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OBA medal recipients
OBA Medal Recipients 2023
At the annual Foundation Day ceremony, the Old Boys’ Association announced the winners of the OBA Medal, which recognises significant contributions made by Old Boys to the BGS community.
This year, the medal was awarded to two distinguished Old Boys; Stuart Rees ‘79 and Richard Rowles ’72.
Mr Rees, who is a Director of Broadly Rees Hogan Lawyers, served as an OBA committee member for 10 years, during which time he served as President and Past President.
As is the case for many Old Boys, attending BGS has become a tradition across many generations of his family. His father Ian Rees ’53, two sons
You form really significant and influential friendships and those friendships have continued, which I think is one of the best gifts a school can give you.
– Stuart Rees ‘79
Conor Rees ’10 and Fergus Rees ’15, and nephew Hugo Rees ’12 all attended the School.
Mr Rees is known for his love of cricket and dedication to supporting the Bursary Program. He played an integral role in ensuring the annual Jim Taylor Memorial Cup — which is a game between Old Boys and the First XI — remains a permanent fixture on the Cricket calendar.
He was part of team which organised the 79/80 Year Levels to collectively donate money to provide a young man with a bursary to attend BGS for five years.
Mr Rees, however, doesn’t feel his contributions could ever match the positive influence the School has had on his life.
“I owe the School a significant debt in terms of what it has done for me.
“You form really significant and influential friendships and those friendships have continued, which I think is one of the best gifts a school can give you.”
Mr Rowles, who is the Managing Director of building consultancy firm Rowles Time Management, has generously given much of his time to many different areas of the School since his graduation in 1972.
He returned the following year as the coach of High Jump. He is currently involved in the Brisbane Grammarians Rowing Club as a member of the committee, serving as Captain of Boats.
Mr Rowles served as a member of the Moogera Working Group for more than 20 years, including time as President. He has been the Secretary of the Willow Club, President of the Tipperoo Support Group, as well as having coached and refereed for the Rugby Program.
Volunteering at the School has been an honour and never felt like hard work, he said.
“I think Moogera is a special place for the boys, and it is a great part of their education and getting them out of their comfort zone, so it isn’t hard to be supportive of something like that.”
Despite being humbled by the award, Mr Rowles said he is slightly embarrassed to be singled out when so many other families go above and beyond to create better experiences for the boys.
“There are so many people who help out, who contribute and do their bit along the way, whether it be at Northgate, Rowing or Cricket.”
His two sons William Rowles ’05 and Oliver Rowles ’08, and two brothers Peter Rowles ‘70 and Graham Rowles ‘74, also attended BGS.
There are so many people who help out, who contribute and do their bit along the way, whether it be at Northgate, Rowing or Cricket.
