For more information about Haileybury visit www.haileybury.com.au
FOLLOW US
@haileybury
@haileybury
@haileybury
@haileyburyschool
SCAN QR CODE to access additional content and videos in the digital edition
Above: Hugo Engele Head of Campus at Newlands with Junior students
Strengthened by four pillars
This issue of the Haileyburian highlights the strength of the four pillars which underpin the Haileybury student experience as they move through the School and out into the world. The pillars are Education Excellence, Social Justice, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship and International Outlook.
Academic excellence sits within the Education Excellence pillar and the stories in this edition cover some elements of the experiential learning program and the incredibly broad co-curricular opportunities for students.
Many Haileybury students have a strong commitment to social justice and this is demonstrated in the lovely story on Haileybury Rendall School graduate and NT Young Australian of the Year, Peter Susanto. It is again shown in the Code Purple story which ties together entrepreneurship, ICT skills and a commitment to building a better society.
We have so many fabulous entrepreneurs in the Haileybury community and the story on MedMate co-founder Ganesh Naidoo is a fine example of this. A traditional path through medicine is tied together with an entrepreneurial spirit.
The story on Haileybury’s two former school captains in Mietta and Zara McDonald is equally inspiring for the next
generation of Haileyburians. Zara has made her mark in the entrepreneurial world with the development of Shameless Media and Mietta noted that her work as a criminal barrister sees her working with the “most marginalised and disadvantaged members of our community.”
We are very proud of these fine Haileyburians who live the concept of making a contribution to the communities in which they live and serve.
At the beginning of the year we were fortunate to welcome Hugo Engele on board as Head of Campus at Newlands, where his leadership and vision will undoubtedly drive continued excellence.
We are also delighted to welcome to the role of Chair of Haileybury – Professor Gregory Whitwell. Professor Whitwell has had a storied academic career and brings great strategic thinking expertise to guide the Board and support Management through the next phase of Haileybury’s evolution. The entire Haileybury Council volunteer their time to support the development of the School. Professor Whitwell is a fine example of a Haileyburian giving back to his school community through time and expertise. We are very appreciative of this.
Derek Scott CEO | Principal
Charting a challenge
Introducing Professor Gregory Whitwell
Haileybury Council Chair, Gregory Whitwell, is an Old Haileyburian who believes in lifelong learning and embracing multiple perspectives in the world of education.
Professor Gregory Whitwell graduated from Haileybury in 1973 and, more than 50 years later, he maintains strong connections to his former school. He credits his years at Haileybury and the teachers who supported him for helping to shape his career as a senior leader in prestigious Australian universities.
Before his retirement in 2022, Professor Whitwell was Dean of the University of Sydney Business School and Chair of CEMS — a global alliance of leading business schools, multinational companies and NGOs. Prior to that he was Deputy Dean and Director of the Graduate School, Faculty of Business and Economics at the University of Melbourne and then Senior Deputy Dean at UNSW Business School.
Professor Whitwell now brings his decades of leadership and his rich understanding of the power of education and innovative teaching to his role as Haileybury Council Chair.
“My years at Haileybury were among the happiest years of my life. What stands out for me is the friends I made. The School also opened my eyes to new ideas and taught me about the importance of a wellrounded education.
“I had teachers who absolutely inspired me, whom I looked up to and who had a deep impact on me. I felt supported but also stretched and challenged. Haileybury sent me down a path that led me to my university career. I feel an enormous debt to this school.”
After graduating, Professor Whitwell completed a Bachelor of Economics at Monash University and then a PhD at the
“I have a very deep affection for Haileybury”
University of Melbourne. His particular interest was economic history and he discovered a passion for teaching, beginning his career as a university lecturer.
“I enjoyed working with students, changing their perspectives, opening them to new ideas and ways of understanding,” says Professor Whitwell.
Throughout his career, Professor Whitwell has championed the power of breaking down silos and sharing perspectives to problem-solve.
“The world is full of complex problems, often there’s no right or wrong answer and addressing these problems requires multiple perspectives. I get excited when I hear someone with a different perspective to me and I like being challenged,” he says.
In his role as Haileybury Council Chair, Professor Whitwell brings a deep commitment to education and an understanding of the challenges facing the education sector in Australia.
“I’ve had a lifetime of leadership roles in education and in large, complex organisations, so I understand advocacy issues, the politics of higher education, how to manage different stakeholders and how to bring about change when needed,” says Professor Whitwell.
Outside his commitment to Haileybury, Professor Whitwell is a proud grandfather to one-year-old Edmund. The arrival of his first grandchild has also inspired Professor Whitwell’s passion to continue to have an impact on the world of education.
“I think a lot about the kind of world Edmund will live in and what kind of person he will become,” says Professor Whitwell.
“I think if I share one piece of advice with my grandson when he is older it will be that whenever you make decisions about what you are going to do next, make sure you give yourself options. Always open up to other possibilities so you can move in different directions throughout your life.”
35 Years of Edrington
Left: Jeanette Rawlings (Head of Edrington) with students
Thirty-eight years ago, in 1985, Haileybury secured six and a half hectares of prime land in Berwick, foreseeing a need for a school in this expanding residential area. This purchase set the stage for the establishment of Haileybury’s third campus, Haileybury Edrington.
After the acquisition of land, attention turned to creating a comprehensive complex for the Junior School in the picturesque surroundings. The first phase, completed in time for the 1989 school year, welcomed the inaugural group of students, a modest enrolment of forty-five boys. Though small by today’s standards, these numbers would have thrilled Charles Rendall, Haileybury’s founder, in 1892.
All Haileybury campuses boast unique characteristics and architectural personalities, and Berwick’s landscape is no exception to the rule. Among the trees and greenery, earthy brick structures with terracotta tiles, featuring distinctive timber trusses and spacious cathedral ceilings in classrooms, evoke feelings of warmth, security, and a sense of connection to nature.
As the 1990s began, Berwick’s enrolment grew to 121 boys, with plans for secondary education to be offered due to demand. Early in this new decade a number of
construction projects took place, rapidly expanding the School facilities to include playing fields, courts, science and visual arts buildings, and additional classrooms.
By 1992, Berwick stood on the southeastern outskirts of Melbourne, reminiscent of the position Brighton Beach held when Haileybury College was established in 1892.
John Twist, the inaugural Headmaster of Edrington, affectionately dubbed the Baron of Berwick at the time, once described the campus’s persona as one of profound belonging, a standout structure in beautiful surroundings. Despite the campus’s evolution and the burgeoning sense of community it fostered, John astutely acknowledged the prevalent challenges. “Parents, at that time, were paying full Haileybury fees for fewer facilities,” he noted. Nonetheless, it stood as a testament to the Haileybury name, and the relationships John had forged with the local community.
Eventually, an additional 20 hectares of land surrounding the existing property were acquired, taking the total campus size to nearly 27 hectares. This expansion
opened new avenues for the construction of buildings, playing fields, and eventually a large auditorium named after John Twist himself.
Gary Shiell, an integral member of the Berwick staff for 34 of the past 35 years, has been a firsthand witness of the campus’s transformation. Initially serving as a teacher in Mathematics, Science and Geography, for a time Gary also shouldered the responsibility of overseeing IT infrastructure on campus. He fondly remembers the era when students would venture across the street for Physical Education classes before the campus had the grounds it has today.
Reflecting on the community, Gary attributed its origins to John Twist. “He knew lots of people in the area and started the community spirit,” Gary remarked. It was well established by John in 1989 that community-minded mentality was going to be the way forward for Berwick, and it has stayed that way for over three decades.
Along with the changing grounds, the Head of Campus role has also changed hands many times over the years, including to the likes of the late Peter Bennett, John Fleming and Kristy Kendall and more recently, Jeanette Rawlings who is marking her eighth year in the role.
Today, the campus has just shy of 1,000 students.
Top left: Michael Aikman surveys Edrington site, 1985
Top right: John Twist Hall, 2004
Centre: Girls softball premiership, Berwick playing fields 2024
Darwin
NT Young Australian of the Year
Peter Susanto (OH 2021) has never underestimated the value of hard work. Neither has he overlooked the importance of remaining humble and helping the people around him. Those traits and his commitment to helping to build strong and inclusive communities in his hometown of Darwin have earned Peter the prestigious 2024 NT Young Australian of the Year accolade.
Graduating as Dux of Haileybury Rendall School in 2021 with an exceptional ATAR despite being the youngest in his cohort, he is now pursuing a Bachelor of Clinical Science at Charles Darwin University. Inspired partly by Dr Albert Foreman, his family doctor, who is one of the country’s oldest practising physicians at the age of 93, and Peter’s own passion for neuroscience, Peter aims to pursue a career in medicine, focusing on neurology and radiology. His upbringing in a supportive family and the Darwin community has heavily influenced his dedication to helping others.
Throughout his schooling at Haileybury Rendall School, Peter made the most of every opportunity available including representing the School in swimming,
speaking at special events including Reconciliation Day and Harmony Day, and entering numerous competitions. He even went on to become the NT’s first national champion in the Australian Brain Bee Challenge, a neuroscience competition.
Despite his busy schedule, he continues his community involvement, swimming for Nightcliff Swimming Club and raising funds for charity with his sister Eva (Year 12). “Every Sunday evening since 2015, Eva and I have raised funds for a different charity by selling our grandma’s delicious Indonesian snacks on the Nightcliff Foreshore,” said Peter.
If you find yourself in Darwin, we recommend a visit to the market.
China Welcome back Yanni!
Yanni Galanis joined Haileybury Tianjin as International Principal in 2016. Now, after eight years in China, he is back in Australia, bringing with him a wealth of experiences. Reflecting on his experience at Haileybury Tianjin, Yanni spoke to us about the highlights of working and teaching internationally.
”One of the most memorable experiences was navigating the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Yanni remarked. “The resilience and adaptability of our school community during this time were truly inspiring. We worked together as one cohesive unit to ensure the safety of our staff and students while transitioning to online learning.”
Online
A day in
the life
Among the many yearly events he cherished, including Chinese New Year celebrations, Yanni highlighted the Graduation Ceremony. “Watching our students, who had grown and developed over the years, confidently walk across the stage to receive their graduation certificates was an emotional and fulfilling experience,” he recalled.
When asked about advice for teachers considering working abroad, Yanni emphasised embracing cultural differences and maintaining work-life
balance. “Teaching in another country can expand your horizons and provide invaluable experiences,” he said.
Upon settling back into Australian life, Yanni has found the adjustment intriguing. “It has been wonderful reconnecting with family and friends and rediscovering local culture,” he noted. “Working with former colleagues and getting to know new staff has strengthened my sense of being back home professionally. The educational environment in Melbourne has evolved significantly, especially with technological advancements, necessitating some adjustments. My experiences in China have enriched my perspective on education and life, and I find myself integrating these insights into my work here in Melbourne.”
This year, the International Principal role at Haileybury Tianjin has been taken up by Renee Coventry, who has contributed to the education field for nearly 20 years, spending more than half of those at schools in China. We look forward to seeing her flourish in the role!
It is a common misconception that online learning creates a sense of disconnect. Many people assume that without faceto-face interaction, students miss out on the social aspects of education and lack the engagement that bricks-and-mortar classrooms bring.
This, however, could not be further from the truth. In the digital hallways of Haileybury Pangea, every day is filled with unique activities designed purposefully to engage online learners.
From spirited debates in English class to collaborative activities in science,
classes buzz with conversation. Despite the distance that separates them, students bond over shared interests and chosen classes.
Our very own Melissa Allen (Head of Teaching and Learning, Middle School) recently spent a day learning as a Haileybury Pangea student, attending their classes and participating in assignments.
Melissa kicked off her day with a Year 8 Science lesson, diving into a hands-on activity crafting a cell diagram with paper, glue stick, pencil and scissors. Next up was English, featuring a traditional hard-copy
essay assessment. Despite the digital age, the class reverted to pen and paper, submitting photocopies of their essays at class end.
But here is the best part: the end of class is not the end of the story. Although students have plenty of allotted time to do self-guided study, many students enjoy meeting up for lunch club every second Tuesday, an initiative started by Year 12 captains Sean and Maddy. The sessions are a chance for students to get to know each other better and to share their news and highlights of the past two weeks.
“The lunch-time drop-ins are an opportunity for anyone to ask questions and get to know one another, and Sean and I can find out what students want introduced into our community so we can do our best to achieve that,” Maddy shared.
Head over to the digital edition to catch Melissa's Day in the Life video
utside the classroom
t started with an early morning bus ride to the forests of the Rubicon Valley and ended with newfound confidence and friendships. Earlier this year, Year 7 Haileybury students embarked on an adventure to Camp Jungai.
Located in the scenic Rubicon Valley, two hours from Melbourne, Camp Jungai offers unique and engaging education programs providing a range of meaningful and powerful experiences for students, allowing them to connect, challenge themselves and learn outside of school walls.
nights camping in the outdoors.
group camped out under the open sky, while others took to the trail for an overnight hike to Kendall’s campground.
The Year 7s faced challenges head-on, with many setting up tents for the first time, working together to prepare and cook their dinner within allocated roles, and persevering through relentless rain on the first day. Each group managed to get each other through despite the cold and testing conditions.
Students switched locations after the first evening, and those who had braved the hike were welcomed back to hot showers and a tasty meal at the Jungai lodge.
Over the next two days, students delved into a diverse array of activities, including hiking, bushcraft, canoeing and high ropes. Meanwhile, cultural sessions led by Aunty, a First Nations representative from the Taungurung people, offered invaluable insights into indigenous culture, from bush tucker to storytelling.
The end of the camp was marked by reflection sessions, where students shared their experiences and lessons learned.
"Camps such as these are a fantastic way to test resilience whilst being
Kendall’s campground. Despite the cold weather, he made friends along the way and together they were able to make it through the night in positive spirits. “For the next Year 7 students going to this camp, definitely bring a lot of warm gear!” he advised.
“By far the funniest and hardest challenge, though, was getting into the canoe. Many people weren’t trying to get wet, so they did a little jump and ended up splashing water onto themselves,” Ray recollected.
sentiments, telling us he had never canoed before. “It was really fun even though there were many times I almost fell in.” Will’s most memorable and challenging moment, however, was cooking food for the group on the camping stove whilst at Kendall’s campground.
Ben Ashkenazi, Deputy Head of Boys Middle School (Newlands), said, “Camps
such as these are a fantastic way to test resilience whilst being away from the comforts of home. The experience helps to build confidence through taking controlled risks, such as overcoming their fear of heights to conquer the high ropes. It also encourages teamwork, aiding the students to help each other have a positive experience.”
Jeremy (Year 7) enjoyed trying to throw a boomerang for the first time. “It was fun, but challenging at the same time,” he said. “One piece of advice I would give to next year’s Year 7 campers would be to try new things. Every experience is one of a kind so you should give it a go, even if you are hesitant. Push yourself out of your comfort zone. If you don’t try, you will never know what you like. The staff from both OEG and Haileybury were super supportive and helpful, so don’t feel hesitant to talk to them if you feel uncomfortable.”
Code purple
ICT Young Explorers competition
Picture this: a world where students are creating better ways to recycle, developing programs to support people with disabilities, building entire operating systems and designing robots from the future — it may sound like a stretch, but this is exactly what students from all over Australia are doing every year. Welcome to the Young ICT Explorers competition, an annual event encouraging secondary school students across the country to solve real-world problems using technology.
Since 2015, Haileybury has been an active participant in the Young ICT Explorers competition, and the reasons behind Haileybury’s involvement are as varied as they are compelling. At its core, the competition represents a national platform for showcasing innovative applications of technology in addressing real-world challenges. For Haileybury students, it offers a unique opportunity to delve into an array of technological solutions, hone their programming skills, and contribute meaningfully to solving pressing societal issues.
The success of Haileybury in the Young ICT Explorers competition is a combination of talented students and supportive staff. Led by teachers Damian Del Vecchio and Gerard O’Dwyer, and through programs like Curious Minds, students engage in hands-on learning experiences that foster creativity, collaboration and critical thinking skills.
In March 2024, Milana (Year 9) was awarded the top prize in the 2023 Young ICT Explorer’s competition Years 7–8 division with her project titled Purple. By harnessing cutting-edge AI technology, Purple addresses the mental health needs of adolescents in Australia, offering a confidential and supportive platform for seeking assistance. Purple analyses user data to suggest suitable experiences from outside providers.
Above: Milana, Year 9 Keysborough student
The app also uses brand new technology from Soul Machines to present Violet — your very own virtual friend that users can talk to through their microphone and camera.
“The inspiration for my project came from a personal interest in creating an AI app to help my generation deal with challenges being thrown at them. I’ve found that personally, I don’t find it very comfortable to go to adults or speak out when I feel pressure at school and in other areas of my life,” Milana shared.
“The anonymity and security of the app provides other people facing struggles in life with an outlet, knowing their data is safe and that there is no other person on the other side of the screen
Initial submissions to the competition are judged on creativity, quality and completeness, complexity and documentation. Short listed teams from each state will then be invited to a virtual judging round where students present their project to a panel of industry experts.
Reflecting on her journey, Milana’s dedication to technology and innovation shines through. “As a previous Captain of STEM at my campus and a huge technology enthusiast, I’ve been interested in coding ever since I was 7, working my way through beginner coding challenges and slowly leaning into other programming languages as I moved forward. I joined DigiTech Explorers as soon as the opportunity came in Year 7.
“I’ve always known I wanted to be a doctor, and through my development of Purple my interest in the medical field has only increased. After Haileybury, I look forward to attending university and indulging myself in the study of medicine and endocrinology so I can become a specialist in the field one day.”
Game changers
In a world teeming with sporting choices, choosing one to make your mark in can be quite the challenge. For Haileybury students alone there are nearly 40 different sports available across their Middle and Senior school years to select from. Despite this, it’s inspiring to see the dedication Haileybury students put towards their sporting efforts year after year, and it's a privilege to celebrate their accomplishments. Below we are proud to share just three of their stories.
Putting to perfection
The sport of golf offers a fantastic balance between individual performance and team solidarity. Whilst the patience and concentration that the green requires may not be for everyone, at Haileybury, the 2024 golf season stood out as a significant one. Led by captain Lenny (Year 11), the team have been working hard to brush up on their skills.
“We were so lucky this year to be able to train at the prestigious Kingston Heath Golf Club, where we would spend our Tuesday afternoons learning, practicing and refining our games, constantly asking Kingston Heath Professional, Tom Evans questions,” Lenny shared.
On 29 April, a four-member team, consisting of Rehan (Year 9), Adam (Year 10), Kyle (Year 9), and Lenny, competed in the AGSV / APS / BAS annual Inter-Association Golf Championship. Despite facing adverse weather conditions marked by wind and rain, the team delivered an admirable performance.
Team scores:
> Rehan 76, 5 over par
> Adam 80, 9 over par
> Kyle 79, 8 over par
> Lenny 70, 1 under par
The team’s effort stood out in a field of 72 players, with only eight rounds under 80 strokes, three of which were achieved by Haileybury. Haileybury emerged victorious with a score of 225, outshining Brighton Grammar (230), Ballarat Grammar (239), and Scotch College (242).
Previously, Haileybury clinched the team championship in 2017 and 2021.
Tapping into touch
On a slightly smaller green, Haileybury has also been making its mark in touch football. For those who are more familiar with AFL and rugby, which involve physical tackles and contests to gain possession of the ball on a larger field, touch football is a non-contact sport played on a small field, where players simply touch their opponents to end possession.
In 2011 only 10 Haileybury girls in Years 7 and 8 were playing touch football. Now, in 2024, 120 students in Years 9–12 play touch football each week, and seven Haileybury girls have been selected to represent the State at the upcoming National Youth Championships in Coffs Harbour; three in the Under 14s and four in the Under 16s.
Jamie McCracken (Head of Girls Touch) speaks very highly of the team:
“I love working with the squad because they always support each other, play as a team and have fun.” Jamie was introduced to the sport many years ago as a rugby player.
“We played it as a way of improving our ball handling skills. I love the sport because it is the ultimate team sport; everyone attacks and everyone defends, so no one is left standing alone waiting for the game to come to them.”
Despite fielding a young team this year, with only four Year 12 players — of whom one was new to the First team — the girls displayed remarkable
willpower throughout the season. Finishing fourth in their division, their improvement was incredible to see.
On the day of the finals, Haileybury found themselves with a smaller team than usual. “It put many of the younger players in the spotlight and they truly rose to the occasion, reaching the semi-finals,” Jamie shared.
Alessia (Year 9), one of these standout players, was welcomed to the First team when she was only in Year 8. She has remarkable passing and spatial awareness skills and has since been selected for the Victorian Under 16s Rugby 7s team.
Dancing in the spotlight
Moving off the field and on to the stage, Haileybury Dance is another sport boasting a vibrant community of approximately 110 students from Years 7 to 12, with an additional 80 Years 5 and 6 students, and hundreds of Prep to Year 4s engaging in the program as an extracurricular activity.
Training sessions occur twice weekly for Years 7 and 8 and Senior School Dance Teams, utilising facilities at Keysborough and a nearby dance studio.
Participating in the TFT Dance Star Competition from April to August annually, Haileybury Dance competes at Regional, State and National levels.
It is with great pride that we can say all Senior School teams and three out of four Years 7 and 8 Teams medalled at Nationals in 2023, securing five championships and numerous soloists earning medals or titles.
Beyond the competitions, Sam Drury (Head of Dance) has nothing but praise for her students. “Haileybury dancers are probably some of the most hardworking students at school. They are always present at training; I never have to follow up absences. I never doubt their commitment and passion. It is my privilege to work with such an incredible group of young ladies. They impress me every week at training and my goodness, on stage, they are a force!”
Bmembers graced the Aikman stage with a riveting rendition of The Addams Family. Audiences enjoyed a delightful tribute to Charles Addams’ iconic characters, with Director Nick Waxman (Head of Drama) d rawing inspiration from Addams’ original quirky sketches.
Visually, the staging and costumes paid homage to the classic black and white aesthetic of the 1960s television series while cleverly incorporating bursts of colour to symbolise the eccentricity of the Addams lineage. This colour contrast symbolises the family’s distinctiveness in a conventional world, mirroring their approach to life where the bizarre becomes the norm. In contrast, the Beineke family, as the narrative’s
It's not all black and white!
outsiders, are envisioned through a lens of pop art and traditional American preppy silhouettes.
Set design proved equally impressive in its vision, transforming the stage into a dynamic tableau that transitioned from sombre gravesite to spectacular mansion.
Props brought the show to life and kept the audience guessing with the inclusion of ‘jigsaw’ magic tricks (sawing young Pugsley Addams in half), and the dramatic descent of a giant moon from the ceiling.
Behind the scenes, the process of bringing the sets to life was a meticulous and collaborative effort that began well over a year in advance. The creative team (Nick Waxman, Nicole Smith, Candice Anderson, Emma Ford and Matthew Sanderson) initially met to discuss the dramatic vision for the show and brainstorm possibilities.
“This was then refined over a number of weeks and some external providers were engaged to determine what was possible in our space,” said Nick. “We created mood boards, gathered inspiration images and combined ideas to create unique but cohesive props, costumes, sets, makeup and choreography.”
Central to the production’s success was the cast’s interpretation of the beloved characters, particularly in key scenes such as the introspective ‘Pulled’, where Wednesday’s inner turmoil was brilliantly portrayed by both casts. This decision to employ a double cast not only showcased the depth of talent within the School community, but also provided a unique opportunity for multiple performers to bring their own interpretation to these iconic roles. Each evening truly was a unique experience.
Nick noted, “We strive for industry standards in our productions, creating a professional-level experience for our students.
“My thanks and admiration go to Alexis (Year 11) for working with two different casts over six nights, and ensuring each show was dynamic, energised and nuanced. What a delight!
“Likewise, I am very proud of Ruby (Year 11) for managing the dance numbers when some of the cast were unwell.” His gratitude extends to the whole cast for working so hard to make this fabulous show a success.
When asked to summarise the show in one sentence, Nick said, “It was inspiring and fulfilling seeing these developing performers rise so spectacularly to deliver such an energised, funny and heart-filled show.”
Looking ahead, auditions were recently conducted for the 2024 Senior School play, the Australian premiere of Was & Will Be, a First Nations Anthology. Written to be performed by actors from any background, this work aspires to provide opportunities for non-indigenous performers to share, present and celebrate First Nations stories. Developed with support and guidance from established Indigenous playwrights, this show is a first of its kind. As it is a series of ‘open scripts’ without specified characters it can be played by 10 or 100 actors, and we look forward to seeing our Senior students on stage once more in August!
Head over to the digital edition to catch a video spotlighting The Addams Family
Clean Up Australia Day
Social justice initiatives, such as Clean Up Australia Day, are important in contributing to community wellbeing and fostering a sense of hands-on responsibility towards environmental stewardship. Earlier this year Dickinson House students and Haileybury Pangea students arranged Clean-Up Australia Day events as part of their social justice initiatives.
Nate (Year 12) highlighted the broader significance of participating in initiatives like Clean Up Australia Day, emphasising its role in nurturing a healthier and more vibrant community.
“The act of cleaning public spaces not only benefits the environment but also sets a positive example for others to follow. It’s a way of giving back to the community and contributing to a much healthier and wider cause. It sets a good example for us and others to follow; to better the community and do things that others may not be willing to do. The boys felt positive after cleaning up public spaces that we use often,” Nate said.
Vice-Captain of Dickinson House, Anthony (Year 12), echoes the sentiment, emphasising the sense of pride experienced during the clean-up efforts. “It was a really good feeling to clean up our local community, not just because of how
much rubbish we managed to collect, but to see all of the Dickinsonians who gave up their time on a Sunday morning to come and help clean up.”
Flynn (Year 12), Captain of Dickinson House, spent time in the lead up to the event rallying fellow Dickinsonians to participate.
“It was a really good feeling to clean up our local community, not just because of how much rubbish we managed to collect, but to see all of the Dickinsonians who gave up their time on a Sunday morning to come and help clean up.”
“In the lead up to the event, I communicated the importance of the event and stressed the significance of attending with my fellow house mates.
“Right before the event I gathered everyone on top of the rotunda and thanked the large number of Dickinsonians for coming. I then mentioned that this is our area, and we should take pride in keeping it clean. After doing so we headed down for instructions from the event manager.”
Maddy (Year 12) and Sean (Year 12), are the School Captains at Haileybury Pangea and participated from their local areas. “We were both passionate about starting up more social justice initiatives at Haileybury Pangea,” they said. “Clean Up Australia Day seemed like the right fit for Haileybury Pangea as it was something that was easy
access to everyone in the Haileybury Pangea community, and a way we could utilise our Australia-wide network to encourage greater change than what would be possible at one singular location.”
The duo made Clean Up Australia a weekend-long event, where members of the Haileybury Pangea community, wherever they were, picked up rubbish and did their best to make the environment better. Maddy went to her local park to clean up any rubbish she could find. “When I got there, I was surprised at how clean it was, but under further investigation and the help of my dogs, I managed to fill up two garbage bags.”
Sean attended a regatta in Ballarat, allowing him to meet up with other Haileybury Pangea students, where together they enjoyed cleaning up an area with family and friends.
As Maddy and Sean suggest, the key to meaningful participation lies in taking the first step.
“A little goes a long way in the sense that just five minutes of your time spent cleaning up an area makes such a difference, and in doing so can also inspire others to clean up as well,” Maddy said.
Well done to all Haileyburians who participated in this year’s Clean Up Australia initiative!
Cultivating a community of giving
For over 130 years Haileybury staff have been making a significant impact on the lives of our students, and in 2023 Haileybury’s academic results were once again amongst the best in the nation. Small class sizes, diversity of curriculum offerings and parallel education have all played a large role, however, it is the dedication, care and brilliant teaching of Haileybury’s staff that has been a huge contributor to these results.
Just over four years ago, the Workplace Giving Program commenced, allowing staff to contribute to the Haileybury Scholarship Fund. Within six months, Haileybury Foundation’s first ever Workplace Giving Scholarship was awarded. Fast forward to today, almost 100 staff contribute to this program, and a second student has now been provided with a scholarship.
When asked why he gave to the program, Senior School teacher Adam McCarthy referenced that “a Haileybury education
The current recipients of this program are Faith (Year 11) and Eshara (Year 12). Faith has attended Haileybury’s City campus since Year 7, whilst Eshara commenced as a Year 10 student. Eshara is now a House Captain at Keysborough whilst Faith has enjoyed great success in the Sport and
Assistant Dean of Staff at Brighton, Mark Lockwood says that “the initial information regarding Faith’s background story was enough to remind me that we generally breathe pretty rare air and it is nice to offer someone else the opportunity to do so. Faith’s story and subsequent updates provided strong motivation.”
The program has been life-changing for students facing economic hardship.
Jan Munro, a teacher from Brighton explains that she donates to the program “as it is incredibly uplifting and rewarding. I am very proud of the work we do as teachers and know what a difference this program can make to the life of someone who would otherwise be unable to access this opportunity.”
We are grateful to all staff who have contributed to this fund over the past four years. They are not only changing lives but are also shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for generations to come.
If you would like to support the Haileybury Foundation through a donation, please scan the QR code.
Above: Workplace giving staff with scholarship recipients
An interview with Bill Waters
Celebrating half a century
For fifty remarkable years, Bill Waters has been a spirited presence within the halls of Haileybury. Joining the staff in 1974, Bill's journey coincided with the arrival of Michael Aikman, an Olympic rower whose towering stature and commanding presence set the tone for the ambitious vision he had for Haileybury.
Bill will always remember the first thing Aikman said was “I plan to run a tight ship.” He was a man of ambition who wanted to make Haileybury a top elite school.
In those early days, Haileybury was a far cry from the sprawling campus we know today. With only a handful of buildings— including the main administration building, McGregor library, classroom buildings Weatherly and Clements, and a gymnasium,— “there was no great hall, no chapel, no swimming pool or lecture theatre. The School stood as an island amidst the surrounding farms and gardens.” Bill reminisced.
It was against this backdrop that Bill began his role at McGregor library, later moving to the newly established Newlands library in 1979. Bill spent 12 years heading up Newlands library and considers these years 12 of the most enjoyable in his career.
Although Bill's tenure saw the rise of iconic structures like the Aikman Hall and the Chapel, alongside the nurturing of the Performing Arts under the stewardship of Stewart Bell, it was in the library that Bill truly left his mark. In 1991 Bill applied for the role of Senior Librarian back at McGregor Library. Without hesitation or an interview, Michael Aikman appointed Bill with the position, and it was here Bill spearheaded a revitalisation project that transformed the dim and dated space into a modern hub of learning, complete with expanded areas and brightly painted walls.
“It was a hectic time; hectic because computers were just beginning to come in, and students were starting to use technology for their studies. The library became an audio-visual centre combined with a book centre”.
Yet, perhaps the greatest transformation came with the arrival of Dr Robert Pargetter as principal in 1999.
"Michael Aikman had completed 25 years at Haileybury and had run an extremely successful school. At that time there was a collective move against the highly disciplined way of running a school. Aikman and Pargetter were chalk and cheese. From the moment Dr Pargetter arrived he wanted to soften the harsh image of the school,” Bill shared.
With a vision for a more inclusive and diverse school, Dr Pargetter ushered in a new era of change, where Bill watched a broader subject selection come to life, including subjects such as Information Technology and Food Technology, alongside the introduction of parallel education.
Beyond academia, Bill's passion for sports is also immense. From coaching cricket and football in the early days to leading the Firsts tennis team to victory and being declared Best Victorian Tennis School, his influence has extended far beyond the library shelves.
When Bill wrapped up his library career in 2010, he looked forward to a greater degree of flexibility in his schedule. It was then that Derek Scott, current CEO and Principal, presented him with the opportunity to become the Head of Archives — a role that Bill feels incredibly privileged to continue to hold to this day.
Head over to the digital edition to catch a video spotlighting
Bill Waters
From the President
MILLIE HOGBEN (OH 2013) President of the Old Haileyburians Association
It has been a busy few months here at the OHA. Time flies, and before we know it, students transition from walking the halls of Haileybury to becoming part of our global alumni family that continues to grow and thrive. Here at the OHA, our members are at the heart of everything we do. Beyond reunions, the OHA offers a vast array of services and programs that enable opportunity and connectivity for our members.
With many OHA Councillors new to their roles last year, our initial focus has been on establishing strong foundations to better cater to the evolving needs of our diverse member community. Over the past 12 months, the OHA has refreshed our strategy and structure, clarified Councillors’ responsibilities, implemented new governance practices, and embraced new ways of working. This shift has invigorated our approach, empowering us to adapt to the evolving needs of our member network.
Building on this groundwork, we have introduced a suite of new services designed to elevate member experiences and opportunities. Approximately 40 alumni from the class of 2023 have utilised the OHA Study Relocation Fund, providing financial support for those relocating for study across 19 different universities after graduation. We have run two successful Hearts on Fire events, where previous students share tips on making the most of Year 12 and their experiences beyond school. The OHA’s support of the Haileybury–Rendall Exchange Program is now in its second year, assisting another four families visiting their children on exchange.
I recently met several Haileybury Rendall graduates at the OHA HRS Melbourne Event, where the sense of connection among their peer community shone through. The OHA Award will be presented for the first time this year to a 2024 graduate who embodies the essence of ‘staying connected’ and contributes to the Haileybury community.
Looking ahead, we are excited to bring to life several new initiatives. This includes a Professional Development Fund to support growth opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible, and proactively funding OHA Clubs to set them up for success as they kick off their respective sporting seasons. We are also exploring the establishment of an entrepreneurship community and associated grants program and will seek input and interest from our community in the coming months. Lastly, I am looking forward to our upcoming Sursum Corda Business Leaders event later in the year, where our panellists will explore the trending topic of technology-enabled business transformation.
As you embark on your journey as graduates, we encourage you to reach out, engage with us, and know that we are here to support you. To those across our community who keep in touch, share your story, and lend your passion and ideas to the OHA, we say thank you. As always, remember to stay connected.
OHA contacts
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS
Russell Davidson (OH 1986)
russell.davidson@haileybury.com.au
+61 3 9904 6140
DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OPERATIONS LEAD
Kylie Phillips
kylie.phillips@haileybury.com.au
+61 3 9904 6615
DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
EVENTS COORDINATOR
Cristina Zannoni
cristina.zannoni@haileybury.com.au
+61 3 9904 6141
DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT AND DATA COORDINATOR
James Green
james.green@haileybury.com.au
+61 3 9904 6000
OHA COUNCIL
President: Millie Hogben (OH 2013)
Vice-Presidents: James Kemper (OH 2012)
Clayton Ford (OH 1991)
Treasurer: Ian Clydesdale (OH 1977)
Councillors: Melissa Allen (OH 2009)
Pavneet Arneja (OH 2006)
Cooper Ford (OH 2023)
Brenton Loughnan (OH 2012)
Simge Ozkul (OH 2015)
Brad Petry (OH 2001)
Shankar Pillai (OH 2006)
Zara Scammell (OH 2022)
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.
OUR VALUES
Staying Connected: Physically, emotionally and virtually by caring for community beyond Haileybury
Supporting Dreams: Through mentorship, networking and connection
Providing a Home: With a place of belonging and purpose giving meaning to like-minded members
OHA Medallists
Australia Day honours
Congratulations to Dr Glen Farrow (OH 1977), who has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his exceptional services to military medicine and patient safety. A well-deserved recognition on Australia Day!
For the first time in the OHA’s history, joint winners were awarded the OHA Medal.
Congratulations to John Gollings OAM (OH 1962) and Professor Rod Hicks AM (OH 1976) who received the OHA’s highest honour in recognition and appreciation of exceptional achievement to the community beyond expectation in their field of endeavour.
John is a photographer specialising in the built environment, including the documentation of both ancient and modern cities around the world. He is considered one of the most interesting of Australia’s architectural documenters, characterised by strong formal composition but with a didactic and wider, contextual viewpoint, a lot of it from the air. Holding a Master of Architecture from RMIT University, he was the co-creative director of the Australian Pavilion at the Venice Architectural
Biennale. In 2014, John was made adjunct professor in the School of Media and Communications at RMIT University.
Rod is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Melbourne and at Monash University. Professionally, he trained in medicine and surgery (MB BS with Honours) at Monash University and the University of Michigan before receiving a post-graduate Doctor of Medicine from the University of Melbourne. After 30 years at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, where he was the inaugural Director of Cancer Imaging, Rod recently founded a research and development company. As a clinical and laboratory researcher, he has published over 600 peer-reviewed manuscripts and is one of the world’s most highly cited nuclear medicine specialists. Rod is the Editorin-Chief of Cancer Imaging and an International Associate Editor of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.
The Windy City is a long way from where he grew up in Melbourne, but it’s now home for Tory Taylor, (OH 2015). In April 2024, he was drafted by the Chicago Bears and joined the USA’s highprofile National Football League.
Tory became one of a handful of Australian athletes to make the massive leap to the elite NFL – an achievement that came on the back of Tory first moving to the USA in 2020 on a scholarship to play college football for the University of Iowa.
In a few short years, despite America and American football initially being unfamiliar, Tory caught the eye of NFL scouts.
‘Don’t be one of those guys sitting in a bar or a pub in 20 or 30 years saying I should have, I could have, I would have'
“I had no clue where I was going to be drafted and when I received the call from the Bears, I was beside myself” says Tory.
Tory joined Haileybury in Year 9 and sport was an important part of his school life.
“I mainly played soccer, golf and the odd game of footy during my last two years at Haileybury. I remember Aikman House won the 2015 House football that year on the last kick of the day!” says Tory.
After graduating, Tory worked in construction and in a golf pro shop until he began training with Prokick Australia, a program that trains Aussie athletes for college football and the NFL.
Tory, being an international student, could not receive any NIL (Name Image & Likeness) monies from his sport so he opted to donate his earnings to a notfor-profit organisation called Count the Kicks. The charity was founded by five Iowa women who sadly lost babies through stillbirth. It promotes the importance of tracking foetal movement during the last trimester of pregnancy by encouraging expectant mums to download the Count the Kicks app to help monitor their pregnancy.
Tory is settling into his new Chicago home and preparing for his first NFL season, with the first game marked for September. He’s keeping a level head and is managing the pressure by ‘just being me’.
Hard work, commitment and remaining humble have paid off. Last season, Tory broke an 85-year-old National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) record with 4,479 punting yards from 93 attempts.
Tory has certainly come a long way from playing his very first game of college football only nine days after landing in the United States. It was in the middle of the pandemic lockdowns and Tory’s first game against Purdue was played in an empty stadium.
By the time his final season at Iowa came round, Tory was a Hawkeye fan favourite with the 70,000-strong crowd who regularly chanted his name and waved Australian flags in his honour.
“Speaking to my family nearly every day helps me with any homesickness. I do miss family and friends and Melbourne is still the best place in the world for coffee and food,” says Tory.
He’s an advocate for people taking chances and moving out of their comfort zone.
“My Dad told me, ‘Don’t be one of those guys sitting in a bar or a pub in 20 or 30 years saying I should have, I could have, I would have. You either do it or you don’t, and we’ll support you no matter what you do’,” says Tory.
“Don’t stay in your comfort zone all your life. Just try to get out there and do things that are uncomfortable because that’s the only way you’re going to grow.”
The punt pays off
1 1
3
3 4
2
Aerobics team
Cricket Club
Football Club - Bloods
Football Club - Hearts
Bowls Club
Cross Country Club
OHA events
Our events allow the opportunity to connect, reconnect, reminisce and share life journeys. We love the energy created by them and feel privileged to be present to be able to share in these special moments.
Once a Haileyburian, always a Haileyburian.
1. OHA Chapter Dinners
The OHA roadshow rolled through Sydney, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Perth and Singapore late last year. Feedback provided included, “The networking opportunity was exceptional. It was a great chance to connect with fellow Haileyburians, exchange ideas, and learn from each other’s experiences,” and, “I enjoyed the insightful and encouraging update on the School’s progress.” We absolutely love
hosting our Chapter events and staying connected with our interstate and overseas alumni!
2. Class of 1984 – 40 Year Reunion
OHA Events commenced 2024 with a massive turnout from the Class of 1984 for their 40-year reunion at The Deck in Brighton. Laughter, delicious food, and nostalgia filled the room as classmates reminisced about the good old days. A massive shout-out to everyone involved for making it an unforgettable evening.
3. Former Cricketers Event
The sun shone brightly on our former cricket players as they immersed themselves in an afternoon of cricket watching. They thoroughly enjoyed inspecting the pitch and reliving memorable moments from the balcony of the new Langford Pavilion. Thanks to the current First XI players for making these former players welcome.
4. Class of 1979 – 45 Year Reunion
The Class of 1979 celebrated their 45-year reunion in spectacular style at The Prince in St Kilda. It was a joyous evening for all.
5. Ken Phillips Day
The annual Ken Phillips Day was the perfect opportunity to showcase the growth and strength of the First XVIII and the Old Haileybury Football Club. In a keenly contested game, The First XVIII clinched the Cup and the win over the Under 19’s team. With this win, they now lead the games with 14 wins to 13.
6. OHA Berwick and Keysborough Generations Breakfasts
The popular OHA Generations Breakfasts have been held at the Keysborough and Berwick campuses. It was heart-warming to witness grandparents, parents, students and staff come together and celebrate their history at Haileybury. Families were treated to a delicious breakfast and family portrait while listening to talented Haileybury String
Quartets. The entertaining and competitive family Kahoot has been the highlight for many.
A special thank you to John Twist, Haileybury’s first Head of Campus at Berwick, for attending with his stepson, an Old Haileyburian, and grandson who is a current student.
We are looking forward to hosting our OHA Generational families at City and Brighton campuses in the second half of the year.
7. Sincock Cup
Congratulations to the Old Haileybury Cricket Club on winning the annual Sincock Cup trophy against a gallant Haileybury XI on the Rendall Oval. This is a fitting tribute to the former School Captain, Russell Sincock (OH 1966) and his brother, the late Geoff Sincock (OH 1975), who valued sport, friendships and our wonderful network. Well done to both teams for a brilliant game.
8. Hearts on Fire
Our incredible Old Haileyburians shared their valuable tips and tricks for thriving in Year 12, offering guidance and support to our Year 12 Haileybury Girls. Thank you to Mia Leys (OH 2023), Grace Green (OH 2023), Jorgia Mellon (OH 2023), Kaaviyaa Yathavan (OH 2023), Katherine Dekel (OH 2023) and current OHA Councillors, Melissa Allen (OH 2009) and Zara Scammel (OH 2022) for your generous contributions.
9. Former Footballers Event
It was delightful to witness the community support and comradery at the Former First XVIII Footballers event in April. Attendees were particularly impressed with the facilities of the new Langford Pavilion and loved reconnecting and watching from the balcony as the Bloods and Hearts football matches played throughout the day.
10. OHA, Haileybury Foundation and Archives event
More than 50 Old Haileyburians attended the inaugural OHA, Haileybury Foundation and Archives morning tea held in the Jim Brown Centre at Keysborough. It was a journey through time as we showcased Haileybury’s extensive archives collection, listened to captivating presentations, and enjoyed a guided School tour by Year 12 students. Many guests brought in photos and memorabilia which were greatly appreciated.
Please stay tuned for details regarding our second event in October. In the meantime, we are more than happy to have guests pop in to visit so please email stayconnected@ haileybury.com.au if you are interested.
11. HRS Melbourne Dinner
The Haileybury Rendall School (HRS) Melbourne dinner held at the George on Collins restaurant in May was truly memorable. It was a fabulous occasion where HRS alumni living in Melbourne and former HRS staff, including Craig and Kerry Glass, came together for an evening of reconnection and reminiscing.
The message of the evening was clear, no matter which campus of Haileybury you attended or where in the world you live, the OHA is always here to care for and support you. Once a Haileyburian, always a Haileyburian.
12. Class of 2014 – 10 Year Reunion
It was a memorable occasion as the class of 2014 celebrated their 10-year reunion at the Valhalla Bar in Melbourne. It was wonderful to see them sharing stories and fond memories. Thanks to everyone involved for staying connected.
13. Boutique Industry Luncheon with DeanAllen Craig
We were thrilled to have Dean Allen-Craig (OH 1979), a distinguished journalist and video expert, as our guest speaker at the OHA Boutique Industry Luncheon. Attendees were captivated by Dean’s insights into the industry and made the most of the networking opportunities.
Event schedule
OHA Members can access the event schedule here. SCAN QR CODE
30-Year reunion
family legacy ABigg
The Biggs family legacy at Haileybury is a remarkable story that spans four generations and 129 years.
Robert Ramsay (OH 1901) attended Haileybury’s first campus from 1896 to 1901 and won the Mathematics Prize.
Ian Biggs (OH 1968), the grandson of Robert Ramsay, attended Haileybury Keysborough as a student from 1963 to 1968. He has two brothers, Peter and David and together they won the Victorian Interschool Skiing Championship in 1968, and subsequently went on to win a further three times. Peter was also Dux in 1969 and won the Mathematics Prize, amongst many others.
Ian taught at Haileybury Keysborough and Berwick campuses from 1988 until
2011. Whilst he predominantly taught Mathematics and Japanese he was also Head of Castlefield House, Head of Athletics and Head of Skiing. He also coached football, tennis, cricket and basketball and was Head of the inaugural Berwick Senior School Campus.
Ian has two sons, Luke (OH 1994) and Nick (OH 1996). Whilst at Haileybury, Luke won Academic Honours and Nick won Football Honours.
Nick Biggs married Kimberly Young, who currently teaches at Newlands Haileybury and was Head of Middle School Girls. Their daughter, Billie Biggs, was born in 2020 and is attending three-year-old kindergarten at Newlands this year, making her the fourth generation of the Biggs family to attend Haileybury over a 129 year time span.
Dynamic Duo
Sisters Mietta and Zara McDonald were both School Captains who chose very different directions after Haileybury — one pursuing criminal law and the other becoming a media entrepreneur.
Mietta (OH 2010) is a barrister specialising in criminal law, and a footy coach in her spare time.
Mietta: I started playing soccer when I was 11 or 12 and represented Victoria a few times, and it was partly my love of sport that drew me to Haileybury. I stopped playing soccer not long after leaving school and switched to football. While I retired as a player last year, I still coach.
I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do after school so I studied Arts Law at Monash. It was only in the final few years of uni that I realised I was interested in Criminal Law. Learning about people’s different stories and lives interested me. It was fascinating to learn why people behaved the way they did.
I got an associateship with a judge in the County Court who specialised in crime and then I worked as a solicitor and I became a barrister three years ago.
To cope with that I make sure I have balance. I work hard but I have family, a social life — and football — and my connection to Haileybury is still strong, as last year I married Lachy Steinfort who was Haileybury Vice-Captain in 2010. We are expecting our first baby in October.
Zara (OH 2012) studied journalism and is co-founder of the successful youth media company, Shameless Media.
When I was at Haileybury I enjoyed Humanities and I really wanted to go into journalism. I have vivid memories of reading magazines and Sunday newspaper supplements as a kid and I wanted to be part of that world.
After studying at RMIT I joined Mamamia as a writer for a few years. During that time, outside of work, I started the Shameless podcast with my co-founder, Michelle Andrews.
Many of my clients are the most marginalised and disadvantaged members of our community so I find value in my work. I’ve covered the whole gamut of crimes, from murder to low-level theft offences and everything in between.
There are pressures — I want to make sure the system gets things right and that I do my job properly.
Zara: I’ve spent the past few weeks researching and producing a three-part podcast series on how Harry and Meghan came to leave the Royal family. People come to our podcasts to be distracted to listen to a friendly voice, but every time I create an episode, there has to be a value exchange with the listener so they walk away a little smarter.
We taught ourselves how to podcast, edit and produce but we didn’t know anyone who had run a business, so we built Shameless without any backing. We were naïve about how hard it is to build a business from scratch. Knowing the right decisions to make at any point in time is still hard.
We now reach over 150,000 people per episode each week, producing an array of content for women aged 18 to 34 who want good conversation, entertainment and distraction as they go about their day.
When I left school, I was quite anxious about how I’d find a career as a journalist until someone said the job I was probably going to have didn’t even exist yet. In the last few years of school, it’s OK if you don’t know where you fit. You can create something yourself if you work hard.
My family and Haileybury instilled a significant work ethic. We were expected to study, play sport and work hard and that helps me today. It feels like a lifetime ago since I left Haileybury but my school friends remain. I married earlier this year and three of my bridesmaids were friends I made at Haileybury.
Left to right: Zara and Mietta
Haileybury in 1995, he left with the confidence and self-belief that, if he put his mind to it, he could achieve anything. It is the kind of mindset he believes will also be instilled in his son, Jack, who is in Year 9 at Haileybury.
“When I left Haileybury, I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to study Science or Medicine, but in the back of my mind I had confidence that I had the skills to succeed in whatever field I chose,” says Ganesh.
He studied Biomedical Science, majoring in Immunology and Physiology at Monash University and then completed a Bachelor
Victoria to north Queensland and opening his own medical centre in 2011. It was while working in Cairns that Ganesh realised the challenges many Australians in remote areas faced in accessing timely healthcare.
“People flew from as far as Cape York and Thursday Island to see a GP. It was challenging for them when they needed follow-up care or prescriptions and quick access to medication,” says Ganesh.
“Telehealth was around but there was no real infrastructure to support it and I thought it ironic that it was difficult to provide healthcare to people living
were next to each other! Together they founded Medmate so people anywhere in Australia could be connected to a doctor within minutes via video or a phone call. Dilip is Medmate’s Chief Technology Officer.
“Medmate is all about providing interim care such as an electronic prescription, a referral letter, or a pathology form, and GPs can also provide a letter to a patient’s local doctor. We help thousands of patients every month and that’s very rewarding,” says Ganesh.
He maintains close ties with old friends from Haileybury and he is always on hand to support Jack as he competes on the same ovals where Ganesh once played sport. His daughter, Mary, will enrol at Haileybury in a few years’ time.
“You’ll always find me cheering from the sidelines most weekends,” he says.
“I love returning to Haileybury — it feels like it was only last week when I was a student there.”
Marriages
Mathew Shill (OH 2010 and current Haileybury Pangea staff member) and Katherine.
Lily Thompson (OH 2015) and Matt Young on 6 April 2024.
Caroline Cheng (OH 2015) and Matthew on 9 September 2023.
Nick Gooda (OH 2009) and El on 26 October 2023.
Amy Hook (OH 2016) and Courtney on 11 November 2023.
Amy Morgan (OH 2009) and Andrew on 5 November 2023.
Simge Ozkul (OH 2015 and OHA Councillor) and Dimi on 17 December 2023.
Jonathan Spanos (OH 2009) and Jacqueline Gough (OH 2012) and Current Head of Junior
Welcome to the world
Matthew Secatore (OH 2008) and Bianca welcomed their baby girl
Zara Angelina Secatore to the world on 13 September 2023.
Julian Bayard (OH 2007) and Sian were thrilled with the arrival of their baby girl Olivia Joyce Bayard on 6 September 2023.
Dane Verwey (OH 2004) and Jess were blessed with the birth of their baby boy Tate Billy Verwey on 16 September 2023.
School at Haileybury’s City Campus) on 13 January 2024.
Jaimie Lewin (OH 2017) and Rhys on 18 January 2024.
Joanna Hawley (OH 2009) and Daniel Harrison (OH 2009) on 3 February 2024.
Ali Berwick (OH 2007) and Michael Kent (OH 2008) on 10 March 2024.
Emma O’Neill (née Quirk) (OH 2011) and Cameron O’Neill (OH 2009) announced the arrival of their baby boy, Bowie James O’Neill on 10 January 2024.
Hemant Chaurasia (OH 2002) and Dilani were blessed with their third child, a baby boy named Dylan Jay Kahawala Chaurasia, born on 18 January 2024.
Tanner Stanton (OH 2013) and Chantelle were delighted to share the birth of their baby boy, Harry Edward Stanton on 10 February 2024.
Adriana La Bella (OH 2013) and Domenico were over the moon to welcome their second child, a baby girl named Chiara Papa, on 13 February 2024.
Grace Liang (OH 2009) and Jesse Liang (OH 2009), are tickled pink with the birth of a baby girl, Aniko ‘Koko’, on 22 March 2024.
Pavneet Arneja (OH 2006) (Past School Captain and OHA Councillor) and Manreet were overjoyed on the arrival of their baby boy, Kavan Singh Arneja, on 14 April 2024.
In memoriam
David Blake (OH 1960) – 22 August 2023
Robert A Carter (OH 1967) – 1 October 2023
Lang Peterkin (OH 1942) – 17 November 2023
Derek Brown (OH 1968) – 29 March 2024
Mark Beckwith (OH 1985) – March 2024
Robert MarksMoore (OH 1986) –29 April 2024
Keith Hickey (OH 1963) – 8 December 2023
Brian Henderson (OH 1960) – 11 January 2024
Ross McDowell (OH 1977) – 21 February 2024
Tom Stonnill (OH 2003) – 26 March 2024
Don Lord (OH 1961) – 9 December 2023
‘Lordy’ was one of the OHAFC’s strongest and most enduring pillars, eternally optimistic and positive. He was a life member, senior premiership player in 1963 and 1969, former President and long-standing fundraising colossus. The Richmond Football Club was another of Lordy’s great passions, to which he was awarded Life Membership in 2011 after over a decade as a director.