The Grammarian - Summer Edition 2023

Grammarian The

RGS ALUMNI

SUMMER EDITION 2023

From the President

The RGS Past Students’ Association held a special general meeting in December last year and it was unanimously passed to change the name of the association to RGS Alumni.

We believe this name and logo change adequately reflects a new contemporary direction for the Alumni while paying tribute to the past. The Alumni Executive is looking forward to working on a suite of RGS past student merchandise items for the School community to purchase, as a part of our name change.

We also welcome Rachel Trump (nee Milnes, RGS 1995) to the team as the School’s Alumni Engagement Officer. She has been a valued member of the Executive for over a year now and we look forward to working further with Rachel and the School in 2023.

The Generations Breakfast was a success and we were proud to welcome past students and the families of current students to the School for an informal gathering. The success was due to the team up at School, particularly Sue Moloney, Rachael McDonald, Rachel Trump and the School’s amazing catering team.

I’d also like to acknowledge the hard work of our Alumni Secretary Annie Belonogoff (RGS 2009), who organised “A Career In Health And How To Get There” event which was held in the School’s Duggan Hall on 7 February. It was an evening dedicated to those in our Senior School community who are interested in learning more about pursuing a career in the health industry and

different pathways at tertiary institutions across Queensland. The Alumni was very proud to sponsor the event, with over 180 registrations to attend the event. Guest speakers on the night included RGS alumni - Dr Raqeeb Rasul (RGS 2012), Robyn Reddiex (nee Sedgwick, RGS 2011), Jazmine Godsmark (RGS 2019) and Lucy McCartney (RGS 2021).

The School’s Headmaster Dr Phillip Moulds OAM is looking forward to catching up with past students at breakfast events throughout the year. The School will keep you updated on when these events are being held.

RGS Alumni is also proud to once again be involved in hosting the annual RGS Distinguished Past Students Awards evening. In 2023, the event will be held in the School’s Memorial Assembly Hall on Saturday, 12 August.

In closing, we are looking forward to 2023 and we would like to thank the School community for their support of RGS Alumni.

If you wish to contact RGS Alumni please email paststudents@rgs.qld.edu.au If you have any articles or photographs you would like to contribute to The Grammarian Winter Edition 2023, please email paststudents@rgs.qld.edu.au before 31 July.

Tom Birkbeck President (RGS 2009)

Isolation advocate:

Raine Holcombe raises awareness from her own battles

Raine Holcombe (nee Pugh, RGS 2005) arrived at RGS in Year 8 from the Northern Territory. Her parents chose RGS for a boarding school because it was co-educational and her mum, Janelle, had family in Central Queensland.

At RGS, Raine studied aviation with a plan to get her plane license and then a helicopter license so she could become a mustering pilot. Raine did get the plane license but preferred her mustering experiences on the ground rather than in the air.

Raine has always been passionate about the land and regional Australia.

In 2019 she met her husband Tristram and they purchased a house in a town called Timber Creek, 250kms west of Katherine in the Northern Territory. “We also lease 30,000 acres of land where we run cattle and horses. We currently run a contract mustering business (which Tristram started 12 years ago). We operate 3 stockcamps and employ 22 people who travel and muster across the NT, and Kimberley region of WA,’’ Raine said. Tristram’s work commitments often leave Raine at home with her two children, Hallie (2 years) and Stirling (5 months), to run the property for extended periods at a time.

This is their “family’s” life.

However, picturing this family lifestyle was not so long ago a challenging time for Raine and Tristram.

“Tristram and I met in 2011 and were married in 2016. Our plans were to immediately start a family after we were married. We always discussed wanting 2 or 3 kids. However with no success after 16 months of trying we began our IVF journey. It took us 4 years of IVF before we finally got our daughter Hallie,’’ Raine said.

“When initally trying to fall pregnant, it was very disheartening to continually get negative pregnancy tests every month. When we first began IVF we thought that having a baby was guaranteed, it might just take a little longer than most. But now we know that is so far from the truth and that some people never get their little miracles.

“Doing IVF whilst living in the bush is hard too. There is extra travel, which then leads to extra expenses. Not to mention the difficulties of locating, storing and transporting all the medications requried to undergo the IVF cycles.

“During our IVF journey there was a lot of the ‘blame game’ being played. Who’s fault in the relationship was it that was causing the infertility. We were on different paths on how far we were willing to go and how much time and money we were willing to spend. This made it a very emotional and challenging time for us both.”

Hallie was their last embryo they had transferred before considering surrogacy. “We didn’t know if we were having 1 or 2 babies, but at 7 weeks I had all the symptoms of a miscarriage and the doctors believe that I was carrying twins and we lost one. This made us very anxious for the rest of pregnancy and Tristram was exremely protective. He practially had me wrapped in bubble wrap,’’ Raine said.

“When Hallie arrived in November of 2020 we felt a huge relief that she was healthy and finally in our arms. She was the most perfect and easy baby and has brought us both so much love and laughter.”

Their second baby Stirling was “a bit of a suprise”.

“We had just undergone an IVF stimulation cycle to create more embryos so that we could extend the family, but while the embryos were undergoing testing (which takes 3-4 weeks), we fell pregnant naturally,’’ Raine said.

“Our cause of infertility requires me to be on a heavy immune protocol which includes a blood infusion (which can only be accessed in Sydney or Melbourne), fortnightly Intralipid infusions and other daily medications including injections (blood thinners, steroids, progesterone support etc).

“For my first pregnancy I was on these until 14 weeks, but for my second pregnancy my doctor recommended I stay on them until 26 weeks.

“The second pregnancy was much harder because of this extended immune protocol. The steroids in particular made me gain an excessive amount of weight and fluid, gave me temporary insomnia, sore joints and a vunerable immune system.”

This experience has ignited a passion in Raine to help others.

“Travelling 2 hours for simple blood test or 1000’s of kilometres interstate to see our specialist has made me realise what a challenge it is for those living on the land to access these services,’’ Raine said.

“I have a instagram page: barren_old_cow and I created it to share my story and offer a shoulder or an ear for those who want to know where to start, what shortcuts to take and to listen to them when it all goes downhill.

“Physically, mentally, emotionally and financially, IVF is a real fight and it helps to have others supporting you when you need it most.”

It’s one of the many challenges Raine has been determined to overcome. It was this same resilience that helps her battle the daily challenges of life on the land.

“Being at home alone comes with its challenges,’’ Raine said.

Last year they lost the majority of the feed in their paddocks to three seperate fires.

“I felt hopeless being home alone whilst 8 months pregnant and with a toddler in tow,’’ Raine said.

Then on Christmas Eve, 2022, Cyclone Ellie tracked inland.

“As she turned into a rain depression, she landed right on top of us. We recieved 260mm of rain in one night (592mm for the month of December), with further heavy rainfalls before and after,’’ Raine said.

“This left significant flooding on our property. Our house was safe and received no damage, however we did lose 90% of our fencing. This was extremely disheartening as we have spent the past five years putting in all the necessary improvements, only to now have to start again.”

True to Raine’s spirit she can find a postivie from heartbreak.

“We were very fortunate in that all of our stock (cattle and horses) were safe.”

“After everything we have been through in regards to IVF, especially while living remotely, I am now passionate about helping others get through it too.” - Raine Holcombe

Rugby journeyman:

School days set up life lessons

For someone who has lived in England for the past 30 years, Kent Bray (RGS 1981) has not dropped his Australian accent and still sounds like he left Australia yesterday.

Kent loved sport during his school days and later lived and breathed all things rugby for many years after finishing school.

Later, he had to draw on all his experiences from his earlier in his life at school when he made the transition from sport to life after sport.

“I played rugby in the amateur era. I wasn’t a professional rugby player. I was always very mindful of having something going on in parallel in my life. I studied law, even though I didn’t like it, but I had that to go back on,’’ Kent said.

“When I stopped playing rugby at 30, I did notice a void.

“When you’re playing for rep teams there’s a bit of prestige and status and all of a sudden that’s gone. There’s a bit of an adapting and transition period.

“I was fortunate because I went from a rugby team to a trading team. There’s a win and loss thing. In some respects the mindset was quite similar.”

“Some kids put all their eggs in their sporting basket. No matter how good you are at sport there is a shelf life.

“However, whatever sport anyone goes into there will also be a network. Whether that’s rugby, netball, rowing or cricket, there will always be people you can tap into to ensure there’s a safety net.”

During a visit back to Australia last year, Kent droped into RGS - just in time to watch the traditional Seniors Netball verses Rugby netball game in the Spaceframe.

“That took me back. We played that when I was at school. I loved the energy and all the supporters getting involved. I loved the interaction with the girls and boys – competitive but respectful. The vibe and energy was fantastic,’’ Kent said. It was just one event that sparked many School memories while Kent walked around his old school grounds.

Kent was 12-years-old when he started at RGS. He was one of two new students who arrived from Leichhardt Ward Primary. RGS had around 500 students and the majority were boarders.

“I didn’t want to come to RGS. I wanted to go to Rocky High with my other mates,’’ Kent said.

“Looking back and reflecting that was probably a pivotal point in my life.

“Rockhampton Grammar School suited me perfectly. I loved sport and there was a tonne of sport. The School also got the best out of me academically. I wasn’t super bright, but I was bright enough to leave school and do law. “And what I absolutely believe, and didn’t know that at the time, but what I learnt at Rockhampton Grammar set me up for what was to come later in life. Social etiquette, social graces, behaving in a manner suitable to an occasion.

“I was a lawyer and the social graces and etiquette, how to behave and how to dress, firm hand shake, look people in the eye, work ethic – all that was embedded in me from here (at RGS), from my parents and country living.”

Kent played fullback during his rugby days at RGS. He never made a State representative team. After School, Kent worked for Rees R and Sydney Jones and then studied law at the Queensland University of Technology. Kent continued playing rugby in Brisbane – switching to the five-eighth position.

Kent played for Queensland under-19s, Australian under-21s, he played three games in the Queensland senior squad over five years. Unfortunately for Kent, a player called Michael Lynagh, who would later become a Wallabies great, played the same position for Queensland. Kent would also play one season with the NSW Waratahs.

He then travelled to England where he studied a Diploma in Social Studies at the University of Oxford, where he was honoured with an Oxford Blue playing against Cambridge University.

After a brief return to Australia, Kent realised his dreams of playing rugby for Australia had ended. Kent returned to England and joined the Harlequins rugby club for six years as a player and assistant coach.

After his rugby years Kent moved from law into finance, working for 22 years as a foreign exchange trader with an American bank. A few years back he set up a company with 100 London black cabs. Unfortunately, his company “went under” during Covid-19.

“It’s not all good news in life,’’ said Kent, who now enjoys working as a director of rugby at a local club in England and is loving being a “later in life” dad to his 12 and 9 year old children.

“All those steps that I’ve been through in my life started at Rockhampton Grammar and me fulfilling everything I could academically and sporting wise, and that desire and drive to be the best I could be at this School. That attitude and mindset I took into every field.”

“And what I absolutely believe, and didn’t know that at the time, but what I learnt at Rockhampton Grammar set me up for what was to come later in life.” - Kent Bray

Healthy Outlook:

RGS students, past and present, build healthy connections

From helping sick patients to consoling families during vulnerable times in their lives, Dr Raqeeb Rasul (RGS 2012) has found his calling in medicine.

Raqeeb was the keynote speaker at the RGS “A Career in Health and How to Get There” presentation in the School’s Duggan Hall in February.

Joining Raqeeb on the guest speaker panel were Lucy McCartney (RGS 2021, JCU medical student), Robyn Reddiex (nee Sedgwick, RGS 2011, CQU Occupational Therapist) and Jazmine Godsmark (RGS 2019, CQU Nurse).

Raqeeb is currently an advanced trainee and senior registrar in the Intensive Care Unit at Rockhampton Hospital. He is also an associate lecturer with the University of Queensland Faculty of Medicine’s Rural Clinical School in Rockhampton.

It’s been a welcomed return home for Raqeeb who grew up in Rockhampton, was RGS Dux in 2012 and then studied medicine at the University of New South Wales in Sydney.

Speaking to the students, Raqeeb said it did not feel like that long ago that he was sitting at school wondering what his life might look like in the next 10 years.

“Lucky for me I always knew I wanted to study medicine,” Raqeeb said. The journey after school also made Raqeeb realise he wasn’t ready for big city living.

“Hundreds of students in the lecture theatre, being on a train for an hour getting to hospital, getting to hospital and then just being one of the medical students from three or four different universities. I was feeling like a small fish in a big pond and I was quite disillusioned,’’ Raqeeb said.

Thankfully Raqeeb was not lost to medicine after a placement in the Coffs Harbour Hospital for his last two years of university.

“That’s where I started to fall in love with medicine as a career and a lifestyle,’’ he said.

“After med school I realised I wanted to come home and live in the community where I grew up and give back to a community that had given me so much. I came back to Rocky in 2019 and started an internship.”

While working in Rockhampton, Raqeeb has discovered his passion for intensive care medicine.

“I had a rotation in intensive care in my second year. In a few weeks I realised that’s what I wanted to do,’’ Raqeeb said.

“It captured all the reasons that first drew me to health care. We deal with the sickest patients - these can be adults, children, elderly, pregnant women. We look after medical problems like those dealing with heart, lungs, kidney, brain or all of them at the same time. They can be surgical or trauma. They can just about be anything in medicine.

“Most of what we do is using our brains – using knowledge and creativity to solve complex medical problems to help all the pieces of the puzzle fit together. We also have hands on procedures.

“We talk to people and their families. A lot of the time they are difficult conversations and during a vulnerable period in peoples lives. But this is the time when we get to make the biggest difference. Not only to save or prolong a life but a lot of the time to try and make sure someone can be comfortable and dignified as they approach their death.”

Raqeeb said the opportunities and experiences in a small hospital in a regional town have been incredible and things he never could have dreamt of. Eventually, Raqeeb will have to return to a bigger city hospital where they have “unlimited resources and new technology” so he can learn all the different ways to work in medicine.

His ultimate goal is to bring these skills and knowledge back to regional Australians and help change the health practices in regional areas over the next five, 10 and 15 years.

“The future of health care in this country has to be in regional areas,’’ Raqeeb said.

“We need more doctors and nurses, and all the allied health staff. We need to share resources, infrastructure and knowledge from big cities and tertiary centres to regional areas like this so all Australians have an equal opportunity to health care.

“Initiatives like the regional pathway and JCU medical school are such an important part in making that dream a reality.

“More than that these initiatives, are incredible opportunities for students like ourselves to find our own way into medicine and try and build a career and pathway for us so we can contribute to the health and wellbeing of our community well into the future.”

Alumni ties:

Chris Cheah keeps connected with Australia

Chris Cheah (RGS 1984) was growing up in Singapore when two of his friends from his school in Penang went to study at RGS and he followed them. Today, Chris still has strong ties with Australia. Based in Singapore, Chris is the founder and joint CEO of TrustCapital Advisors Investment Management and Chairman of the Australian Alumni Singapore Council of Advisors.

Australian Alumni Singapore (ASS) keeps connected the thousands of Singaporean students who have studied university in Australia.

Chris still recalls his school and university days in Australia.

“From memory, I had to fly to Sydney or Melbourne, then to Brisbane then to Rockhampton. It was quite a journey and I arrived late and had to stay a night at Leichardt Hotel,’’ Chris said.

“I had problems pronouncing the hotel name to the cab driver and was relieved to get there eventually. The country Australian accent was quite challenging for me. “Mate” sounds like “Mike” and I was wondering why is everyone, including me called Mike and not our name.”

Chris was a boarder in Year 11 and day student in Year 12.

“I never stayed at a boarding school before and found it very restrictive and struggled with the food,’’ Chris said.

“I enjoyed playing sports – soccer and basketball (Chris represented Capricornia in basketball) and that helped a lot. I was introduced to State of Origin, which I eventually grew to love and continue to support the Maroons to this day.

“People are generally friendly once you get to know them better. I had a few very nice home stays, in Rocky, the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane. I also topped Economics and Modern History in Year 12, two subjects that were new to me that I enjoyed studying.”

After graduating from RGS, Chris graduated with the University of Queensland in 1987 with a Bachelor of Commerce, Majoring in Accounting.

In an interview with the Australian High Commission Singapore, Chris recalled why he loved studying in Australia:

“I love the simple things Australia offers - fresh fruits, veggies, meat, seafood, wine etc., are in abundance, relatively cheap and very high quality! Of course,

the countless wonderful places to visit and, for golf lovers, many beautiful yet affordable golf courses to play. My time in Australia was the golden period for Queensland sports. Alan Border was the Captain for Cricket, Michael Lynagh for Rugby Union and King Wally for Rugby League. It was great to be a Queenslander, which I regard myself to this day. I continue to support Brisbane Broncos, Maroons and Wallabies.”

After university, Chris worked for Drake Murphy & Schoenmaker Chartered Accountants from 1987-1991 before returning to Singapore. Chris then worked in Corporate Banking for DBS Bank from 1991 – 1993, followed by many years at ANZ Bank, from 1993 – 2009, where his last role was Head of Property Asia. Chris founded TrustCapital in 2009.

“My journey in Australia, followed by my career in accountancy and banking, especially with ANZ Bank were all strategic to where I am today,’’ Chris said. TrustCapital is a private equity real estate firm based in Singapore with Australia as its primary long term investment destination.

“We have completed over AUD$3b worth of transactions so far and they have contributed significant amount of tax revenues to Australia. Stamp duty alone is over $200M for the various states in the country,’’ Chris said.

Like many others around the world, Covid-19 was a challenging time for Chris in Singapore.

“The Singapore government has done an excellent job generally. As for our business, we continued to work hard and do good business in spite of the challenging environment,’’ Chris said.

Business aside, Chris is also passionate about keeping university alumni connected in Singapore. From 2014-2018, Chris was President of Australian Alumni Singapore and from 2018 to the present, is Chairman of The Council of Advisors, Australian Alumni Singapore.

“I am extremely passionate about making Australian Alumni Singapore (AAS) a huge success as part of my giving back to Australia. AAS is now the most successful and active overseas alumni association in Singapore,’’ Chris said. In 2022, Chris was awarded with a Lifetime Achievement award in recognition of his dedication and contribution to the Australian Alumni Singapore (AAS).

“I love the simple things Australia offers - fresh fruits, veggies, meat, seafood, wine etc., are in abundance, relatively cheap and very high quality!”

Q&A

Jayne Barclay (RGS 2003)

Jayne was one of 25 women honoured for outstanding achievements and contributions in digital health at the 2022 Brilliant Women in Digital Health Awards. Jayne is the Director of Digital Health and Informatics at Mater.

What does it mean receiving this award?

JB: This award was a great opportunity to be showcased for some of the recent work I have accomplished, alongside 24 other very talented women in the industry. The award spans women from roles across areas such as medical research, technology start-ups, and health and aged care organisations. The technology industry is often a very male dominated field, with these awards it’s creating an opportunity to connect, share, inspire and celebrate the often-under-recognised great work of women in the industry. This is the second year the awards have been running, and I feel very humbled to be included as one of the 2022 recipients.

Where did your early interest in the healthcare system stem from?

JB: From a young age I was interested in working in healthcare and started my professional career as a Radiographer. My initial interest was driven by being able to work in a system where every day you contribute to helping people and as a team are striving to make a positive impact on people’s lives.

You entered the workforce as a radiographer, how did you branch into this field and why?

JB: I started my professional career as a Radiographer, and worked across a number of different hospitals and private clinics in Queensland and Victoria. My generation of Radiographers have been raised on digital technologies and techniques, which was not common of other health professions at the time. While I was working in Melbourne, I was exposed to a number of new technologies that really sparked my interest in pursuing the technology side of the role further. An opportunity came up to work for a national health company (now Healius) working alongside technologists and clinicians to develop and implement Radiology software, I moved back to Brisbane to take up the role. Several roles and a Masters in Information Technology later, I have found myself enjoying a very different career path to what I had every imagined leaving school. It is challenging and rewarding in similar ways to Radiography, but you are contributing to the healthcare team in a different way.

When people talk about “digital” many students think you have to be a genius with computers?

JB: The notion of the word digital has changed so much in the past 20 years. There is now a very broad array of skills and roles that contribute to the digital ecosystem, where the very technical roles are equally important as those roles that are understanding user experience and design. As part of my post graduate studies, I was able to focus on the skills I wanted to gain, including network design, data management and business process management. I didn’t learn to code or build fix device components. The teams that I work with span a broad range of roles and skills that come together to build an effective digital team. These include building and supporting our digital communication networks, computer devices and developing bespoke software applications. A role that has emerged and is

very important is my line of work is the Clinical Informatician, who need to not only have a strong clinical background, but are skilled in communication, problem-solving and analysis. The best thing about working in digital is there really is a role for everyone.

What drives you to make a difference in digital health?

JB: Growing up in a regional city, access to specialist care and services was an issue that challenged my immediate family, and I am driven by the opportunities digital health creates to help advance health equity. One of the most exciting things about working in digital health is the rapidly evolving technologies and opportunities to improve. Improving people’s access to healthcare, improving patient’s health outcomes, improving the sustainability of the healthcare system through new digitally enabled models of care. I have found some great peers and mentors in the digital health community and am very active in several industry bodies, all of which share the same passion to help people live healthier lives.

How important is the growth in this field for regional areas around Australia?

JB: Digital is and will continue to be a very important enabler to break down some of the barriers that people living in regional areas face accessing healthcare services. As part of my role at Mater, I led the initiative for Mater to use technology to care for Covid-19 patients at home. The new ‘virtual’ care monitoring system enabled almost 5,000 referred patients to be cared for at home (particularly high-risk pregnancies), taking significant pressure off the hospital system. Building off the success of this first virtual care initiative at Mater, I have more recently led the implementation of Australia’s first emergency neonatal telehealth support for Mater’s private hospitals in Mackay and Rockhampton. I have recently been awarded admission to start my PhD with the University of Queensland School of Medicine, with my research focusing on the utilisation of virtual models of care to support more timely access to specialist outpatient appointments. My research is under a collaborative scholarship by UQ and Queensland Health to produce new research on digital health topics of central importance to Queensland Health and nationally. I hope that my research will help contribute to improving healthcare services for regional Australia.

What’s your advice to people either already working, or entering, the workforce and how they can discover new passions within that career?

JB: My advice is to not look for that one door, but to try all the doors, the windows, and the vents! Don’t let your fear of failure or the unknown stop you from realising your potential and trying something different or new. Find those things that excite you and chase what drives that passion. Surround yourself with inspirational leaders and mentors. Lastly, don’t wait for ‘the right time’, take or make those opportunities as they arise, they might not come by again.

Q&A

David Casey has always loved cars. In 2022, David had the opportunity to race in the national V8 SuperUte Series, hitting tracks from Bathurst to the Gold Coast.

Have you always been interested in motor racing?

DC: From a very young age, I just loved anything with wheels or a motor. Growing up I had motorbikes, buggies and paddock bashers which is how I learnt to drive. Then when I was old enough to get a licence I started 4 wheel driving and then got into competitive winch truck racing.

How did you end up in the SuperUte Series?

DC: After racing the Stadium Super Trucks in 2021 I got a taste of how good the Supercars scene is. When the trucks went back to USA, I was offered the drive in the Superute series by Sieders Racing, which I grabbed with open arms.

How did you find your first season of racing?

DC: The first season was great with plenty of learning curves. One great thing about this category is you get your own team for the year, mechanics/ engineers etc so once you start to gel and work as a team, you really start to improve. The series was a whole lot better than I expected, it runs like clockwork and is very professional with some big partners and factory backing coming onboard for next year. So I am very grateful to be apart of it.

What do you love most about the racing?

DC: Everything! The crowds, the fans, the places it takes me, the adrenaline you get from flying around the tracks, continually improving – ultimately I just love driving!

Did you have a favourite race track?

DC: Gold Coast – I just love the street circuit, racing in between the big sky scrapers and on the beach front. It’s just such a cool track, atmosphere and it’s very busy (continually changing gears, braking, handling chicanes).

What are some of the technical aspects of racing you and your crew have to work on?

DC: Grip, car set up is super critical, but most of all driver tune up. After every run or race, we download the data and video out the car and almost every time there are areas and aspects of driving the car where you can be faster in the next race. The data engineers are really the unsung heroes of motorsport. They can make up time for you just by looking at a graph on a screen.

After the 2022 season, what are you doing in the off-season? ?

DC: Train hard and simulator work. My coach Leigh wants to work with me in the gym in the off season and on simulators to make us stronger and faster.

When does the 2023 season start and what are your racing goals?

DC: The racing season starts March 2023. I’d like to podium and finish higher in the championship. We finished 6th in 2022 which is pretty good for our first year, however we still have a lot more in us so we will be pushing a lot harder next year in the brand new Isuzu D-max Superute!

David Casey RGS 2008

“The crowds, the fans, the places it takes me, the adrenaline you get from flying around the tracks, continually improving – ultimately I just love driving!”

European stage: Zali steps up for European ballet auditions

Zali Burr (RGS 2017) is taking her ballet aspirations overseas. Here is Zali’s story:

“After finishing my schooling at RGS, I attended the Queensland National Ballet where I completed an Advanced Diploma in Elite Performance (Dance). I also studied to become a qualified teacher with the Australian Conservatoire of Ballet which I have been using to coach the next generation of dancers supplementing my own studio training.

In the past few years I have had the opportunity to perform in a number of ballets and roles. These include, Carabosse (Maleficent) in the Ballet Sleeping Beauty, Dew Drop Fairy in the Nutcracker Ballet and the Fairy Godmother in the Ballet Cinderella Starting off my professional career I performed in a sold out season of Tchaikovsky by Candlelight at St John’s Cathedral in Brisbane, where I performed various ballet solos along with live string quartet Paradiso Strings.

In 2022, I performed a season with Ballet International Gala as a Corps de Ballet member. During this season, international ballet superstars travelled to Australia to perform the principal roles. Some of the superstars that I was able to meet and be on stage with were Yasmin Naghdi (Principal at The Royal Ballet), Benedicte Bemet (Principal with The Australian Ballet) and Roberto Bolle (Principal with American Ballet Theatre and La Scala). Meeting these dancers and being able to watch them rehearse and perform was truly inspiring.

In February 2023, I’ve been attending invite only auditions throughout Europe –Croatia, Italy, Netherlands and the Czech Republic. These auditions host up to 30 artistic directors from various European Ballet Companies. They all attend with a view to contracting dancers. It is an achievement to be invited to these and an incredible opportunity to perform for any of the companies around Europe.”

Red & Black Rugy Dinner

2 September 2022

Class of 1995: Matt Bradbury, Alfons Masella, Matt Ray, Grant Collins, Todd Wells, Toby Hower

Robin Adams (1988), David Campese and RGS parent Justin Loomans

John Lynch (1985) and RGS parent Alan Mackenzie

Brandon Fourie (2013), Jason Wells (1999), Stewart Norford, Riki Matheson (2002) and Trent Middleton (2003)

Craig Wight (1988) and Warwick Anderson (1988)

Brett Morrison (1985), Steve Deaves (1987) and Nik Tzoutzias (1985)

David Campese and Kurt Andrews (1981)

Greg Hicks (1991), Steve Crawford (1991) and Glenn Williams (1987)

Nick Crouch (2021), Jackson Cheesman (2021), Carter Wight (2021), Luke Callanan (Year 12), Jaiden Green (2021), Ryan Martin (Year 12) and Ryan Francis ((Year 12)

Theo Fourie (2017) and Blake Moore (2017)

RGS All Years Reunion 24 September 2022

2001 alumni (from left) Jacqueline Ranclaud (nee Potter), Fiona McMonagle (nee Campbell), Mia Russo (nee Madsen), Gabrielle Aisthorpe (nee Rowe), and Jasmine Gilbert (nee Hutchings, RGS 2000)

1999 alumni Jason and Penny (nee Steele) Wells

Aimee Harding (nee Humphrey, RGS 2003) and Michael Harding (RGS 2002)

2015 alumni Kaili Smith and Breana Garratt-Johnson. Scott Deakin (RGS 2002)

Mia Russo (RGS 2001), Dani Vallis (2001) and Joanna Price (nee, Andrews, 2001)

Kalie Bloxsom-Green (nee Green 1992) and Christina Putland (1998-2003 Girls House 2IC)

1978 boarding room mates (from left) Patrice Brown (nee Purcell), Karen Hong (nee Russell) and Kathy Andrew (nee Burton).

Jordan Geddes (RGS 1995), Brendan Seymour (RGS 1995), Adrien Lang (RGS 1993), Bruce Reilly (RGS 1995), Peter Schravemade (RGS 1995), Mark Pearce (RGS 1995)

Lachlan Pearce (RGS 2002) and Dale Jones (RGS 2002)

Robert Davis (RGS 1963) and David Harwood (RGS 1964)

Craig McClelland (RGS 1997), Vicki Jones (nee Williams, RGS 1999) and John Douglas (RGS 1997)

Mark Williamson (RGS 1982)

RGS connections:

School friends band together for community cause

“Especially being borders, we all knew each other really well, so it was easy to get along and get jobs done.”

They share a common bond of having been boarders at The Rockhampton Grammar School. These past students are now combining their friendships and community passion to help others. The result - the Twin Hills at Twelve New Year’s Eve event!

RGS past student Angela Fordyce (RGS 2016) provides an insight into organising the event:

“In regards to the event, there was no New Year’s Eve event in CQ for people to attend.

I put the idea out to a few people and everyone was super keen and we formed a new committee for the event. Since we all live remotely, we chatted via a group message to organise everything.

Everyone was delegated a job to make it easier.

At times it was very stressful, ensuring everything had been done and was ready to go, and it was also hard to find vendors for specific areas such as a band and security.

But it was also exciting when it all started to come together and we put our tickets on sale. Our early bird tickets sold in a record four minutes and the rest of the 500 tickets sold out that day.

Once we knew how excited the community around us was to come to the event, we were over the moon.

Setting up for the event was the first time we all got together as a group, and it took us two days to fully set up at Twin Hills.

We raised around $41,000 which is going to the CQ Rescue Helicopter, a local boy who was hurt in a car accident, the Twin Hills Youth Committee and the help a mate programme, “Are you bogged mate? ”

All of the RGS students involved in organising this event were past borders and we all attended school around the same time.

Especially being borders, we all knew each other really well, so it was easy to get along and get jobs done.

I feel really grateful to have gone to RGS because it has given me so many connections outside of school and life long friends.”

RGS past student on the event committee were:

Angela Fordyce (RGS 2016) Luke Plath (RGS 2014),

Olivia Marks (RGS 2017) Natalie Marks (RGS 2020),

Tom Cobb (RGS, Year 11 2018) Josie Cobb (RGS, Year 9 2018),

Lauren Neilson (RGS 2019) Riley Moller (RGS 2019), Will Callanan (RGS 2017) Matilda Patterson (RGS 2016)

Amelia Marks (RGS 2022)

Twin Hills at Twelve 31 December 2022

Auctioneer Pat Luck (RGS 2017)

Miranda Luck (RGS 2021), Jahna Day (RGS, Year 9, 2018) and Anna Mactaggart (RGS 2021)

RGS past parents Victoria Beatty, Pauline Neilson and Jane Neilson.

Meg Wilson (RGS 2017), Amelia Marks (RGS 2022) and Matilda Patterson (RGS 2016)

Dale Pini (RGS 2016) and Josie Cobb (Year 9, 2018)

Angela Fordyce (RGS 2016), Amie Shann (RGS 2016) and Lucy Davison.

Lauren Neilson (RGS 2019)

Twin Hill photographer Emma Sewell (nee Scott, RGS 2009) and Hugh Fordyce (RGS 2014)

Luka Hill, Telia Morgan (RGS 2016) and Harry Patterson (RGS 2012)

Will Callanan (RGS 2017) and Olivia Marks (RGS 2017)

Dillon Bauman (RGS 2014) and Maddy Plath (2016) - who were engaged the day before the event!

Rugby journey:

Theo’s goal is to reach the highest level possible

“To be able to represent my country one day in a Wallabies jersey would be an absolute dream come true.....”

Theo Fourie (RGS 2017) discovered an early passion for rugby union when he was growing up in South Africa.

“Rugby has always been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but my first memories playing as a 5-year-old is where it all started,’’ Theo said. Fast forward to 2023 and Theo is now a squad member with the Melbourne Rebels Super Rugby franchise.

Theo was fortunate to go to the Rebels at the end of 2020, on a train and trial deal, and was then the hooker rewarded with a contract at the end of that pre-season.

“Since then I have continued to play club rugby for Souths in Brisbane as well as training in Melbourne with the Rebels and continuing to compete for debut. I recently re-signed for the 2023 season as part of the full-time squad,’’ Theo said.

“It is a really exciting time down in Melbourne. We have had a few new guys sign with the team and it has been a really tough pre-season so far. We have really ambitious goals for next season and being in the top four competing for the title is our main focus.

“Individually, I just want to contribute as much as I can to the squad to help achieve that and compete each week to be a part of the team.”

Theo said, as with any career, his ultimate goal with rugby was to reach the highest level possible.

“To be able to represent my country one day in a Wallabies jersey would be an absolute dream come true, but there are a lot of things to work towards and achieve before that, so I try to just focus on just the next step in the journey,’’ Theo said.

In the meantime, Theo is continuing to love playing rugby union.

“What I love most about rugby is the mateship,’’ Theo said.

“Moving to a new club, school or town was always easy as rugby allowed me to make friends really quickly, and has introduced me to so many people over the years, many of whom are some of my closest mates now.”

After graduating from RGS in 2017, Theo played for Souths in Brisbane and in 2019 joined the Reds Academy which led to being selected in the Australian U20s squad for 2020. Theo was then picked up by the Rebels.

“During this time I’ve been lucky enough to travel all over Australia, as well as Fiji, New Zealand and Japan as a part of the Rebels,’’ Theo said.

“It has definitely been tough at times to pursue my dream of playing professional rugby,’’ Theo said.

“Moving away from home and my family was very challenging and rugby is a very competitive sport. What has kept me going over the years has definitely been the support my family and many others have given me during that journey as well as that goal to play professionally.”

Canberra breakfast

RGS past students meet for their annual catch up in the nation’s capital

RGS alumni continue to enjoy their annual breakfast catch-ups in Canberra, last meeting in November 2022. Meet some of our Canberra alumni:

Richard Vagg (RGS 1990)

“I attended university after high school and studied Civil Engineering. About halfway thought my degree I realised I was not enjoying it. So, I decided to join the Army as an Army Officer. In 1992 I started at the Royal Military College Duntroon for the 18 months Officer training programme and graduated in 1993. I became an Officer in the Royal Australian Artillery which is part of the Australian Army. During my career I have been based all over Australia and a few overseas postings to the UK.”

Letichia Boekel (nee Goodwin, RGS 1995)

“I went on to study a Bachelor of Education in primary school teaching at QUT. I accepted a rural posting with Education Queensland to Charters Towers and later transferred to Townsville where I met and married my husband Jim before starting the posting cycle of a military family. This gave me an amazing opportunity to teach in various locations around the country from Darwin to Melbourne and many places in between. I went back to university to complete my Graduate Certificate in Early Years teaching and I’m now a passionate advocate of quality Early Childhood education for all Australian children.”

Alaina Kennedy (nee Alroe, RGS 2001)

“I graduated from RGS in 2001. In Canberra, I am working for Department of Defence as a civilian in Administration.”

Graeme Power (RGS RGS 1969)

“I moved to the Canberra region from Sydney in 1984 and have lived in either Cooma or Jindabyne since then. I am a Science high school teacher in public education. It is challenging being a teacher, but the most rewarding part of my role is seeing students’ progress into their chose fields.”

Cameron Porter (RGS 2001)

“I graduated from RGS in 2001. Since then, I have joined the Army as a Space Technologist working in our Defence Space Command. I love my job and the best part is pioneering a new domain.”

Peter Rose (RGS 1964)

“I completed Senior at The Rockhampton Grammar School. I had a long career in the Army and I’m now a Clergyman with the Anglican Church.”

David Deaves (RGS 1985)

“I came to Canberra direct from RGS for university. I chose ANU (Australian National University) as it had good physics research facilities but by second year it was apparent (for me) there were more opportunities in the computer field. My career drifted towards IT Security and big hardware. Canberra was the perfect place to support such work. My career has predominately been with small IT companies in Australia specialising in high grade IT security solutions, mostly for Defence and National Security Sector. Outside of work, I discovered grassroots motor racing so track days and hill climb events have become a major hobby.”

Michelle Pratt (nee Eames, RGS 1995)

“I am the Assistant Director of Marketing at the Australian Sports Commission and I work onsite at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra. I am married with 2 children who are 16 and 19. I play basketball and AFL9s and love to get out water skiing and wakeboarding with friends when it’s warm enough. Otherwise, I’m either helping with kids sport, gardening or planning our next adventure in Australia or overseas.”

Darren Wright (RGS 1986)

“I moved directly to Canberra from Rockhampton (but it is my 5th time living here as I’ve moved in and out over the years). I work for a British company called RPS AAP Consulting providing support to environmental work and delivering solutions that help them to recover land and repurpose.”

Jody Davies (nee Schwarz, RGS 1986)

“I moved to Canberra as soon as I finished my University Degree at CQU. I have worked for several Government Departments and am currently contracting at the Department of Defence.”

Luke Whalan (RGS 2021)

“I attend the University of Canberra, studying a Bachelor of Physical Education and I currently work at the Australian War Memorial as a Visitor Services Officer. I play rugby union with Wests. I am on the Brumbies radar, which I am working towards being full time. It was difficult to achieve this in 2022 as I have had another ACL injury, but I was still a part of the U19 programme. I am well into my rehab and I’m planning big things for 2023.”

PIctured (left to right): Richard Vagg, Letichia Boekel, Alaina Kennedy, Graeme Power, Cameron Porter, Peter Rose, David Deaves, Michelle Pratt, Headmaster Dr Phillip Moulds OAM and Darren Wright. Absent - Judy Davies and Luke Whalan.

Sylvia Godwin (RGS 2018) is making time to combine her love of agribusiness and photography after graduating with a Diploma of Agribusiness Management at the University of Queensland’s Gatton Campus.

“I had no idea who I wanted to be or what I wanted to do but everything that has happened has led me to where I am today,’’ Sylvia said.

Sylvia worked for Jamie Seccombe Cutting Horses before mustering cattle on properties near Charters Towers and Greenvale and is now a sales agent in the Knight Frank Agribusiness department in Rockhampton.

Sylvia is also following a passion for photography with her Sylvia Rose Imagery freelance business.

The 21-year-old still calls “Tanderra” home, her family’s cattle and grain property 100km south-west of Springsure.

“At a young age I was taught the essentials to living on a property, if I wasn’t in the Tanderra Schoolroom (home schooled throughout my primary years) then I was out working on the family property.

“Mustering was always the excitement of the year for me, it never took much to convince me to get up early in the morning. I used to sleep in my work clothes on the lounge so they couldn’t leave without me.”

Sylvia said as they say “it takes a village to raise a child’.

“Well that is something I truly believe, as kids we were lucky enough that our mustering team taught us as much as our parents did. They would not only fill us up on lollies or take our bridles off while we were riding along, but also be the one to lead us along walking cattle out, and other skills that we needed to know,’’ Sylvia said.

Life’s calling

All roads lead back to working in the rural industry

“This is how I grew the passion for the rural life, the people and hard work.” After being home schooled, Sylvia boarded at RGS from Year 8 to Year 12.

“After many years of living and studying in town I knew by the end of university I wanted to leave the big smoke,’’ Sylvia said.

It was while mustering cattle on properties near Charters Towers and Greenvale that Sylvia saw how hard the Sales Agents worked, but also the enjoyment they had.

“This was something I could see myself doing, Real Estate was a natural transition, being able to connect my work and be on the land,’’ Sylvia said. “After mustering for a few months I suddenly got sick which changed my lifestyle around. Due to this I had to move on from the hard days of working in the sun to office administration.”

An opportunity arrived to work at Knight Frank Rockhampton in the Agribusiness department.

“It was important to learn and understand the administrative side to being an agent, as marketing is a key element of any property listing,’’ Sylvia said.

“Being a Sales Agent now with Knight Frank Agribusiness allows me to meet and connect with rural people. Listing and Selling rural assets can have so much history and this why I love what I do.

“Everything has led me back towards the rural industry, I wouldn’t be the person I am today and have the passion, respect and understanding for the Agri Industry if I wasn’t dragged out of bed at 5am as a child.”

“...... I wouldn’t be the person I am today and have the passion, respect and understanding for the Agri Industry if I wasn’t dragged out of bed at 5am as a child.”

- Sylvia Godwin

Todd Wells (RGS 1995) and Ruby Wells (Year 7)

Barrie Bauman (RGS 1956) with grandchildren Presley Acton (Year 6), Hollie Acton (Year 12), Orlando Acton (Year 6) and son-in-law Tom Acton (RGS 1994)

Tayla Childs (Year 12), Richard Atkinson (RGS 1959) and Parker Childs (Year 10)

Three generations - Robert Lang (RGS 1968), Harrie Lang (Year 1) and Adrien Lang (RGS 1993)

Brett Morrison (RGS 1985) and Max Morrison (Year 12, School Captain)

Zoe Williams (Year 9) and Robert Williams (RGS 1989)

Tom Jackson (Year 7) and Di Jackson (nee Weaver, RGS Year 10, 1986)

Alexander Woodman (Year 3) and Katrina Woodman (RGS 2004)

Lana Trump (Year 5) and Rachel Trump (nee Milnes, RGS 1995)

Luke Frame (Year 10) and Toni Frame (nee Davison, RGS 1987)

Marnie Hungerford (RGS 2014) and sister Tillie Hungerford (Year 10)

Anna Rose Chapman (Year 12), Alistair Chapman (RGS 1986), Harry Chapman (Year 10) and Debbie Chapman.

Damien Bradshaw (Year 9) and grandfather David Stubbs (RGS 1979)

Harrison Delaney (Year 3), Kate Delaney (RGS 2003) and Aria Delaney (Year 2)

Holly (Year 12) and Michael Thomas (RGS 1991)

Sophie Dendle (Year 7) with grandparents Wendy Bennett and David Bennett (RGS 1958)

University graduations 2022

Telia Morgan (RGS 2016) and Grace Wakeman (RGS 2018) graduated from CQU. Telia graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Health and Safety while Grace graduated with Bachelor of Podiatry Practice (Honours).

Georgia Milfull (RGS 2017) graduates from JCU with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science with Distinction. Georgia is pictured with parents Sam and Amanda (nee McDougall, RGS 1987) and sisters Ella (RGS 2022) and Darcy (RGS 2019)

Sophie Jones (RGS 2018) graduated from JCU with a Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours).

Kristi Mandal (RGS 2016) graduated from JCU with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS).

Jazmine Godsmark (RGS 2019) graduated from CQU with a Bachelor of Nursing.

Matthew Smith (RGS 2017) graduated from UQ with a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) (1st Class), majoring in Mechanical and Aerospace, and a Bachelor of Mathematics.

Hayley Mulligan (RGS 2015) graduated from JCU with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS).

Grace Lewis (RGS 2018) graduated from CQU with a Bachelor of Education Primary (Distinction)

Emma-Lee May (RGS 2016) graduated from JCU with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery.

New opportunity:

Ben moves south for the 2023 NRL season

Leaving school and joining an NRL club was a dream come true for Ben Condon (RGS 2017) when he graduated from Year 12.

This year Ben hopes to reignite his NRL dreams in Sydney with the Manly clubcoached by another former Rockhampton schoolboy rugby league star, Anthony Seibold.

Ben was a member of the RGS First XIII rugby league team that won the coveted Confraternity Shield in 2017, and was named in the Carnival’s Merit team. After school he travelled to Townsville to join the NRL’s North Queensland Cowboys squad, working through the junior ranks before making his NRL debut against the Penrith Panthers in Townsville in September 2020.

Ben said he really enjoyed his time in North Queensland.

“The laid back lifestyle of Townsville made things a lot easier to settle into,” Ben said. “Being a smaller city compared to Sydney really helped just coming out of school and into a new environment.”

The year Ben played his first NRL game it was also during Covid restriction times.

“It was a crazy experience having mates from school drive up to Townsville, and my parents being there, but it was strange not being able to actually see them with all the Covid rules,’’ Ben said.

The 2nd rower played 12 first grade

2022 Dux:

games before NRL playing opportunities became fewer at the Cowboys.

2023 marks the start of his three-year contact with the Manly Sea Eagles.

“The reason why I decided to move to Manly is because I want to be playing regular NRL week-in, week-out. Obviously it was disappointing not playing at all in 2022 after featuring in a few games in 2021,’’ Ben said.

“The process with changing to a new club is pretty similar to anyone changing jobs to another city.

“I had to pack up my belongings and get a removalist to ship them down to Sydney.

“Pre-season is always tough and this one has been to, the only real difference this time is the shirt I’m wearing.”

Ben said he was excited about playing at 4 Pines Park at Manly

“It just seems like a small suburban ground which could create a good atmosphere to play in,’’ Ben said.

Ben’s also looking forward to playing with Manly’s superstar fullback Tom Trbojevic. “Obviously he is an extremely elite player and it’s good to watch and train with him so far,’’ Ben said.

“Also meeting Anthony Seibold, another CQ boy, has helped as he knows where you come from and that helps him understand you better too.”

Millicent prepares for university studies in Melbourne.

RGS 2022 Dux Millicent Rayner returned to RGS in February to address the School’s current Secondary School students at the Foundation and Leadership Ceremony in Duggan Hall.

This year, Millicent will start studies at the University of Melborne in Science with a co-current diploma in Music. This will be followed by Medicine studies. Reflecting on last year, Millicent said Year 12 was a constant challenge that required many hours of study and hard work but she could honestly say it paid off.

“If you put in your best effort you won’t regret it and you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment at the end,’’ Millicent said.

At the ceremony, Millicent thanked her RGS Primary and Secondary school teachers, and the School’s co-curricular programme.

“Whether it was playing in bands, going to cross country training or participating in athletics carnivals, this all helped me get through Year 12, keeping me happy and giving me enjoyable time off from my studies,’’ Millicent said.

Millicent encouraged this year’s Year 12s to stay on top of their workloads and learn the content throughout the term, not just before exams.

“Between formal, co-curricular, study, leadership positions and commitments outside of school, Year 12 is very busy so don’t procrastinate,’’ she said.

“It’s through the opportunities that RGS has provided that I’ve been able to achieve this goal (university).”

Millicent also received a Queensland Certificate of Education Distinguished Academic Achiever award. Of this award’s 41 recipients, she was the only graduate from outside south-east Queensland.

“Pre-season is always tough and this one has been to, the only real difference this time is the shirt I’m wearing.”

from the Archives

Life at RGS in 1902

In the days at RGS when Mr Wheatcroft was Headmaster, we take a look back at a bicycle adventure captured in the 1902 Rockhampton Grammar School Chronicle magazine. John Ward enrolled at the School in 1897 and was a student from the Mackay district. He would later study medicine at the University of Melbourne.

Headmaster Wheatcroft

RGS Today

New RGS alumni

2022 Year 12 graduates celebrate the end of their secondary schooling at the RGS pool.

2023 Captains

Molly Cottam and Max Morrison were elected RGS School Captains for 2023. Molly has attended RGS since Prep while Max started at RGS in Year 7. Max’s father Brett is also a past student. Brett was Wheatley House Captain in 1985.

Round Square ISQ Chair

RGS Secondary School students including Medha Koduri (pictured) attended the Round Square International Conference in London.

Six RGS students joined more than 800 delegates from 50 countries around the world. The students attended the three-day conference at Oxford University and also visited the Latymer Upper School in London.

RGS Headmaster Dr Phillip Moulds OAM was appointed Chair of the Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ) Board of Directors, replacing the retired Karen Spiller OAM CF from John Paul College. Dr Moulds has been Headmaster at RGS for the past 13 years and previously worked at Brisbane Grammar School.

Meg Napper (RGS 2014) and Lachlan Biles

Meg Napper, of Rockhampton, and Lachlan Biles, of “Rockland Springs” Rolleston, were married on 8 October 2022 at Henderson Park near Rockhampton. The wedding party included Emma Parker (RGS 2014) and Meg’s sister Tess Napper (RGS 2018).

Benjamin (RGS 2005) and Ruby Park

Benjamin Park (RGS 2005) and Ruby were married on 2 September at the Brisbane City Botanical Gardens. The wedding party included RGS past students William Keating (RGS 2005) and Jayden Coulston (RGS 2005), along with Ben’s son Oliver.

Kierin Wilson (RGS 2006) and Jordy Gilligan

Jambin’s Kierin Wilson (RGS 2006) and Jordy Gilligan were married at Paradise Lagoons, near Rockhampton, on 11 November 2022. The groomsmen were (from left) Ben Speed (RGS 2006), James Wagner (RGS 2006), Angus Creedon (RGS 2006) and Cooper Nobbs (RGS 2007).

WE REMEMBER

Shane Fletcher (RGS 1982 - 1986)

Shane Matthew Fletcher attended The Rockhampton Grammar School for five years as a day student.

It was here he met his wife Lesley Fletcher (née. Rideout, RGS 1982). They were married in January 1989.

Shane was known by many as Fletch, Smurf and more recently The Man in the Fridge.

He was a wonderful man with a great sense of humour, a love of everything in film (you always had to watch all the credits when going to the movies) and a deep love for his family. His calm nature and friendly smile which he gave to anyone he knew, made him loved by everyone.

He is survived by his wife Lesley, his four beautiful children, Amy, Sarah, William and Katherine and his two gorgeous grandchildren, Henry and Summer.

He passed away unexpectedly on his 34th wedding anniversary after a lovely morning with his wife.

He will be forever missed but always in our hearts.

Rom Hayes (RGS 1958 - 1973)

(extracts from the Albury Wodonga News)

Rom Hayes remembered as an “officer and a gentleman” Albury’s 85-year-old Park Run stalwart Rom Hayes has been remembered as an “officer and a gentleman” after his death from a heart attack.

Romuald “Rom” Hayes had run Albury’s five kilometre Park Run, 100 times by the time of his death at age 85.

The former army major and father of six, died at the Albury Base Hospital on November 19 of a heart attack.

Romuald Brian Hayes was born on June 18, 1937, in Rockhampton, Queensland. He was the son of William and Ruby Hayes and was the youngest of four siblings - his sister Moya and brothers Michael, Billy, and Patrick. Sadly, Patrick passed away at just one day old.

Rom was the loving husband to Val, devoted father of six children and grandfather of 14.

Rom’s father passed away when he was only six years old. With his two older surviving brothers already moved away from home, his upbringing and primary influences during the early and formative years were his mother Ruby, sister Moya and the Christian Brothers where he went to school.

Growing up, Rom was a competitive sportsman. He held inter-school swimming records for butterfly, won the high school handball championships multiple times, played tennis and was also pretty handy at basketball. Academically, Rom was no natural by his own admission. He had to work hard for the knowledge he gained. He completed Year 12 in 1955 as dux of his school.

Upon his high school graduation, Rom was offered scholarships for both teaching and dentistry. He decided to go to teacher’s college where he graduated in 1956. Rom taught in the Queensland State School system for a year before accepting a private school position at Rockhampton Grammar as a teacher and boarding house master.

For the next six or so years Rom was a bachelor and had minimal responsibilities, other than his teaching work and commitment to his faith, so along with his best mate Marty (Linnane, former RGS teacher), he was pretty much having the time of his life.

During his years at RGS, Rom was Master of the Primary School and heavily involved with Cadets and he introduced basketball to the School, which included working with a group of boys to construct backboard frames from the welded stands which were then cemented into the ground.

In 1968, Rom and Marty initiated the first around-Australia adventure with the RGS students. The Central Australian Tour travelled from Rockhampton south to Adelaide, through the “centre” to Tennant Creek and back to Rockhampton. Thirty-eight boys from Year 9 to Year 12 joined the adventure. The trip included the bus getting bogged before the railways crew came to the rescue.

Rom married Valerie in 1964 and they were married for 58 years.

In 1973 he decided to change tact in his teaching career and joined the education core in the Royal Australian Army. His military postings during the next 20 years included stints in Papua New Guinea, Brisbane and Adelaide. Rom retired from the army with the rank of Major in 1993 after 20 years’ service. After Rom’s retirement from the army, he took up a position at the Albury Paper Mill as a technical writer. Rom retired fully from work in 2007.