OGC NEWS

Chantal Mason (OGC 2023)

Former College Captain, Chantal Mason, made her AFLW debut with the Geelong Cats this season!

In her debut match, the Cats claimed a thrilling 47-37 victory over reigning premiers, the Brisbane Lions.

The Geelong Cats AFLW team, including Chantal, also conducted a training session on the College’s grounds – enjoying our indoor pool and brand-new Sports and Wellbeing Centre, Belerren.

We couldn’t be prouder of your performance this season – go, Chantal!

A Premiership for the OGFC

Congratulations to the Old Geelong Football Club (OGFC) Senior Women’s team for their thrilling victory over Fitzroy in the Premier B Women’s Grand Final at Elsternwick Park. They have made history by becoming the first OGFG team in the 70-year history to advance to the Premier A Division.

Special shout out to Katie-Rose Campbell (OGC 2015) on the winning team and to Charlotte Kay (OGC 2015) who contributed throughout the season but was away for the final.

Old Geelong 5-4.34 d Fitzroy 4-4.28

Tom ‘Axe’ Atkins (OGC 2013)

We’re thrilled to celebrate Tom taking out the ‘Best Club Person’ award for the Geelong Cats 2024 season! This recognition came as he retired after a sensational career – a truly welldeserved honour.

We’re thrilled to celebrate Tom taking out the ‘Best Club Person’ award for the Geelong Cats 2024 season! This recognition came as he retired after a sensational career – a truly welldeserved honour.

Lachie Field (OGC 2018)

Congratulations to Lachie for making back-to-back Premier League hundreds for Geelong Cricket Club this season.

Lachie, who captained our First XI during his time at College, hit his first Premier League century and followed it up with another one the next week – two in two weeks!

Image: Carey Neate via Geelong Advertiser

Angus Widdicombe (OGC 2012)

Congratulations to Angus, who rowed in the Men’s VIII at the Paris Olympics. He took the fourth seat, the engine room of the boat.

The team performed impressively, and came sixth overall.

Earlier this year, Angus and his team finished fourth at the World Rowing Cup.

Earlier this year, Angus and his team finished fourth at the World Rowing Cup.

Ian Redpath (OGC 1954)

In November, the Geelong Cricket Club at Kardinia Park, celebrated the official opening of the new Ian Redpath scoreboard at their home ground. Ian Redpath’s impressive cricket career includes 67 Test matches, amassing 4,737 runs at an average of 43.4, with a top score of 171.

The event attracted several cricketing luminaries, including former Principal Paul Sheahan (OGC 1959), who remarked, “The only time I ever had doubts about my relationship with ‘Redders’ was when we were out in the middle together. Running between the wickets, a call from him wasn’t a command or even an offer—it felt more like the start of a negotiation!”

Sadly, Ian passed away on 1 December, 2024. A tribute to his life will feature in the June 2025 edition of Ad Astra.

Sandy Cameron (OGC 1973)

Meredith Dairy, owned by Sandy and Julie Cameron, was proudly featured at a recent parliamentary reception held in honour of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla. The event, hosted by the Honourable Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister of Australia, offered a taste of the farm’s finest products.

While Sandy and Julie didn’t have the chance to meet the royal guests, it’s safe to say that they no doubt enjoyed the delectable Meredith Feta Cheese served as part of the canapés.

While Sandy and Julie didn’t have the chance to meet the royal guests, it’s safe to say that they no doubt enjoyed the delectable Meredith Feta Cheese served as part of the canapés.

Reunion of the Class of 1964

Nearly 40 people gathered at The Diggers for a special reunion marking 60 years since leaving The Geelong College, with 18 others sending their apologies. The group took a moment to acknowledge their 14 classmates who have passed away, remembering them as an important part of their shared memories.

Many thanks to Kelvin Spiller and Russell Coad for making this event possible.

Jamie Bell (OGC 2000)

Jamie was recently elected onto the Stonnington Council via the Tooronga Ward at this year’s election. Jamie has previously served on the Colac Otway Shire Council and will be a great asset to the Stonnington community going forward.

The netball girls of 1982 – 42 years of friendship

From a friendship forged over a shared love of netball in 1982 to biking through Croatia together 42 years later, this group highlights a key point about College friendships: They‘re often lifelong.

Thank you to Deb Hynes (OGC 1982), Sue Pickering (OGC 1985), Fiona McKenzie (OCG 1985) and Janine Dimmock (OGC 1983) for sharing their story with us.

Lyndsay Sharp (OGC 1979)

Congratulations to Lyndsay and her husband David on their induction into the Geelong Wine Hall of Fame this November.

This honour celebrates their innovative contributions to the wine and hospitality industries through their businesses: Leura Park Estate, Jack Rabbit Vineyard, Flying Brick Cider Co., Yes Said the Seal, and Curlewis Golf Club.

Jeanne Mirza (former French teacher)

Congratulations to former French teacher Jeanne Mirza, who taught at the College from 1992 to 2005. At her recent 80th birthday celebration, Jeanne was awarded the prestigious Alliance Française Medal by the ‘Fondation des Alliances Françaises’ in Paris, honouring her 60 years of dedication to teaching the French language.

Pictured below is Jeanne with some of her past French students from the Class of 2004.

Professor Ken Smith (OGC 1980)

Congratulations to Ken on his appointment as Director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research. For the past 14 years, he served as Head of the Department of Medicine at Cambridge University.

He holds a Doctor of Science degree from the University of Cambridge and was recognised as a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences since 2006, was elected to the American Association of Physicians in 2020, and received the Lister Institute Research Prize in 2007.

Reflecting on his new role, Prof. Smith shared, “WEHI is globally renowned for its outstanding history of critical discoveries in cancer, immune health and infection, developmental disorders, and healthy ageing. I’m excited to return to WEHI and to connect with the staff, students, and supporters dedicated to addressing some of the world’s most complex health challenges.”

Swimming for a cause: 12km challenge across Victoria

The Newtown Swimming Club, a passionate community of swimmers in Geelong, is taking on an exciting mission from 13-15 December. Club members will swim a total of 12 kilometres across 12 pools in regional Victoria, promoting healthy, active lifestyles in local communities.

The team is made up of five Geelong College alumni, two current parents, two alumni spouses, and future parents. With the encouragement of Tristan Read, the Recreation Centre Manager, and his staff, they have been training hard and are excited to take on this challenge.

The Newtown Swimming Club fosters camaraderie and inclusivity, and through this event, they hope to inspire others to embrace swimming for fitness, competition, or the simple joy of being in the water.

We wish them all the best in this challenge and to keep inspiring!

A VFL Premiership

Congratulations to players, Sam Conway (OGC 2017) and Jack Henderson, (OGC 2017) and Assistant Coach, Matt Dowling (OGC 2017), on their premiership win with the Werribee Football Club – taking out the Victorian Football League (VFL) Premiership.

Jack was also awarded the Norm Goss Medal for Best on Ground, and was named in the Victorian Football League (VFL) Team of the Year.

Alex Williams (OGC 2023)

Congratulations to Alex Williams on securing bronze in the Under 19s Men’s Double Sculls (JM2x) at the World Rowing Championships in St Catharines, Canada, earlier this year.

Alex and his rowing partner, who is from Queensland, travelled back and forth putting in countless hours of training in the double.

A truly fantastic effort!

Alex is currently living in Adelaide, where he is studying a Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences at Adelaide University.

From school mates to SIDS advocates: Old Collegians make a difference with River’s Gift AFL Carnival

The 6th River’s Gift AFL Junior State of Origin carnival took place in July of this year at Jubilee Oval in Glebe, Sydney. With 350 young players in action, the Glebe Greyhounds JAFC hosted the Ocean Grove Cobras Junior Football Club in a thrilling weekend of footy.

Organised by Old Collegians Cain Sarah (OGC 1992), Harvey Stephenson (OGC 1992), and Karl Waddell (OGC 1991), the event honours Karl’s son River, who tragically passed away from SIDS in 2011. What began as a way for Cain and Harvey’s sons to compete, has grown into a significant fundraiser for SIDS research. This year, the carnival raised an impressive $50,000 and saw 150 players from around Victoria join 200 local players.

Mark your calendars for the 7th edition at Collendina Reserve early in July, 2025!

Support River’s Gift and contribute to genetic SIDS research by donating at www.riversgift.org/

Chong Lim (OGC 1977)

Chong Lim was again the Musical Director for the Victorian State Schools Spectacular (VSSS) held in September at the John Cain arena.

This extraordinary event is an experience of a lifetime for over 3000 students, making it one of Australia’s largest performing arts events. Alongside an impressive array of music, dance, and performance, many students gain valuable professional experience behind the scenes, working in areas such as audio, lighting, video production, and stage management.

Currently, Chong is working on ‘Deeyamithadda’, a First Nations Production, co-composing with First Nations musicians and songwriters based in Cairns.

Gelbell’s Solo Shows in Ibiza & Sydney

Artist duo Gelbell (comprising Angelica Wootton (OGC 2015) and Isabella Greene (OGC 2015) ) recently held a solo show in Ibiza, followed by another in Sydney.

Their work is unique, as both artists work together on the same pieces simultaneously.

The works from their Ibiza exhibition depicts figures, are inspired by their observations while living and painting on the island. The body of work draws from the long history, vibrant colours and the unique blend of tourists and local cultures in Ibiza.

Their work is held in private collections across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Europe, UK and USA.

More infrormation: info@gelbellart.com or instagram @gelbell

Darrell Wade (OGC 1979)

Darrell Wade (OGC 1979), co-founder of Intrepid Travel is behind a recently published book that explores 100 unique travel experiences to change the way you think about travel. Drawing on 35 years of travel stories from the Intrepid team which now includes 3000 travel experts worldwide – the book offers inspiring insights into what connects us and how to see the world from a different perspective.

See intrepidtravel.com and publishinghardiegrant.com

Barry (OGC 1966) and Keith Fagg OAM (OGC 1969)

Past parent and Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles, spoke at the recent 170th anniversary celebration of Fagg’s Mitre 10. The event was hosted by directors Barry and Keith Fagg OAM, who oversee one of Australia’s oldest continuously family-owned businesses.