,000 and BGS Old Boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association donated $10,000. Old Boy David Malouf AO â&#x20AC;&#x2122;50 donated more than 50 artworks, including works from prominent Australian artists. _________________________________

2019

2015

BGS received a donation of $1.4M from Old Boy Simon Fenwick '87 to fund a full boarding bursary for an Indigenous or regional student in financial need. _________________________________

An anonymous donor contributed $2.8M to the Bursary Fund for students in financial need. The P&F Auxiliary donated $500,000 towards upgrades to the Northgate Playing Fields. _________________________________

F E AT U R E

Creating the conditions for success

“BGS has been a pioneer and leader in providing an outstanding education, nurturing generations of young men to become thoughtful and confident leaders. Our Old Boys have given their lives in war for their country, led their chosen fields, and become global citizens who give back to their communities.” “As with life in general, there have been difficult times in the School’s history. There have been failures. We are a better place for the courage of abuse victims in coming forward. We cannot erase their hurt, but we will continue to support them.”

For 29 years, Howard Stack has led the Brisbane Grammar School Board of Trustees with distinction. His legacy as Chairman is defined by his desire for constant advancement and his passion for the School and its students. After leading BGS as School Captain in 1962, Mr Stack has continued to advocate for the institution for more than half a century.

Mr Stack drove many infrastructure projects: from the Middle School, the Indoor Sports Centre and development of the Northgate Playing Fields, to The Lilley Centre and renovated Tennis Centre. He was also instrumental in acquiring new land for the Outdoor Education program at Moogerah.

With the support of fellow Board members and the School’s leadership team, the list of accomplishments under his direction is extensive. They include capital works, community building, financial stability and a steadfast commitment to giving victims of abuse a voice.

The transformative STEAM precinct, a project he has described as the School’s most ambitious, will be the most significant visual representation of his time as Chairman. “The sciences and mathematics have always been at the core of what we provide at BGS,” Mr Stack said.

Reflecting on the School’s first 150 years, Mr Stack said he was proud to be part of such an engaged school community. “We can take pride in the successes of the Brisbane Grammar School community,” he said.

“This critical project will bring the teaching of sciences and mathematics to the forefront of best practice. It will blend the sciences and mathematics with the teaching of design, technology and art, break down silos and foster creativity.”

boys for the future. “The quality of our educational outcomes at BGS is not accidental,” he said. “The professionalism and commitment of our teachers in readying our boys for life are outstanding. In a digital world, the ways boys learn and the ways we teach them are changing significantly, and our dedicated teachers are engaged at the centre of this change.”

Providing financial assistance for students through the School’s Bursary Fund has been another significant priority for Mr Stack. “The 2020 Campaign to increase the School’s Bursary Fund to $20 million by 2020 is a vital campaign to increase access to BGS in line with the aspirations of the School’s founding fathers,” he said. “The income from the Bursary Fund currently supports 43 students and we want to support 10% of the student body.”

Headmaster Anthony Micallef, who counts Mr Stack as a mentor and friend, said his greatest contribution to Brisbane Grammar School was refusing to allow the School to rest on its laurels. “Mr Stack has been the most passionate and generous of BGS Old Boys,” Headmaster Micallef said. “It is my view that his greatest contribution is that he has not allowed our school to be idle. Schools that are seriously committed to becoming great schools need to do more than simply replicate solid performances.”

Mr Stack has led the Year Group Bursary campaign and extended it to focus on every Old Boy year group. So far a number of the previous year groups, dating back to the Class of 1936, have contributed to the campaign. In 2016, new graduates established a Year Group Bursary. Each cohort since then has encouraged their year group to pay it forward – to pass on the privilege and opportunity to someone else.

“He has created a high-performance culture, fostered the leadership to perpetuate it, re-engineered structures and systems and directed the efforts of its faculty into learning and teaching that fundamentally addresses the requirements of each generation of BGS students. I believe that creating the conditions for success has and will be Mr Stack’s legacy.”

Mr Stack reserved his greatest praise for teachers at BGS, past and present, for the roles they have played in preparing

F E AT U R E

The incredible impact of a BGS bursary

When BGS Old Boy Charles Vincent McMahon ’08 tragically died in a vehicle accident in 2011, his fellow Old Boys vowed to keep his memory alive. Each year the group of former boarding students meet on the anniversary of Charles’ passing to celebrate his life.

Michael McMahon, Charles’ father, said his son thought the world of BGS. “He always spoke of his friendships and time at the boarding house,” he said. “He formed strong, close friendships in Harlin House, Jack Murday being one of them. Their camaraderie was great.”

They have now taken this a step further by establishing the Charles Vincent McMahon Bursary to honour his memory and give a country boy in need the opportunity to attend BGS.

“Charles’ friends always do something to celebrate his life on 16 September,” Michael said. “This year, they came down to the farm and stayed for a couple of days. Sometimes they stay in Brisbane and have a barbeque together and cook lamb chops, one of Charles’ favourites.”

Country brothers, professional rugby player Tom Murday ’06 and exploration geologist Jack Murday ’08, were the main drivers behind creating the bursary. The pair attended BGS on bursaries and realised the impact of paying it forward. Growing up on their family farm in Mossman in Far North Queensland, a BGS education seemed a distant aspiration for the Murdays. The initial donors to the 1943 Year Group Bursary, bridged this gap. Jack became a member of the Harlin House boarding community and was challenged in the classroom to question, reason and learn. “When I graduated, the most difficult thing was not finding something to occupy the next stage of my life, but choosing from the many opportunities that awaited me,” he said. Jack has since travelled the world as a geologist. Charles – a fellow country boy, Harlin House member and close friend – had a significant impact on Jack’s BGS experience. “Charles brought his set of skills and knowledge of the land to his classmates,” Jack said. “I remember making homemade stock whips with him and cracking them at school. Day students would eagerly await his return from school holidays to hear his most recent tales.”

It was on one of these occasions that Jack and his friends developed the idea to create the Charles Vincent McMahon Bursary to give a boy from the bush the opportunity to attend BGS. “We were overwhelmed when we heard the boys wanted to create a bursary in honour of Charles,” Michael said. “It is a great idea that will benefit another boy.” Charles’ mother Annie said it was important to include boys from the country at the School. “Charles did this and now another boy can bring the country to BGS.” Jack said all students benefited from the diversity bursaries bring to the School. “I think it is important, not only for the bursary recipient to receive the opportunity for a BGS education, but also for other students to experience and learn from boys from different backgrounds.” “After speaking with my bursary donors from the 1943 Year Group, I found it hard to express my appreciation for the life-changing opportunities they gave me,” Jack said. “I came to realise that the best way to repay this goodwill was to pass it on to the next generation.” To offer your support for the Charles Vincent McMahon Bursary visit giving.brisbanegrammar.com/ event/2008.

Paying it forward In an extraordinary act of generosity, BGS Old Boy Rod Thorburn ’54 has bequeathed $500,000 to Brisbane Grammar School to establish the Rodney Thorburn Perpetual Bursary.

During his four years at BGS, Thorburn played rugby union, tennis and gymnastics. “It was an interesting adjustment for me because over in Kenya football was soccer, then at primary school at Shorncliffe football was rugby league, and at Brisbane Grammar School it was rugby union. I thought, ‘why have they got all these different rules?’”

The bursary will enable well-rounded students to gain the benefits and experiences of studying at Brisbane Grammar School irrespective of the financial means of their families. The bequest will fund a bursary which will cover two-thirds of one boy’s tuition fees in perpetuity.

“I got on well with my fellow students and the masters, and BGS prepared me well for life after school. After I graduated, I put in for a job with the Forestry Department and the Railways Department and got a reply from both. The railway offer came first, and I agreed to it. That was on a six-year cadetship and you had to get a diploma of civil engineering in that time.”

Thorburn was born in Brisbane in 1936 but spent the early years of his life in Sudan and Kenya. His father was a talented surveyor and being accustomed to the Queensland climate, he was in-demand in the heat of Africa. His mother returned by ship to Australia for the birth of Thorburn and his two siblings in 1934, 1936 and 1938. They didn’t meet their father until each of them was over a year old.

During a lifetime career at the railway, Thorburn rose through the ranks to a senior role in Townsville where he managed over 4000 people. He was known for his expert budget management and was the first to hire female labourers, paying them the same wages as men.

“We were brought up in Khartoum in Sudan, but I recall a trip in 1942 when my father took both my brother and me up the Nile to go to boarding school at a place called Thomson’s Falls,” Thorburn said. “It was about a two-week journey by boat, rail and bus.”

Thorburn has been giving to BGS for more than 15 years and his brother Henry ’52 has also been a generous contributor to the School, particularly to the Library Fund.

In 1946, the family moved back to Brisbane and into a house in Shorncliffe. “It was a three-bedroom house and my parents got one, my brother and sister the others and of course I got the veranda, but that was fine by me. It had timber blinds, so it was basically a room,” Thorburn said.

He hopes the Rodney Thorburn Perpetual Bursary will make a difference in the lives of many students in the years to come. “Brisbane Grammar School certainly did well by me and prepared me well. I am happy to be able to pass that same opportunity on to others in the future.”

In 1951, at the age of 14, Thorburn started at BGS. “My memories of the School are positive, I remember the teachers were very passionate,” he said. “While I don’t think I could be described as a great studier, I did quite well.”

To find out more about how to leave a bequest to BGS or to give to the Bursary Fund, visit giving.brisbanegrammar.com.

F E AT U R E

99 years and not a day wasted

oldier, pharmacist, poet, author and university English lecturer, BGS Old Boy Stan Mellick ’34 has had several careers over his 99 years. Born in February 1920, Dr John Stanton Davis Mellick OAM has the honour of being Brisbane Grammar School’s oldest known Old Boy, and his visit to the School for the Great Hall Society’s Long Lunch in June 2019 showed he’s still going strong. His secret? “Well, if you put the foolhardy drinking of youth away, it’s moderation in liquor intake. Respect your liver,” Mellick said. “That’s where a lot of people get knocked.” He also maintains an exercise regime he developed almost 60 years ago. “When I was 40 I had a kidney stone, and a doctor friend said if I ran on the spot I might get it out, and it worked. When I was running on the spot every morning, 300 times, I thought, ‘gee, there’s more to this than meets the eye’.” “I’m lifting my whole body with one leg and then the other leg, and I thought, ‘I’ll add half a dozen really deep breaths, and touch my toes 20 odd times’. And that’s it;

four or five minutes each morning and I’ve done it ever since. It’s very simple and I don’t even have to pay for it!” Although he left after ‘Junior’ in 1934, Mellick’s memories of his school days are still sharp. He and his younger brother Sidney (known as Oliver) attended BGS after passing the State Scholarship Examination. “It was the height of the Depression and money was scarce. I lived at Dutton Park and recall the gangs of men working for relief money when Annerley Road was being built,” Mellick said. “The bulk of us left after the Junior Examination and sought jobs. We wanted to go on but couldn’t.” After turning down a job as an office boy at Qantas – according to Mellick, “they’d had an accident a couple of years before, and I didn’t think they’d last!” – he worked at a hire purchase firm and joined a Signals cadet unit at Kelvin Grove Barracks at the age of 16. As war broke out, Mellick was made a Second Lieutenant, undertook advanced staff training at Duntroon in 1942 and transferred from Signals to Intelligence, serving in New Guinea. He described his five and a half years of war service as “a civilised prison. You went where you were sent, and you did what you were told.” Mellick and his sweetheart Letty were introduced by a mutual friend in 1938. He decided not to marry during the war in case he was injured, but Letty had other ideas. “She was of a mind that it would be a good thing if we were married in December ’41. So what day did we choose? The day Japan bombed Pearl Harbour,” he said.

Returning to civilian life in 1945, Mellick became a pharmacist, but later served in the Citizen Military Forces for 20 years, finishing as a Lieutenant Colonel training young officers for National Service.

Having lived through many of the major events of the 20th century, Mellick continues to relish life and the new technology of the 21st. He remarried after Letty’s death, and wife Sally is helping him store a lifetime of photos in the cloud.

“I addressed them along these lines, very simply: ‘I’m here because I hate war. Because I hate war, you will be efficient, because if you’re not efficient men will die.’ Being a pharmacist, my standards of hygiene were clearcut, too.”

“Being in Signals during the war, the advent of computers didn’t worry me,” Mellick said. “It’s important to stay in touch. I think a lot of older people could relate to the present era a little bit more closely. I think if they were more active they’d be a lot better off.”

In 1964, a recurring wartime illness forced Mellick to retire from retail pharmacy, giving him a chance to rekindle his love of English and start a third career.

When asked what interests him today, Mellick mentions a recent online article by English philosopher Roger Scruton – “you haven’t heard of it? Google it.” – and says while he thinks the youth of today are ‘pretty terrific’, he laments the loss of courtesy in modern life.

Mellick says he was ‘infected with the poetic’ at Brisbane Grammar School. “My English master, ‘Dolly’ Dorfeld read one of Wordsworth’s poems to us and years later the images stayed with me,” he said. “I decided to read some of the books that I had never had a chance to explore, so I enrolled at UQ in Ancient History and first-year English.”

“When I was a boy, I was taught to stand up when a lady entered a room, I was taught to open a door for a lady, to walk on the outside in the street so they wouldn’t get splattered with mud. I still can’t see what’s wrong with those courtesies, to teach men subliminally to respect women. Under this new way of looking at things, I think a lot of blokes don’t know how to approach ladies these days.” Mellick laughs. “Me, I just stay old fashioned and I get on well.”

Letty, a musical composer, and daughter Jill encouraged Mellick to do his PhD, and he eventually became a respected senior English lecturer at UQ. He combined teaching with writing, publishing 40 poems and a book about the first Australian novel. Mellick’s contribution to Australian cultural studies and his community work restoring St Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Spring Hill were recognised with an Order of Australia Medal in 2005. He also attended the opening of Le Havre University’s Pacific Studies Centre, which named the Stan Mellick Room in his honour.

To discover more about Mellick’s fascinating life, visit the State Library website to watch the oral history he recorded in 2018. Learn more about how to make a bequest and join the Great Hall Society at giving.brisbanegrammar.com.

THE ARTS

Music

TREBLE VOICES FESTIVAL Brisbane Grammar School’s youngest singers joined 300 other choristers at the Australian National Choral Association’s Treble Voices Festival in June. This special event brought together singers from eight schools at Cannon Hill Anglican College. A series of rolling rehearsals in the morning and early afternoon allowed singers to prepare a range of fun but challenging music. The festival culminated in a spectacular concert in the afternoon, with over 900 audience members thoroughly enjoying a fabulous program of choral singing. The boys sang as part of different groups, including joining with boys from other schools in a huge boys-only choir. Vocal Group Conductor Bec Thomas and accompanist Claire Brennan also took part in the performance to much acclaim.

SING AND SWING The cricket nets on Number 2 Oval were transformed into a new venue, The Sound Shed, for the Sing and Swing afternoon in October. The Grammar Big Band, Parker, Morrison and Basie Jazz Bands performed, along with Grammar Voices, Vocal Group, Grammar Vocal

Ensemble, Grammarphones and Grammar Singers. There was a distinctly jazzy flavour to the music, with the choirs exploring classic jazz standards ranging from beautiful ballads to snappy classics. Our jazz bands also entertained with their wide selection of big band repertoire. Audience members brought along a picnic and enjoyed a relaxing afternoon of music. Thanks to the Music Support Group, our performers were supported by new band risers and a professional sound engineer to ensure the best possible experience for the audience.

AUSTRALIAN COMBINED MUSIC FESTIVAL The finest musicians from around Australia, including 25 boys from BGS, participated in the biennial Australian Combined Schools Music Festival in Sydney. Held during the winter holidays, the Festival provides a challenge to talented student musicians. Boys could nominate for the Orchestra, Concert Band or Choir. After four days of intensive rehearsals with an array of national and international conductors, the boys took part in a spectacular concert at Sydney Grammar School’s beautiful Performing Arts Complex. BGS is part of a coalition of like-minded schools, which always provides for exciting collaborations.

Dramatic Productions The 2019 BGS theatre season was extremely popular, featuring three works and sold-out performances. SENIOR DRAMATIC PRODUCTION Richard III by William Shakespeare is the ‘game of thrones’ that concludes the War of the Roses play cycle, and features one of literature’s most remorseless and relentless characters. Award-winning playwright Daniel Evans produced an original work that was an audacious, freshly conceived interpretation of Shakespeare's story. The cast and crew included a talented collective of Senior and Middle School students from BGS and the Queensland Academy of Creative Industries.

MIDDLE SCHOOL DRAMATIC PRODUCTION 10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse, an adaptation of the comedy by Don Zolidis, provided an exposé on meta-theatricality, with plenty of satirical moments underpinned by more serious themes of human existence. The episodic play followed a group of survivors in a dishevelled carnival on the brink of a zombie apocalypse. The Middle School cast learned collaborative and autonomous skills in heightened performance, stagecraft, characterisation, song and ensemble performance.

JUNIOR DRAMATIC PRODUCTION Trick or Treat, an original dark comedy adapted by Naomi Russell and Sharni Folland, weaved together a trio of stories from urban legends, gothic poetry and Halloween tales told through an array of contemporary performance styles. The narrative followed a group of mismatched friends attempting to out-scare one another, culminating in a frighteningly satirical twist of events. The Years 7 and 8 cast proved to be an enthusiastic team of emerging artists.

ART SHOW

BGS Art Show 2019

The BGS Art Support Group gratefully acknowledges our sponsors

The Brisbane Grammar School Art Support Group gratefully acknowledges our sponsors

The 2019 BGS Art Show Aurum celebrated the 50th staging of the annual event. The show was opened by Judith Bell, former member of the BGS Board of Trustees and avid supporter and collector of art. Her speech captured the significance of the occasion and importance of art to the School.

PLATINUM

Benjamin Hodges

Artworks were on display and for sale in the form of paintings, photography, sculpture, pottery and jewellery.

Jeweller

Benjamin Hodges Jeweller

GOLD

Guest artists were selected to represent each of the three categories: Anne-Marie Zanetti and Colley Whisson represented painting; Ben Hodges â&#x20AC;&#x2122;90 represented jewellery; and Lincoln Austin represented sculpture.

SILVER

The Art Show again provided a wonderful occasion for guests and artists to meet with friends, view artworks, enjoy food and wine, and appreciate the atmosphere created by some of the Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talented musicians. Art Support Group President Bronwyn Jerrard led a dedicated group of parents to make the 2019 show a success. Thank you to the passionate volunteers, BGS staff and sponsors involved.

BRONZE

I N N O VAT I O N

Connecting home and school By Rebecca Campbell Acting Head of Middle School

As educators, we are acutely aware of the vital role student wellbeing plays in the journey of each Brisbane Grammar School student. Equally important is the strong connection between home and school. At BGS, we aim to forge strong partnerships between parents and staff, ensuring we work together to help each boy reach his academic potential while maintaining high levels of social and emotional wellbeing. Throughout the year, we host parent evenings as part of our Wellbeing Series. Guest presenters this year have focused on video game addiction, sleep health, cybersafety, respectful relationships, and drugs and alcohol. Each of these presenters is an expert in their field. As part of our commitment to continual improvement, we constantly seek ways to improve our Student

Wellbeing programs. This year we trialled a workshop for parents of boys in Years 5 to 10. While we highly value our strong partnership with external experts, we wanted to embrace the collective expertise of our Student Wellbeing team. This team know our boys best and deal with adolescent issues daily. They developed a series of parent workshops to address the issues significantly affecting boys at this critical phase of their development. The evening commenced with an address from Philippa Douglas, BGS Director of Student Wellbeing Programs. Ms Douglas updated parents on our new Student Wellbeing curriculum and how it has been carefully designed to meet the developmental needs of boys.

Parents were then invited to choose three from a selection of five 15-minute workshops, presented by Heads of Year, School Counsellors and the Director of Student Wellbeing Programs. Many of the topics were selected based on conversations between parents and Heads of Year throughout the school year. Other topics were included due to their pertinence to boys within this age demographic, such as digital wellbeing, conflict resolution and resilience. Prior to the evening, parents were invited to submit questions relating to each topic to ensure our Student Wellbeing team were responding to parental concerns and addressing the needs of the audience. Creating and sustaining a collaborative partnership with parents is integral to each boy's overall BGS â&#x20AC;&#x2039;experience.

GLOBAL CITIZENS

Fusing tradition and innovation at Stanford Uncertainty is not something most people feel comfortable with, yet it is an inevitable feature of our lives. One of the strengths of a liberal education is that students may embrace a generalist’s perspective, and appreciate complexity in the world around them. Engaging with this complexity is what helps students deal with uncertainty, and when combined with an entrepreneurial or design thinking approach, innovation is possible. Such was the message from key staff, students and alumni at Stanford University, where a group of Years 9 and 10 boys spent two weeks in the winter holidays participating in the Stanford Pre-Collegiate International Institutes.

solutions project’. The social dynamic within groups was significant: knowing yourself and others was advice reinforced by every facilitator. What connected each experience was the emphasis on working collaboratively and questioning each other’s thinking. By challenging assumptions and eliminating ambiguity, students could articulate reasonable and reasoned ideas. The BGS boys embraced complexity with confidence and creativity. While at Stanford, Mr Uscinski and Mr Howes caught up with BGS Old Boy Eamon Byrne ’05. Having completed his Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Oxford, Byrne is now a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the School of Bioengineering at Stanford University, specialising in the research field of structural biology.

Accompanied by Head of English Greg Howes, Director of Student Services Dale Nicholas and Deputy Headmaster Teaching and Learning Steve Uscinski, the group undertook an intense immersion program that balanced academic, cultural and social experiences, to be provided with an authentic ‘Stanford model’ of education.

He explained the innovative methodology that informs research practice in Stanford laboratories, where there is an emphasis on developing technology and techniques to solve future problems. Byrne is also enrolled in the Stanford Ignite entrepreneurship program, which teaches innovators how to formulate, develop and commercialise their ideas.

At the heart of Silicon Valley, Stanford fuses traditional disciplines with innovation. BGS students joined others from around the world to engage in academic sessions ranging from philosophy, capitalism and decision making to neuroscience, artificial intelligence and digital anatomy.

His inspiring journey – from BGS to Melbourne University, to Oxford and now to his pioneering research at Stanford – models the lifelong learning and adventurous spirit to which all BGS students can aspire.

Using a design thinking methodology, students worked together to design a new country as part of their ‘global

STUDENT REFLECTIONS Billy Mylonas: My experience at Stanford allowed me to see different styles of thinking. Harry Anstey-Walsh: The most significant part of the experience was interacting with people from all over the world who have had completely different life experiences. Noah Guthrie: The experience helped me approach school with a much more open mind. I learned that there are other ways of solving problems. Oscar Smith: I found the trip helped me realise how I should approach my final years at BGS. It opened my eyes to different types of people, their cultures and ways of thinking. DJ Li: The experience has made me realise how much there is still to learn. I am more interested in subjects that I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think I would be interested in, such as psychology and artificial intelligence. Alex Tong: I learned the importance of being able to collaborate. I value the relationships and connections formed at school but also my urge to work harder and look for opportunities to improve as a person.

S P E E C H D AY

High achieving academic and co-curricular students were recognised and the graduating Class of 2019 farewelled at the 2019 BGS Speech Day in November. The event also provided an opportunity to hear from the new Chairman of the Board of Trustees Professor John Humphrey, Headmaster Anthony Micallef, outgoing School Captain Nick Miller, and Guest Speaker The Honourable Jackie Trad.

on maximising the personal learning achievement of each and every BGS student.” “We will work to further develop our capability to tailor our educational offering to better fit an individual’s strengths, skills and interests. The School’s move to develop its own Effective Thinking Culture, whereby our boys are encouraged to develop a critical mindset, is one aspect of personalised learning. Our graduates need to be flexible, critical thinkers.”

Professor Humphrey acknowledged his predecessor, retired Chairman Mr Howard Stack’s incredible legacy. “Howard, you are the very epitome of the character traits I like to associate with a Brisbane Grammar School Old Boy. You have made this outstanding contribution with selflessness, modesty, grace and good humour – imbued with the belief that with the support of a good team, anything can be accomplished.”

Headmaster Anthony Micallef congratulated the award winners and commended all students for maintaining an exceptional level of performance and participation across the academic, cultural and sporting areas. He thanked the graduating School Leaders for their contribution to the School. “Nicholas Miller, Noah Rosemann, Tim Weber, James Kenny and Ryan Ah Yek have been fabulous in their personal efforts and their leadership of the student body. We wish the Year 12s well in their future endeavours.”

“The School has had the benefit of your considerable intelligence, your formidable work ethic, and those of us lucky enough to work closely with you personally – your friendship.” Professor Humphrey then outlined his vision for the School. “We exist today in a fast-changing and increasingly complex and competitive educational environment, and nothing can be taken for granted,” he said. “My vision for the School is for it to become the best boys’ school in Australia.”

Outgoing School Captain Nick Miller delivered a fantastic address that captured his fondness for the BGS community, as well as his fellow students. “In 2019, the seniors sought to place focus on the importance for boys to value and make the most of belonging to the truly phenomenal Brisbane Grammar School community through the theme of As One.”

“To do this, we will – among other things – need to maintain our position as the top-performing academic school in Queensland. While this goal is a collective one, my experience in the tertiary sector has convinced me that the best way to do this is through greater emphasis

“Throughout the year, I have shared with the boys the significance of the crest, the significance of the blue shirt and the significance of the tie, in that it is what we have in common, to each other, and to those who came before us.”

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Q&A WITH BGS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Professor John Humphrey was appointed to the Board of Trustees in May 2018 and elected as Chairman in October 2019. He has over 30 years’ experience as a corporate lawyer and is Chairman or non-executive director of a number of listed public companies. He is a BGS Old Boy and graduated in 1972. Can you tell us a little about your background and your time at Brisbane Grammar School? My father was in the Army and that meant we moved around regularly. I came to Brisbane Grammar School in 1969 as a boarder and finished in 1972. Boarding was categorised by strong boarding house spirit. We saw ourselves as a special tribe – the backbone of the School. Do you think BGS prepared you well for life beyond school? The quality of my teachers at school was high and while giving us a good education they prepared us well for our Senior exams. We were encouraged to aim high and the School provided me with an extensive network of contacts.

Can you tell us about a standout memory as a student at BGS? One of my standout memories is that in early July 1969, we were all crowded into the Great Hall to watch the moon landing on a couple of black and white TVs. As Chairman of the Board of Trustees what is your vision and priorities for the future? My vision for BGS is for us to be a school that works with each student to deliver a tailored, individual education which will maximise that student’s educational achievement, while at the same time offering a broad range of co-curricular experiences to benefit other aspects of the student’s development. When not thinking about everything light dark blue, what are your other interests? My interests are bushwalking, wine, tennis, weight training and chess. In my younger days I played golf at a reasonable level but I have difficulty in finding time now.

Read the full Q&A on the BGS website.

TRIBUTE Trustee and BGS Old Boy Stephen Lonie ’68 passed away in November, following a short illness. A Chartered Accountant and company director, Mr Lonie served on many boards during a distinguished career. He will be remembered by the BGS community for his service to the Brisbane Grammar School Board of Trustees. Mr Lonie served as a member of the Board and Chair of the Finance Committee from 2003. At school, he was a talented sportsman and was part of the First XV Rugby and First IV Cricket teams in the late 1960s. He went on to represent the Queensland Under 19 rugby team. At the BGS150 Gala Dinner in 2018 he shared his school recollections during an official toast to the School. The BGS community offers its condolences to the Lonie family, including his wife Jennifer, daughter Alison, son Richard ’01, and brother John ’63. His name will be added to the Distinguished Service Honour Board in the Great Hall.

O L D B O Y S ’ A S S O C I AT I O N

OBA President’s Message Michael Forrest

he Old Boys’ Association enjoyed a busy year. We’re continuing to engage with the School in the development of an Old Boys’ mentoring network, which will encourage Old Boys, parents and friends of the School to offer their time to mentor younger Old Boys. We have also continued to host successful industry-specific networking and mentoring events to foster connections between younger and older Old Boys. THE JAM In June, the Old Boys’ Association hosted our first event welcoming the BGS community as a whole, ‘The Jam’. This band battle was held at The Triffid with the generous support of John 'JC' Collins ’87, and was a brilliant night. Bands with Old Boy musicians spanning more than

50 years – from the Class of 1961 to the Class of 2015 – blew us all away. ANNUAL REUNION DINNER The OBA continues to support individual milestone year group reunions, but the Annual Reunion Dinner is still an important event on the calendar, allowing Old Boys to reconnect across the years. In August, Michael Ware ’86 was our guest speaker. Warey has had a fascinating career in journalism, including working as a war correspondent for Time and CNN in Afghanistan and Iraq, and he kept us transfixed with stories from the front lines. PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING We had an amazing panel of speakers at the Professional Networking Evening - Property Industry in October. The event provided valuable

insights for Old Boys considering or starting their career in the property industry. VOLUNTEERING About one in five boys at BGS has an Old Boy father, and Old Boys are active volunteers at the School. I strongly encourage interested Old Boys to become more involved in the School through active volunteering. I also encourage Old Boys to consider contributing to our Year Group Bursary campaign to increase the support the School can give to promising students who otherwise wouldn’t be able to access a BGS education due to financial need.

BGSOBA MERCHANDISE Old Boys are encouraged to check out the recently designed NSL (nil sine labore) tshirts. Visit nilsinelabore.theprintbar.com.

The OBA gratefully acknowledges our Annual Reunion Dinner sponsors

25 30

BRISBANE GRAMMAR CONNECT In partnership with the BGS Old Boys’ Association, Brisbane Grammar School has launched Brisbane Grammar Connect, a networking and mentoring platform. The platform provides a place for Old Boys to connect with established Old Boys in all professional fields, through mentor-mentee relationships. There is also a jobs board, groups, social media feeds and a photo gallery section.

Reunion Roundup Enjoying great food and lively conversation, BGS Old Boys from 1959, 1969, 1979, 1989, 1999 and 2009 celebrated their milestone reunions.

The enthusiastic attendance, smiles and late nights were hallmarks of the strong ties that bind the BGS Old Boy community.

The Class of 1959 and Class of 1969 enjoyed a campus tour, followed by a sit-down dinner and slideshow in the Great Hall, which still holds fond memories of their days at BGS.

The Class of 2018 enjoyed the inaugural 'one year out' reunion to reconnect with their cohort and discover where life's journey has taken them in the previous 12 months.

For other year groups, cocktail functions and sit-down dinners provided the perfect opportunity for former classmates and teachers to reconnect, share memories and re-live the highpoints of their days at school.

If you can assist with organising 2020 milestone reunions, please contact carla.hardy@brisbanegrammar.com. The OBA and BGS are planning to host a milestone reunion weekend in early April 2020.

Graduway is considered a global leader in alumni engagement and career services management platforms for educational institutions and non-profit organisations. • Connect with fellow Old Boys, see what they have been up to and stay in touch. • Mentor, introduce, support or employ young BGS Old Boys. • Network and develop your professional network and meet others in your field. Signing up is simple at brisbanegrammarconnect.com and can be done using your LinkedIn profile or email. For mentors, you can choose to provide guidance to as many or as few mentees as you wish.

OLD BOYS

Making the impossible possible 10km ocean swim. 420km bike ride. 84km double marathon. Three days. This is what it takes to complete an ultra triathlon – the hardest triathlon in the world. To finish seems impossible, but BGS Old Boy Richard Thompson ’02 wanted more. He became an Ultraman World Champion and world-record holder. Regarded as one of the greatest ultra-endurance athletes of all time, Thompson still competes, but has also transitioned to the business world. He is head of one of the most successful endurance coaching companies in Australia, inspiring the everyday person to believe anything is possible. It was at Brisbane Grammar School that the groundwork for Thompson’s success was laid. As a young, relatively unfit wicketkeeper and goalkeeper representing the light dark blue, the thought of running 5km was intimidating.

The School’s culture of endeavour and motto, nil sine labore – nothing without work – combined with a drive for self-improvement, equipped Thompson with the tools to begin his ultra-endurance journey.

He placed last in his first triathlon at age 16, but by 23 he was the Age Group Ironman World Champion. “The only way you do that is through believing that anything is possible in this world,” Thompson said.

“Nothing has ever come naturally to me,” Thompson said. “Whatever I have had to do, I have had to work hard for it. That drive stems from a combination of my upbringing and the BGS culture. At School, the BGS motto is ingrained into you – it sinks into your skin, it sinks into your blood. If you want anything in this life, you have to go out and work hard for it.”

“My passion is endurance sport and helping others reach their full potential. It’s that feeling that you have done everything possible – you have gone out and achieved your absolute potential. In my view, that defines success.”

“Your potential exponentially increases when you have great people supporting you. At BGS, it felt like everyone was rowing the boat in the same direction, for the benefit of the group. I learned that when you work hard, and you have people in your team supporting you, amazing things happen.”

Thompson believes the human body can evolve to do amazing things through consistency, hard work and determination. Belief is a significant part of completing the more than 500km ultra triathlon. “An incredible skill that I picked up at school was believing that you can achieve something before you actually do it. After winning the Ultraman World Championships

in Hawaii last year, I didn’t think I would race again because it took so much out of me. Now, I am training to race in the 2021 Ultraman in Australia. Initially, we set an incredibly challenging goal of taking 82 minutes off our course time. I believed we could achieve this through hard work, consistency and determination, but is this goal our true potential?” “I realised goals can be self-limiting. So I asked myself, what happens when you remove goals? This is a new mindset my team is experimenting with for our next race. We will find what the human limit is. We will push every boundary. We want to achieve something so incredible that we do not want to limit ourselves.” Juggling careers as a lawyer and athlete, before launching his endurance business, Thompson uses his ‘measured and controlled’

methodology across all disciplines to achieve success. “Consistency always prevails. A piece of paper is not very strong by itself, but if you keep stacking pieces of paper, you will end up with a ream. If you keep putting reams on top of each other, you will have a wall that you can’t push over. I genuinely believe that you can achieve anything through this methodology in all fields. “That is not to say it’s easy. It’s all about the journey. Each piece of paper is a sacrifice. If you have a goal to achieve, and you haven’t enjoyed the sacrifice, then that goal will not be worthwhile. If you love the journey, you have already won.” As a Founding Director and Head Coach of T:Zero Multisport, Thompson has quickly achieved results. Employing 12 coaches, T:Zero has so far guided over 500 athletes

to achieve their goals with more than 50 going on to represent Australia at world championship races. “At T:Zero, we ingrain our motto of live your potential into our athletes. All of their abilities and goals are different but equally as important to us. They are all willing to put in the hard work to find their true potential. This could be running 10km, doing a triathlon or completing an Ultraman race.” “You can be anything. You are only limited by your own expectations. The scary part is understanding that anything is achievable.” A feature length documentary ‘Limitless – the story of human potential’ will follow Thompson’s journey to his next major goal – completing an ultra triathlon in less than 20 hours. Follow him on social media via @Rich.Thompson.Ultraman.

S TA F F

Farewell to BGS living legend

Ron Cochrane leaves behind an almost 40-year legacy at Brisbane Grammar School that has touched the lives of thousands of students and staff.

he knows, an introduction is arranged and soon you are talking to a new friend. His unparalleled ability to recall sporting moments and statistics of both students and professional sportsmen has endeared him to many.

His decision to retire brings an end to a career at BGS that included 19 years as Head of Boarding and 20 years as Director of Sport. Consistent across his time at the School was his passion for the BGS and GPS communities.

Throughout the GPS100 celebrations in 2018, Mr Cochrane took a leading role in connecting people across all nine GPS schools, sharing stories, recounting historical moments and showcasing our history.

His extensive BGS knowledge reflects not only the length of his service but also his genuine connection to, and fondness for, the School community.

This was similarly the case in the leadup to the BGS150 celebrations, also in 2018. As a valuable member of the BGS Sesquicentenary History Committee, his rich historical knowledge laid the foundations for the Light Dark Blue publication.

Mr Cochrane enjoyed an incredible coaching record in cricket and rugby. Those who have been coached by him know his passion for schoolboy sport and his commitment to transforming boys into gentlemen through lessons of sport and competition.

Beyond his work, Mr Cochrane was a friend to many. Together with his wife Rhonda, who sadly passed away earlier this year, the Cochranes were an institution at BGS. They are parents to Old Boy Gareth Cochrane ’01 and Elizabeth Cochrane who attended BGGS.

His leadership of BGS Sport has positioned the School for future success. He has developed and led a high-achieving team of Directors and Head Coaches, instilling the importance of teamwork for the benefit of students.

To Mr Cochrane, we thank you for your service to Brisbane Grammar School. You are a living BGS legend.

Always learning and embracing positive change, Mr Cochrane was an innovator at BGS. His recent addition of a live weekly coaching commentary has reached his strong BGS Sport social media following. While parents and teachers appreciate his insights, the boys also follow ‘Ronnie’ to keep in touch with everything sport at BGS.

__________________________________________________

Mr Cochrane is a renowned connector of people. Should he discover your background or interests align with someone

Ron Cochrane is seeking to establish a full bursary to give boys the opportunity to attend the School. To support the Ron Cochrane Bursary, visit giving.brisbanegrammar.com and click on Bursary Fund and then Year Group Bursaries. __________________________________________________

C O -C U R R I C U L A R

Future bright for BGS Rowing The BGS Rowing program continues to develop under new Director of Rowing Matt Marden. He started in the role at the end of 2018 and has a bold vision for the future of Rowing at the School. He brings 20 years of rowing experience to BGS, starting as a schoolboy rower, before moving to coaching after school. He has enjoyed extensive success in school coaching, including in the GPS system, where he has won multiple Head of the River Championships. The turning point in Marden’s coaching career came in 2008 when he was invited to coach at Stuartholme School. “Working with that particular group of girls changed my direction in life and made me want to pursue something permanent in school sport, although I didn’t know what that looked like at the time,” he said. Fast forward a little over a decade and with significant experience and success coaching girls and boys in schools, Marden arrived at BGS. “The BGS Rowing program is the most successful in Queensland history,” he said. “Since 1955 when eights were a blue ribbon event, BGS has claimed the most titles. To be part of such a successful shed was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.” “I have an enormous vision for the BGS Rowing program, which may take several years to achieve. There is so much potential in this area. I’m not afraid to try new ideas or be bold on decisions.” A new Rowing Head Coach, Sean Carolan started in 2019 to further boost the program at BGS. He also brings plenty of experience, having coached fellow GPS schools to Head of the River success. Outside of school coaching, Carolan coached the Australian Junior Women’s Four in 2018. In other significant rowing news, The Brisbane Grammarians Rowing Club (BGRC) celebrated its 10-year anniversary. The Grammarians began in 2009 as an initiative of the BGS Old Boys' Association and with the support of the Tipperoo Club. The club has grown to include about 50 members who are a mix of ex-rowers and those new to the sport. Getting reconnected, getting fit and having a good time are three goals for members. They row from the Rowing Queensland shed, just behind the BGS Rowing Shed at West End.

C L A S S O F 2019

Time to reflect Larry Carmichael Head of Year

There is little doubt that the key focus for every Year 12 group at Brisbane Grammar School is leadership of the school community. Focusing on the theme As One, the Class of 2019 created a special sense of belonging. Collectively they set a benchmark for camaraderie, spirit and the preparedness to work hard. Filling every seat of the grandstand at Northgate with the ‘magic number’ 343 – the number of seats in the grandstand – and a successful trivia afternoon with BGGS, epitomised the determination of this group to leave their mark. Thank you to the leadership group of Nick Miller, Noah Rosemann, Tim Weber, James Kenny and Ryan Ah Yek for their enthusiasm and commitment in leading their cohort. The outstanding academic results of the Class of 2019 highlighted the academic ability within this group. A collaborative approach, together with a healthy level of academic competition, led to an environment where learning was valued and every student strived to achieve their potential. Across the co-curricular areas, the Year 12s pursued the wide variety of activities on offer with enthusiasm and success. Their efforts were characterised by an impressive level of participation, a real sense of enjoyment and a willingness by all to engage to the best of their ability in a sportsman-like manner. The year saw numerous excellent individual performances, with overall success built on teamwork, commitment and pride in representing or performing for their school.

The Senior Dramatic Production Richard III provided a talented group of Year 12 thespians the opportunity to showcase their acting talents. Year 12 involvement in the School’s Art program was of an extremely high standard. Musically, the group maintained its outstanding levels of involvement and high performance standards. This continued involvement of so many boys across the full range of cultural pursuits is to be admired and applauded. Public purpose has always been a key focus of the Class of 2019. A committed Public Purpose Committee channelled the cohort’s energy and and enthusiasm into a range of important initiatives. The exceptional level of involvement ensured these activities were as successful as they have ever been. Since the beginning of Year 9, Mr Tim Holzgrefe has been an integral part of this year group’s journey. In his role as Assistant Head of Year, he has provided invaluable organisational support while also acting as a mentor and role model. His time, effort and energy working with the group has been instrumental to their overall success. It has been a privilege to travel this journey with this group of young men. Each student has made a unique contribution to the cohort and the school community. As this chapter closes, the Class of 2019 can look forward to moving on, confident in the knowledge that their senior year has been another successful one in the Brisbane Grammar School story.

P &F

Celebrating Our Community 2019 Brisbane Grammar School volunteers and donors were recognised at the annual Celebrating Our Community function in October. Six Betty Howell Awards were presented to volunteers for their service and contribution to the School. BGS has a vibrant volunteer community who take the time to build something that money cannot buy. Each hour volunteered at the Tuckshop or Grammar Shop, pitching a tent at a regatta, selling tickets at a concert, staffing the Basketball canteen or assisting at Northgate helps to build a community that not only contributes to tangible benefits, but also builds relationships between people. The Betty Howell Awards, established for volunteers in 2011, are named in honour of Mrs Joan Elizabeth (Betty) Howell who, during her 25-year association with the School as the wife of the Headmaster, was a passionate volunteer with the Art Committee and the Auxiliary. Congratulations to the Betty Howell Awards recipients this year: Graham and Judith Bell; Ian Reeves OAM; Leah Edwards; Craig and Kirsten Whip; Marcus and Christine Tod; and Julie and Jonathan Cichero ’85. Donors again made a remarkable contribution to the School this year. BGS received over $3.7 million from 250 donors. These funds go to bursaries for students in financial need and various infrastructure projects. Some of the most significant donations include: The P&F Auxiliary donating $1.25 million in recent years – $500,000 over five years for a needs-based bursary, $500,000 to the Northgate upgrade, and a recent commitment to support boarding renovations. •

An anonymous donor giving $2.8 million to fund bursaries for students in financial need. •

Our BGS150 sponsors have continued to support the School in 2019. We thank major sponsors ANZ, Morgans, and Audi Centre Brisbane, whose contributions to the School are valued at over $250,000.

2019 SPRING LUNCHEON Spring was in the air in late October as Brisbane City Hallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Main Auditorium was transformed into a sea of greenery to celebrate the annual P&F Auxiliary Spring Luncheon. More than 600 parents and friends revelled in the chance to socialise. A fabulous array of prizes helped to raise more than $25,000 for the P&F Auxiliary Bursary â&#x20AC;&#x201C; enabling boys in financial need to attend Brisbane Grammar School. Thank you to the generous event sponsors, P&F Auxiliary volunteers and the Advancement and Community Relations team for their contribution to the successful day.

BGS Golf Day 2019 Brisbane Grammar School gratefully acknowledges our Golf Day sponsors

Under blue skies, our community of Old Boys, parents, volunteers, staff and sponsors converged at The Brisbane Golf Club to make the BGS Golf Day on Friday 23 August a swinging success. The event raised more than $21,000 for the School's Bursary Fund to benefit students in financial need. While nobody won the Audi Centre Brisbane 'Hole in One' prize this year, it was not for lack of trying. Golfers had a fabulous day working their way around the course. A day on the green was followed by dinner and presentations.

WHEN FAMILY AND FRIENDS BUY DYNABOOK, $25 IS DONATED TO THE BGS BURSARY FUND. TOSHIBA X30T 13.3” detachable notebook/tablet.

DYNABOOK X30/X40/X50 Slim and light touchscreen notebooks.

TOSHIBA X20 World’s thinnest & lightest 12.5” convertible notebook/tablet.

3 YEAR WARRANTY STANDARD ON ALL DEVICES.

As Toshiba, we’ve enjoyed a long relationship with Brisbane Grammar School. Now under our new global name, we’ll work hard to sustain that. To begin with, we’ll donate $25 to the School’s Bursary Fund for every Toshiba

or Dynabook branded notebook purchased by family and friends between 10/12/2019 and 31/03/2020*. To discuss your new business-class device, please call Phil Rayner on 0413 488 331, or email prayner@dynabook.com.

THE NEW NAME FROM THE LAPTOP EXPERTS. *

T&Cs apply.

REFLECTIONS

Old Boy’s Legacy Lives On

t’s a far cry to go from earning three shillings as a school sweeper to living in a stately home many years later. This was the journey of Old Boy Frank Walker (1897), the most significant benefactor to Brisbane Grammar School in the postwar years.

to the £10 bread cutter for School House. In today’s money, these donations would amount to well over $500,000. Walker was 70 years old when he married 41-year-old Doreen Ida “Billie” L’Estrange on 31 March 1950. The wedding was publicised in the press with headlines like ‘Grammar School Benefactor Weds’.

Walker was born in the small Queensland town of Springsure in 1879, later moving to Brisbane with his family and attending Kelvin Grove Boys’ State School where his father was headmaster.

He embarked on the Orcades from Sydney less than a month later on 29 April, arriving in Southampton with his proposed address noted in the passenger list as Kildwick Hall, near Keighley, Yorkshire.

He proved to be a star pupil, winning a government scholarship and the chance to attend BGS from 1893 to 1897. Walker said his family, like many others, was hit hard by the prevailing economic depression.

Kildwick Hall had apparently been the setting for a silent film version of Wuthering Heights, which explains Walker’s handwritten inscription in a book he donated to the School and included a photo of him wearing his Naval Auxiliary Patrol cap.

Walker was awarded the Lilley Silver Medal Upper School in 1895, passing the Sydney University Senior examination in nine subjects in 1897. His school career was impacted by a dose of typhoid in Sixth Form.

Walker wrote to the Trustees in June 1952 to say he was on a cruise to get away from two years’ restoration of Kildwick Hall and expected to return to Brisbane with his wife after the Coronation to see the completed gymnasium and swimming pool.

He said that it was a terrible blow not to go to university, finishing fourth for one of only three open scholarships awarded. He later found out that Headmaster Reginald Heber Roe and the Trustees had tried to get the Sydney University authorities to let him sit the exam again.

Fate took a hand in Walker’s life. By October that year he was hospitalised in Southampton and his affairs were being handled by the official solicitor, Royal Courts of Justice in London. Sadly, Walker was not able to return to his old school to attend the opening of the new Memorial Gymnasium by Old Boy and Governor of Queensland, Sir John Lavarach, on 27 October 1953.

“Had I passed, it was Dad’s idea for me to take up medicine, which I hated and was quite unsuited for,” Walker said. Instead, he entered the Public Service and took up engineering in the Electrical Engineers Branch of the Postmaster General’s Department, rising through the ranks to become Assistant Superintending Engineer before retiring to Redland Bay.

His wife Doreen, who was living at her pre-marital home in Ascot, was in attendance and informed Headmaster Allen McLucas that she would write to her husband with details of the gymnasium and opening ceremony.

He recalled these events in an address to the School in 1950, emphasising the importance of giving and saying that the boys and masters should do their ‘utmost for this grand old school.’ Walker said that the source of the money he’d accumulated started when he was a lad of 19 and working in the Postmaster General’s Department.

Walker died at Virginia Water in northwest Surrey on 3 September 1955 at the age of 75. Though this was more than 60 years ago, Walker’s legacy lives on. He is listed on the Great Hall’s Distinguished Service Honour Board and his name is perpetuated through three Frank Walker prizes awarded on Speech Day. They include the Frank Walker Prize for the dux of Science in Year 10 as well as two prizes he endowed in 1931 for the dux of Senior Physics and the dux of Senior Chemistry.

He sent £10 out of his annual salary of £70 to his mother’s distant relative in Yorkshire who was suffering from a bitter winter. Walker said that he continued to send her £10 each Christmas and when she died he was bequeathed £300. “That £300 was the foundation stone of any money I have accumulated,” he said. In March 1950 Frank wrote to the School Trustees, itemising the £11,295 he’d donated to the School, from the £9000 for the new gymnasium and £1000 for the swimming pool, down

Frank Walker is pictured on page 14 as part of the BGS Timeline of Giving. Vivien Harris – School Archivist

G E N E R AT I O N S

A generational family taking BGS into the future

The Wilson family has an association with Brisbane Grammar School that spans four generations across three centuries and a connection with architecture that continues to shape the School.

said the School meant a great deal to his father. “He, like many students at the time, would go to the beach and parties in their school blazers,” he said. “Clothing seems to have been the social media platform of its time.”

Alexander Brown ‘AB’ Wilson arrived in Brisbane from Glasgow with his family at the age of nine in 1864. He went on to become an architect and set up his own practice in 1884. Wilsons Architects is one of the oldest family architectural firms in the world.

“I remember the pride my father had as he dropped us off at school. My sons were enrolled at BGS at birth by my father. I always valued this generosity as secondary school for my children seemed so far away at the time. I know I will do this for my children’s children as it seems such a good way to pass on the baton to another generation.”

Placing a high value on the importance of education, AB enrolled his sons Ron, Lex and Allen at BGS during the early 1900s. Eleven of his descendants have gone on to attend the School. Architecture flows through the veins of the Wilsons. Following family patriarch AB into architecture have been his son Ron, grandson Blair ’48 and great-grandson Hamilton ’78. Hamilton, whose sons Howard ’14 and Hershel ’17 are also BGS Old Boys,

With different interests and talents, Hamilton and his brothers Ross ’76 and Andrew ’79, each found a place at BGS. “My elder brother Ross was musical and my younger brother Andrew was excellent at sport. But I was good at art,” he said. “Despite not having an Art Department at the time, my father

through a collaboration between BGS Headmaster Max Howell and Brisbane Girls Grammar School Principal Judith Hancock, organised for me to undertake art studies at BGGS. I eventually won the senior Art Prize. I can happily say that the BGS Art Department is now one of the stronger disciplines at the School and both my boys thrived in this subject.” Hamilton said the buildings at BGS had a seminal impact on him. “The Great Hall is one of the grandest secular spaces in Brisbane, and sitting in that vast room lets the mind wander to greater things,” he said. “I loved the sense of compression walking through the arched corridor near Administration to then be released into the Newell Quad. Walking across the bridge to N Block through to the northern veranda with a view that exploded out onto the main oval and beyond was another particular memory.”

Almost 20 years after graduating, Hamilton’s connection with BGS extended into his professional life. Headmaster Brian Short was interested in some of the leading educational architecture Wilson Architects had completed at The University of Queensland. This soon led to them being appointed to design what would become The Lilley Centre, completed in 2011. “This project went on to win many architectural awards,” Hamilton said. “But one of the best compliments was the number of BGS students who wished to study architecture as a career after experiencing the new building. Use of libraries increased by 800%.” After a design competition, Wilson Architects have now been appointed to design the STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics – building at BGS. The ambitious project will transform the rear of the campus into a dynamic

new learning place connected to the main upper platform of the School. Hamilton said he was excited to continue his association with BGS. “An advantage of having worked so closely with the School over the years is to observe the quality of education that is deeply ingrained at all levels of staff,” he said. “They give boys such an extraordinary opportunity in education. It is no wonder that BGS is one of the best schools in Australia.” “It was with a sense of joy that, for the new STEAM building, we could create a facility that imagined a more interconnected school,” Hamilton said. “A place where the students could be inspired to do great things both in and outside the classrooms in a memorable space that looks out to the main oval and the landscape beyond.” The STEAM building is projected to be completed in 2022. To find out more visit giving.brisbanegrammar. com/event/steam.

Audi Centre Brisbane

An exclusive offer for BGS community at Audi Centre Brisbane

Enjoy Audi ownership at Audi Centre Brisbane with this exclusive offer, available only for friends and family of Brisbane Grammar School.

Audi Centre Brisbane will donate $500 to the Brisbane Grammar School Bursary Fund when you purchase a new or demonstrator vehicle from Audi Centre Brisbane^

Audi Centre Brisbane - proud supporter of Brisbane Grammar School. 586 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley QLD Phone: (07) 3251 8222 | sales@audicentrebrisbane.com.au | audicentrebrisbane.com.au ^This promotion is valid for new and demonstrator vehicles sold and delivered between November 01, 2019 & June 30, 2020. Offer must be redeemed at time of purchase. Please confirm your relationship with Brisbane Grammar School or have your details verified by the School to take advantage of this offer.

GN summer 2020

Articles inside

A generational family taking BGS into the future

Old Boy’s Legacy Lives On

Time to reflect

Future bright for BGS Rowing

Farewell to BGS living legend

Making the impossible possible

Fusing tradition and innovation at Stanford

Connecting home and school

99 years and not a day wasted

Paying it forward

Creating the conditions for success

A culture of philanthropy

The power of dance and hard work