Alumni news

Soprano sensation

Sarah Dockrill (2011)

Sarah Dockrill has had a long and endearing relationship with the HVGS community. A talented singer and performer while a student at the School, she returned in 2015 as a Specialist Music Teacher – tutoring and sharing her vocal talents and gifts with HVGS students.

In 2019 Sarah left teaching to pursue her solo singing career, which was evidently impacted by COVID-19. But Sarah is now back on her musical journey, with a grand adventure about to begin as she prepares to leave Australia for the opportunity of a lifetime in Wales. You’re a Soprano – is there anything special you need to do to keep your voice in tip-top shape? I must ensure my voice is well looked after and healthy. It’s similar to an athlete and their sport. They must warm up and cool down. This is also the case with singing - I warm up before singing for an extended period and cool down afterwards.

Some purists will avoid certain foods and drinks that can affect the voice, such as coffee, but I can’t do that!

What’s been your career highlight? That’s tough! I’ve been fortunate with differing opportunities both as an ensemble and choir member and as a soloist. Earlier this year, I was a soloist with the Willoughby Symphony, which was my first orchestral debut with an orchestra at the Chatswood Concourse. I also had my operatic debut this year as Lady Billows in Benjamin Britten’s Albert Herring, which was an incredible milestone

We hear you’re moving to Wales. What sparked this new adventure? I always knew that I wanted to move to the UK at some stage to gain further training. I auditioned for a few schools in the UK last year via online recordings and was offered a few places; however, the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama appealed to me the most. So that's where I'll be heading!

Read the full story on our website

From HVGS to Miss World!

Lucy Burls (2016)

After graduating from Hunter Valley Grammar School in 2016, Lucy Burls has been a powerhouse. From being accepted to complete her Masters in London, managing two offices in Sydney for a creative agency, to currently being in NSW State Finals for 2023 Miss World – the opportunities have been endless! What have you been doing since you graduated from HVGS? After I graduated, I started my degree in Speech Pathology, then I travelled to 21 countries by the time I turned 21. When I came home I changed my degree to Health and Science majoring in Nutrition and Exercise. Excitingly I have just recently been accepted to complete my Masters at the University of London for Public Health and Conflict! During the pandemic I was working at the Mater Hospital which was a very unique experience.

I am currently managing two offices in Sydney for an International Creative Agency and I am also in the running for Miss World Australia – now in the state finals! I am also a National finalist for Miss Tourism Australia. So… I’ve been busy!

What is your big dream in life? My biggest dream in life is to find a career that makes me happy, and be successful doing it. I just haven’t worked out what that is yet!

What made you want to apply for Miss World? I really love how Miss World encourages young females to reach for the stars and raise awareness for important charities that matter to communities.

Thriving post-pandemic

Tyneal Bunt (2004)

COVID-19 had significant impacts on many businesses in 2020 and 2021. The events and hospitality industries were particularly impacted, which Alumni student Tyneal Bunt (2004) can certainly attest to.

As an experienced Events Manager in a world-renowned hotel in Sydney, Tyneal’s career goals were thrown into disarray when COVID-19 struck, prompting a move back home to the region. You’re an experienced Events Manager; what’s been your career trajectory? I started my career in hotel events as an event coordinator and worked my way up the ladder to be the Director of Events at the InterContinental Sydney located in Circular Quay. I was awarded the 2019 Leader of the Year for my work there, but then COVID hit, and I ultimately returned home to Newcastle.

Since returning home, I have moved into running the events at Hope Estate in the Hunter Valley, which is a fantastic and diverse venue. What is something about you that your past teachers might be surprised to learn? I started at HVGS in Kindergarten, and my past teachers might be surprised to know that my best friend today is still the best friend I met on day one at HVGS!

What was your favourite memory of HVGS? The sports carnivals! I was in Barrington and loved sport. I also played in the HVGS Netball and Soccer teams throughout my Senior years.

Read the full interview on our website

Supreme result for Liam Liam Taylor (2015)

Liam Taylor is reaping the rewards of years of study and hard work after being admitted to the ACT Supreme Court in August.

A passionate advocate for social justice, Liam is determined to pursue his aspirations in the area of Public and Administrative Law as a Solicitor while remaining involved in grassroots community law organisations. What have you been up to since leaving HVGS? After completing a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Sydney, I started a Juris Doctor at the Australia National University. Passionate about social justice and educational support, I began volunteering at the Australia Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME), working closely with students supporting their further tertiary education. While at the ANU, I also embraced various other opportunities, including volunteering at Legal Aid ACT, the Kimberley Community Legal Centre, and a research project at Canberra Community Law. I was also involved in the ANU Law Students’ Society as a Competitions Director, where I ran a variety of Novice and Senior Mooting Competitions. I currently work as an Associate at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) in the General Division, where I’m regularly involved in matters concerning the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Comcare, Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, Migration/ Visa, and commercial/taxation matters.

What is involved in being admitted to the Supreme Court? Upon completing a Law Degree and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (a course you undertake after your law degree), you can apply to the Supreme Court of your state or territory to be admitted as Solicitor, which means you can now practice Law.

At the Admission Ceremony, a moving Counsel moves your admission, which involves them making a Statement to the presiding judge. Newly admitted Solicitors collectively take an oath/ affirmation and sign the roll.

Read the full interview on our website ALUMNI

42 Norfolk Street Ashtonfield NSW 2323 PO Box 458 East Maitland NSW 2323 P: 02 4934 2444 E: communityrelations@hvgs.nsw.edu.au www.hvgs.nsw.edu.au