OHA LIFE

OHA

Life

Where are they now

Ellen Russell (OH 2014)

Ellen completed a Bachelor of Communication (Professional Communications) at RMIT, focusing on advertising as she hoped to work in a big ad agency. After multiple internships, she landed a job in marketing for an Aussie burger brand, and quickly found her area of interest—social media.

Almost two years later, Ellen was contacted by the Marketing Manager at Smiling Mind and made the move to the rapidly growing not-for-profit tech startup at the end of 2019.

Ellen is passionate about her role as Social and Communities Manager at Smiling Mind, and manages all social channels including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and, more recently, TikTok. “It has been incredibly rewarding working in the mental health space at a time where people need our services the most! I’m proud to have played a role in helping support 2.2 million Aussies in the last year alone and look forward to extending our impact as Smiling Mind continues to grow”.

Thanks, Ellen, for your outstanding contribution to the mental health arena!

Claire Brown (OH 2013)

Claire is Senior Campaign Manager at Birchal, Australia’s leading equity crowdfunding platform. Claire joined the company back in early 2019 as their second hire, six months after it acquired its intermediary licence. Since then, Birchal has raised over $50 million for more than 97 Australian companies, where every day Australians can buy shares in private and unlisted public companies.

Originally undertaking an undergraduate degree in Film and Television, Claire continues to be passionate about sharing the inspiring stories of companies she works with and to help break down the knowledge barriers for investors who are making their first foray into the world of business. Managing people, relationships, being incredibly organised and relishing in project-based tasks are her key strengths. Claire continues to love her job, is thriving in the team environment and is excited to be a part of this rapidly expanding startup.

Claire’s path prior to this role included taking a gap year to work in Poland in 2014, travelling overseas, completing her undergraduate studies at Swinburne, living in Germany, interning at Matchbox Pictures and completing a Masters of Entrepreneurship at the University of Melbourne.

Outside of work, Claire wanted to take on a new challenge and is engaging her entrepreneurial skills to launch her ‘sidehustle’ as a marriage celebrant. Already getting booked for 2022, she’ll be complete with her studies by the end of 2021. In her words, what nicer way to spend your time than helping two people celebrate their love with their family and friends?

If Claire was to give advice to her younger self leaving school today, it would be: > Work out what you are good at—not in terms of school subjects, but ways of thinking. Are you a people person? Do you like working in teams? Do you like tackling problems or are you happy to follow the rules? Your career might change, but your core strengths will always serve you, so look inwards and have a think about what they are! > Some people work to live or live to work.

You can be either and be successful— and yes, Dad, there are other professions out there over medicine! > Be ok that your skills, dreams, ambitions may change throughout your life. Who cares? It’s your life, never feel like you’re letting someone else’s expectations down. As long as you’re happy and wake up pumped for the day ahead you’re winning! > People recognise when you’ve tried to do the right thing and produce the best work you can. Always try to be your best and doors will open for you! > Fortune favours the optimists! Be happy, treat people well and say YES to the opportunities that pop up in your path!

Baby Sophie

Welcome to the world

Matthew Mitchell (OH 2011) and Stephanie Wilson (OH 2010) welcomed their beautiful baby, Sophie Kate Mitchell, to the world on 29 September 2021 at 10.15 pm.

Congratulations to Bronte Dawson (OH 2012) and her loving partner, Jack McNaughton, who recently welcomed the adorable Billy Michael Malcolm McNaughton to the world. Baby Billy arrived 11 days early and Bronte and Jack couldn’t be more in love if they tried.

Congratulations to you all and best wishes for this exciting journey ahead.

In loving memory

The Old Haileyburians Association is always saddened when we hear of the passing of members. We choose to celebrate their lives through our In Loving Memory articles. We encourage the Haileybury community to take a moment to read through the articles and share in the celebration of life.

In recent months, we are saddened by the passing of the following Old Haileyburians: > Cameron Dale (OH 2009) Cameron sadly passed away peacefully on

August 30 at the Gold Coast University

Hospital after a sudden illness.

Cameron’s partner, Jessica Watson, and his parents Sue, Mark (OH ’73) and sister Alison (OH 2011) were all by his side. Cam was a vibrant young man with a passion for sailing and according to sister Alison he was “a young man who brought joy to so many, always making time for his family and friends.”

Our thoughts are with Jessica, the Dale family as well as Cameron’s cousin, Sam

Christie-Sherrill (a Year 12 student at

our City campus) during this incredibly difficult time. > Graham Drake (OH ’67) > Malcolm Evans (OH ’55) > Bruce Healey (OH '65) > Ben Langford-Jones (OH ’95) Ben sadly passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest at work. Ben was a much-loved member of our community, a man of great humour, warmth and spirit who brightened the lives of those around him. Ben was Old Haileybury Football

Club Under 19s runner and was an adored mentor to these players. The love these players had for Ben was unprecedented, and in tough times he was a rock for many of them struggling with the issues COVID has dished up, regularly checking in on them with calls and texts which was greatly appreciated and needed. Our thoughts are with the entire Langford-Jones family and Ben’s huge array of friends during this incredibly difficult time. > Peter Quennell (OH ’66) > Geoffrey Walker (OH ’54) > Bob Whiteway (OH ’50)

OHA

Contacts

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS

Russell Davidson (OH ’86)

russell.davidson@haileybury.vic.edu.au +61 3 9904 6140

DEVELOPMENT & ALUMNI MANAGER

Hayley Denny

hayley.denny@haileybury.vic.edu.au +61 3 9904 6015

DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI COORDINATOR

Kylie Phillips

kylie.phillips@haileybury.vic.edu.au +61 3 9904 6146

DEVELOPMENT OFFICE EVENTS COORDINATOR

Cristina Zannoni

cristina.zannoni@haileybury.vic.edu.au +61 3 9904 6141

WEBSITE

oha.org.au

OHA SOCIALS

@oldhaileyburians

@oldhaileyburians

@haileyburyschool

STAYING CONNECTED FOR LIFE

The Old Haileyburians Association are community focused allies of the School, passionate in staying connected with Alumni and the broader Haileybury Community beyond the School Years. Once a Haileyburian, always a Haileyburian.