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A PUBLICATION FOR THE DE LA SALLE COLLEGE COMMUNITY | ISSUE 49 | SEPTEMBER 2020

LEARNLIVELEAD

LASALLIAN

ROLL CALL

CONTENTS

Letters to Editor 2

From the Principal 3

College responds to COVID-19 lockdown 4

Front line first responder 5

Learning and teaching in lockdown 6

The COVID-19 cohort 7

The Parent Perspective / Help Desk to the Rescue 8

Keeping the music alive in lockdown 9

Student response to COVID-19 10

Life back to normal, not yet 11

Acclimatising to Geneva 12

The long game is the best game in town 14

Running for their blue family 16

Life on the ground in South Africa 17

The Renshi and the CEO 18

COVID-19 ends family’s dream holiday 19

From Wimbledon to the MCG 20

Man on the run 21

The Quin family connection 22

Old Collegian legacy in Western District 24

A message from the President of the Old Collegians Football Club

25

Where Are They Now? 26

From the Archives 27

College Reunions 27

Rest In Peace 27

EDITORIAL Welcome to this very unusual edition of Roll Call. With all Old Collegians Reunions cancelled for the remainder of the year due to the COVID-19 virus, this issue is the only contact many of you will have with your alma mater until next year. Only once before, in the College’s long and prestigious history has it closed for business. In 1918 the College closed due to the Spanish flu, which ravaged the world after World War 1. It would take another century for the College to be closed again, again for a pandemic, the COVID-19 virus. In this issue we report on the College’s unprecedented response to the Virus. We celebrate the innovation and commitment of our teachers, our staff, our students and our parents in their response to life in ‘isolation.” There is also news of the achievements of our Old Collegians, As Roll Call goes to print we are now in Lockdown 2.0. We look forward to life returning to normal, soon.

Kerry Martin Editor

2 | DE LA SALLE COLLEGE

LETTERS TO EDITOR

Dear Editor,

Just a brief note to congratulate you on the wonderful Roll Call. I am astounded how you are able to gather the continuing stories of Old Boys, who have a love and affection for the College. I was particularly pleased to see the article about Marie Grafen. She has been an extraordinary support for the Brothers who worked away from Malvern. Even when home in December last year, she gave me a donation to help with the “Breakfast Club” at Hohola. She has been extraordinarily faithful to this task over so many years. The Mothers Auxiliary has been a very significant group over the years. I look back at the magazines, and admire their group photos for their hats, which must have been compulsory!

Br Denis Loft (1965)

Dear Editor,

I wanted to pass on my congratulations on the production of the recent on-line Roll Call. I have read it from front to back and it is excellent and undoubtedly the best for a long time. One thing that really shines through is the real progress you are making at College with the improvement in academic results, expansion of the curriculum and co-curricular activities, and the overall elevation of the College’s standards including the fabric of the buildings. You are to be congratulated on all these achievements.

Gerard Meehan (1981) Hawthorn East.

Dear Editor,

Thank you very much for an outstanding Roll Call. I happened to see a copy some days ago when I was visiting one of our Brothers in a Sydney hospital. In the next bed in the same room was an old boy from Malvern - Guy or Guido Gianni - who began 5th class in 1951. Guy was very unwell, but with the help of his wife, read the complete edition and we discussed it and many aspects of his schooling in Malvern. From a personal point of view, I enjoyed every article.

Br Gerard Rummery

COVER (left to right) Luca Waterstone, Joel King, Mr Peter Houlihan, Flynn Bulman and Andrew McGaw.

EDITOR Kerry Martin

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY James McPherson

ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY Peter Pearse, James McPherson and Jonathan Hewett

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Mauro Cecchin and De La Salle Marketing

LASALLIAN ROLL CALL SEPTEMBER 2020 | 3

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

From the PrincipalDear Old Collegians,

Welcome to this latest edition of the Roll Call; once again providing a terrific range of articles outlining contemporary happenings at the College and a variety of news from our Old Collegians’ exploits around the globe.

Given the events of recent months, it is almost inevitable my column will focus on COVID-19 and how the College has coped under a broad variety of challenges. When school closures were announced in late March, with the resultant move to remote learning we were very quickly drawn into the maelstrom of preparations, adjustments, communications and precautions – all designed to keep our students and staff safe. Closely aligned to these critical priorities were the other essential elements of our everyday, “normal” school operations. Despite the obvious disruptions, our emphasis very quickly turned to finding new ways to focus on learning, wellbeing, faith and spirituality and when possible, limited co-curricular activities to support our students and broaden their experience of what rapidly turned into a very challenging year!

In recent years, all at De La Salle have taken great pride in our commitment to innovation, improvement, developing great young men and realising the wonderful potential in each of them. As we move through the hybrid experience of a combination of on-site and remote learning in recent months, it is important for our community to know these strategic priorities remain. Indeed, with the reflection and lessons from last term’s remote learning, our commitment to and understanding of what our students and staff need is actually sharpened by the experience.

I was very proud of – and impressed by – the terrific manner in which all in the school moved into the first round of remote learning. In the final week of Term 1 we had already begun preparations for remote learning, establishing what that may look like in our context. On 23 March the Premier

announced students were going home and not returning onsite for at least the first half of Term 2. The next couple of weeks – nominally the Term 1 holidays - were then consumed by staff at all levels working frantically to ensure our online resources and skills were up to the required standard and quickly learning the intricacies of teaching and meeting via Microsoft Teams. This period of remote learning was certainly demanding for staff and students alike but the feedback from parents and indeed most of the students was that the College handled the process remarkably well. Students were kept up to date with their learning and the wellbeing staff were very busy supporting various students and families who found the remote experience a little overwhelming.

At the time of writing, we are moving into Term 3 with all Year 5 – 10 students once again learning remotely and the VCE classes on-site. While the coming weeks bring obvious and varied challenges, I am confident in our capacity to embrace these and make 2020 a successful year for all. We have approached all this year’s obstacles with some strategic, yet basic principles designed to support, encourage and build our community in the face of adversity. I have been very proud of the way so many staff have led our community through these recent months through words

and actions, keeping us safe, helping people adjust and cope and take meaning from the experience.

This leadership, attitude and planned approach has held us in good stead thus far and I will be relying on a similar approach in the coming weeks to best support all in our school circles. In his Meditation 202.3, St John Baptist de La Salle said, “Example makes a much greater impression on the mind and heart than words.” Our staff have set a wonderful example for each other and our young men; remaining calm, dedicated to the cause and resilient in the face of adversity. A good lesson for us all as we work through the challenges of the pandemic. May you and yours stay safe and well.

Peter Houlihan Principal

As Roll Call goes to print the College is in its second lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Not since 1918 has the College closed its gates. On the following pages Roll Call looks at how the College responded to the first pandemic lockdown, from March till May. Thanks to the unprecedented efforts of our students, parents, teachers and support staff, the College navigated its community through troubled waters to reopen its gates once again at the end of May.

While the lockdowns closed the physical presence of the College, the day to day business of school life continued. Students learned remotely, administration staff worked from their dining room tables, College tours went virtual, College Reunions were cancelled and the College gates were locked. Students celebrated Founder’s Day online, watched their Student Leaders share recipes on Facebook and sweated through virtual gym sessions. It was business as usual, albeit remotely.

College responds to COVID-19 lockdown


COLLEGE RESPONDS TO COVID-19 LOCKDOWN


As the College First Aid Officer, Kylie Upton’s days are never boring. Responsible for more than 1,100 students, she has seen it all, but nothing could have prepared her for COVID-19. Working as part of a front-line team to implement the College’s health response to the pandemic, Ms Upton had to think laterally and quickly to ensure students and staff were safe.

“On Sunday 22 March 2020, we received the news that all schools across Victoria would close and within days the College was put into “lockdown.”

Ms Upton, who has been the First Aid Officer at the College since 2012, never dreamed she would ever experience a lockdown and would be required to care for students during a pandemic. “Victoria was fighting a deadly virus, a virus that we couldn’t see, smell, taste or hear and the College needed to be ready,” she said.

With teachers busy designing curriculum materials to deliver remotely, Ms Upton was preparing the College for those students who would not be able to learn from home. “The holidays provided valuable time to facilitate the requirements at school for the students of “essential workers” and those considered “vulnerable.” During the term break she organised a drive through flu vaccination to which more than 100 teachers and support

FRONT LINE FIRST RESPONDER

Front line first responder

staff were vaccinated from their cars.

The Health Centre quickly responded to welcome students back under lockdown conditions. “We needed to regularly monitor student’s temperatures and maintain strict hygiene and social distancing measures. The Health Centre acquired infra-red non-contact thermometers, alcohol swabs, disposable gloves and hand sanitisers.”

Ms Upton said it was vital to regularly liaise with the Department of Health and systematic tracking of College community members who had been in close contact with confirmed cases was established and every negative test result received brought a small sense of relief, knowing our College community was safe from this virus.

Day one of Term 2 was like no other, with seven students arriving

at Tiverton to commence the term. They were accommodated in the Rheims Centre and were closely monitored by Ms Upton and a small team of teachers.

“Our first recess presented a new problem. How to keep students entertained during recess and lunch time. We took the risk, disinfected a basketball and let them out in the sunshine to make the most of the entire College grounds. By lunchtime they were friends and after temperature checks and hand sanitising we survived our first day.”

“Fast forward to day four and the students, now referring to themselves as “Class Iso 2020”, elected a senior student, Thomas Simpson as “Captain Iso”. Deputy Principal of Students, Jessica Alger (safely) presented Thomas with a Class Captain Badge, which he pinned on himself due to the physical distancing rules.”

“I am enormously proud of our COVID-19 cohort. I want them all to look back fondly on our surreal days spent together and know that De La Salle College and the Health Centre cared about them and went to great lengths to keep them safe whilst in our care.”

With students now back on campus and adapting to the “new normal”, Ms Upton is constantly vigilant, making sure that appropriate hygiene and safety measures are followed.

By Kerry Martin


LEARNING AND TEACHING IN LOCKDOWN

social profession. The response of teachers to remote learning, as the period of lockdown progressed, highlighted this fact. In the initial weeks, there was much grappling with new systems, re-planning and re-design of learning sequences, learning new tech tools, alongside the personal challenges all of us confronted with being physically isolated from others and anxious about the potential for devastating impact of the pandemic.

Students’ experiences varied. Some thrived in remote learning. One student’s father happily conveyed his son’s sentiment “best pandemic ever!” For other students, the isolation made learning extremely challenging. The missing element, face-to-face contact with peers and teachers, is something that appears to be a crucial part of education for those students. This is particularly true for those who have struggled with maintaining focus and motivation when left to operate with a greater degree of independence.

When it comes time to look back at this period, I would guess that it will

The Government decision in late March that education would be delivered remotely was something of a shock. It was not something that we had done before. We suddenly needed to re-think how school works, calling into question all of the many certainties about what we do – the routines, habits, structures and systems, that we had come to rely upon and perhaps took for granted.

We identified quickly that a simple online learning framework was needed. We couldn’t presume that all students would have access to high quality internet and over time, that proved to be true. Keeping our core system as simple and ‘lean’ as possible would be important – every student and teacher needed to be able to access the learning content without concern about limited data plans, intermittent connectivity, or a household full of people competing for bandwidth.

We decided to stick with the existing timetable. Students regularly checking in with teachers and classmates, maintaining a known, established routine was important. Remote classes commenced first on our online learning system, OLLIE. This was expanded, once we were confident that all technical issues had been accounted for, with the use of Microsoft Teams, which enabled online video conferencing.

Teams went on to be an important part of the remote learning experience. Teachers were able to connect with students more meaningfully than the purely text-based communication of chat forums and email. It also helped with efficiency.

Teachers are fundamentally social creatures and teaching is an inherently

be, for most people in education, with a variety of emotions. There is no doubt that we will see things done differently in learning and teaching, going forward. How teachers manage learning resources and activities, can foster and encourage independent learning and utilise technology are just a few elements of the COVID-19 experience that will likely leave a positive mark. This has not come without extraordinary effort and I would suggest, great difficulty for most. Parents regularly contacted the College over the closure period expressing gratitude, something that buoyed the spirits of the staff immeasurably. It has for me, been simply another confirmation of the quality of the exceptional De La Salle staff and the wonderful students in our care. We have emerged through the experience intact, ready to push into another ‘new normal’, physically back at the school and amongst the people we are likely now to have a whole new appreciation for.

Mark Gustincic Deputy Principal – Learning & Teaching

Learning and teaching in lockdown


campus is the routine and structured environment of school.”

“Being at school during lockdown helped me stay motivated and engaged.

“One disadvantage of online learning, whether it be at home or at school, is the increased amount of time spent staring at a screen and the feeling of being lethargic after a days’ worth of work. It is also a drag having to take everything to and from school in order to be ready for the day.”

“It took some time to adjust, but I found that being at school helped me to make the transition from regular school life to online learning.”

By Kerry Martin

Thomas Simpson (Tom), who is currently in Year 12, is one of seven students who started Term 2 on campus. With both parents working in essential industries, Tom and his two brothers James (Year 10) and Alex (Year 7) were unable to remain at home, so they spent the best part of the term as part of the COVID-19 cohort, the smallest on campus class in the history of the College.

Based in the Rheims Centre and closely monitored by the College’s First Aid Officer, a teacher and a learning support officer, the students, who ranged in age from Year 6 to Year 12, worked in separate classrooms to satisfy social distancing requirements. Their temperatures were taken regularly and a strict regime of hand sanitising and personal hygiene was enforced.

The students quickly adapted to their new conditions and by the end of the first week they had settled into a new routine of learning in isolation on campus. During classes the group had the luxury of the entire school grounds to play ball games and exercise. They even elected their own temporary College Captain. As the senior of the group, Tom Simpson got the gig and was presented with a Leader’s Badge by Deputy Principal Students, Ms Jessica Alger.

Now back on Campus, Tom reflected on his Term 2 experience. “Life at school was certainly better than working from home because at school there was a more social aspect and a sense of belonging.”

“I certainly missed my friends, but the College’s online learning program helped us stay connected through video chats and other social media services. To an extent this has helped my learning but I couldn’t help feeling like something was missing, it’s just not the same.”

“One of the advantages I have found of doing my online learning on

The COVID-19 cohortTHE COVID-19 COHORT

Thomas and Alex Simpson (front) with some of the COVID 19 Cohort in lockdown 1.0

Thomas Simpson receives his temporary College Captain badge

James Simpson


THE PARENT PERSPECTIVE / HELP DESK TO THE RESCUE

The Parent Perspective

Help Desk to the Rescue

When the government announced in March that students would be learning from home, the College’s information technology team were faced with an unprecedented predicament. How to transfer the College’s entire operations into a virtual operation, and, as is the way of the Help Desk, in less than three weeks they had set up a virtual school.

After a few late nights and a lot of meetings, the IT team set up systems to deliver platforms that would remotely deliver 500 timetabled classes online, enable administrative staff to provide support services for students and parents and up-skill teachers for the most radical change to pedagogical practices in decades.

The Information Technology Manager, Alex Zolkover said the rollout, while requiring some very late nights, had

As students settled into remote learning during Term 2, parents got a front row seat to their son’s education on a day-to-day level. Two of our parents shared their experience of remote learning with Roll Call.

The Secretary of the Parent Network, Letecya Stacey, said the remote learning experience was better than expected. “Besides some initial problems, the online learning was smooth,” she said. “My sons, Liam in Year 9 and Joshua in Year 11, responded very well. They organised themselves to ensure they were ready for each subject.”

“The workload, while heavy for Joshua was manageable. We worked as a family to ensure everyone was given the ability to complete what they needed. This sometimes-meant juggling workspaces. I have had to move my domestic work to the

weekends to enable a suitable work/school environment.”

Michelle Petersen, the Parent Network Year Level Representative for Year 6 said that while the remote learning experience was different, she was impressed by how well her son, Max coped. “While schooling from home was different, I was impressed with how the College and my son embraced the change and how well it worked,” Petersen said. “The teachers did an outstanding job and are always available.”

“Max responded well, following the timetable to make sure he had his breaks and got lots of outside time. The music lessons with Mr Coyle was fantastic. The boys used Microsoft Teams and hearing everyone playing their instruments online was wonderful. It’s impressive how much they’ve improved since schooling at home commenced.”

Michelle and Max Peterson

been an absolute success and in some ways a catalyst for positive change.

“The rollout of new learning platforms has been extremely successful, we could not be happier with the adoption and use of all the tools we have provided,” he said.

“We had to ensure our staff, teaching and non-teaching were well equipped with the skills in a very short time, and a lot of work went into training staff for Office 365 and Teams.”

Most educational institutions have been working the same way for years and now they can see what is possible. With today’s tools and connectivity, education and collaboration can work and thrive, no matter the location,” he said.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to explore how teachers and schools might transform their approach to teaching and learning. Let’s be bold, think differently, explore what is possible and challenge the status quo.”

Liam, Michelle and Joshua Stacey


During the COVID-19 lockdown, the College’s Music Department responded quickly to the challenges of adapting to a remote model of education. Both the junior band program classes and private instrumental lessons were conducted via Microsoft Teams and despite the change in format, students made excellent progress, culminating in some excellent band performances and individual recitals when classes resumed at the end of May.

The Music Coordinator, Mr Luke Serrano said lockdown had given rise to many opportunities. “Staff and students embraced new online music education technologies, audio/video recording programs and equipment making the closure period a time of growth for the College’s music community, which will no doubt lead to many positive educational outcomes in the years to come.”

One exciting opportunity is the Department’s decision to release an album, Music of De La Salle 2020, showcasing the talents of the music students and staff.

“It is intended that the album will be an annual production which will forge the cultural memory of performed music at the De La Salle. Links to the album tracks will be provided free to the College community,” Serrano said.

When students returned some small scale performances recommenced with several lunchtime concerts, including the Battle of the Bands, won this year by a predominantly Year 10 outfit called The Leftovers. They will go on to represent the College in September at the ACC Battle of the Bands.

“One unique project, which I am very much looking forward to bringing back to life, is the De La Salle/OLSH co-production of Typhoid Mary, which is now planned for performance in 2021.”

Serrano came on board the project in mid-2019 as co-composer and

musical director. “I worked in my spare hours over four months to revise Andrew Murrell’s original music for the show, writing 90 minutes of new arrangements and orchestrations that intensify the drama and take advantage of the specific individual skills of De La Salle’s senior musicians and music staff.”

“With composition being my primary focus as a musician, it has been particularly satisfying to be able to make a contribution of this nature to the College’s performing arts program. Typhoid Mary is a brilliant show, and perfectly suited to our complicated times. Through the lens of a tale that’s 100 years old, the play raises many pertinent issues of our times; the battle between group think and expert (scientific) opinion, the immigrant experience, gender equity issues, and of course life in a time of contagion. Hopefully the current

KEEPING THE MUSIC ALIVE IN LOCKDOWN

Keeping the music alive in lockdown

Year 6 Music Class 2020

Luke Serrano

Alex Martello (Year 12) takes a remote guitar lesson with his teacher, Mr Jaymee Lee

social distancing requirements in Victoria will be able to be sufficiently relaxed in time, so that we may tell this entertaining story. After what we have all been through so far in 2020 I believe will be a truly cathartic experience.”

“The Music Department wishes to thank the families of all music students for their support and forbearance during the school closure period; we understand that a honking saxophone or a piercing trumpet was perhaps not the ideal sonic accompaniment to life in lockdown.”


STUDENT RESPONSE TO COVID-19

LockdownMarch 2020 lockdown begunWaiting for this horrible event to be doneThe miserable feelings rush through yourself Frustration, about being stuck in the houseAngry, no friends to be seen, no sports to be playedSad, there is no new friendships to be madeHappy, when the restrictions got eased But we still must be careful when we sneeze The return of footy has me jumping with joy And that gives me something to enjoyThere are many changes about remote learning Mum’s grocery bill is very concerningThere are no sandwiches to be seenWe’re eating like a king and a queen No trips to the barber or ties to be worn We don’t need to get up at the break of dawn No public transport to be caughtReading a bookPlaying sportWatching TVHaving a little snoreEating an apple to its coreNo sport is playedNo friends to be seenNot even allowed to create a drama scene No events to attend Not even any trendsThis is what lockdown has becomeA miserable place with no things to be doneAnd this is lockdown 2020

By Ollie Pietsch 7 Solomon

Student response to COVID-19Terms 2 and 3 at the College have been like no other. With the world coming to terms with the unfolding health disaster of the COVID-19, students around the country started their first day of term at home. No classes, no sport, no school formals, no school plays, no gatherings, nothing except isolation at home.

Isolation or ‘iso’, as it became known, was the new way of life. Banned from outdoor activity and social gatherings we all looked to ways to spend physical, mental and creative energy within the confines of the ‘lockdown.” The new-look school happened online with Microsoft Teams and Ollie delivering classes to our homes. But

as the isolation continued, amazing things started to happen; art galleries and museums opened their collections online, the Rolling Stones entertained us from the comfort of their lounge rooms and we learned to adapt, even thrive in isolation.


LIFE BACK TO NORMAL, NOT YET

With the second lockdown in place many things around the College have had to change to accommodate the return of some students. College staff have had to respond quickly to Government policy and safety protocols as required.

College Property Manager, Michael Bohan worked around the clock to prepare the campuses for reopening.

“The old “bubbler” taps at the three campuses were removed and replaced with 23 bottle filling taps which avoid direct “mouth contact,” he said.

“Across the campuses free standing sanitiser stations and additional soap dispensers were installed throughout the buildings.”

“Dedicated specialist “Touch point cleaners” are now deployed at each campus during the school day to sanitise door handles, light switches, balustrades and other common areas.”

“Any contractor entering our campuses has their temperature checked upon arrival.”

“Dedicated signage was erected to inform staff and students of safe distancing requirements.”

“To ease congestion, three Year 7 classes were relocated from the Duffy to the Murdoch Building and

staffrooms were thinned out across several adjoining classrooms for social distancing reasons.”

Like the Maintenance team, the College administration staff who were working from home during lockdown are back on campus.

Administrative Services Manager, Mary Georges, said that staff were glad to be back after an extended period of working in the various versions of home offices such as second bedrooms, dining tables or hallways.

“Fortunately, the collegiality amongst the team and the great era of technology provided us with multiple platforms to help us through our projects and days in ‘iso,” Ms Georges said.

“A rewarding activity undertaken by the office staff during lockdown was reaching out and calling parents to understand how their son(s) were managing with remote learning. It was great speaking to parents and hearing that so many of our students had adapted well, yet missed the face-to-face friendships with their peers, so they were longing for restrictions to be eased and the return to the College.”

“The eagerly anticipated return to the College was not only felt by our students but staff alike - hearing the familiar sounds of bells and the vibrancy of the boy’s presence.”

Life back to normal, not yet


ACCLIMATISING TO GENEVA

This year Anthony Rea (1985) started his new role as the Director of Infrastructure for the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).

Based in Geneva, Switzerland, the WMO is a specialised agency of the United Nations, charged with international cooperation and coordination of the state and behaviour of the earth’s atmosphere, its interaction with the land and oceans, the weather and climate it produces, and the resulting distribution of water resources. Rea’s new role will be to manage the collection and sharing of weather and climate data from around the world. Rea spoke to Roll Call from his home in Geneva.

What were your passions and or extra-curricular interests at De La Salle?As a student I was a bit of a nerd. I played Dungeons and Dragons and wrote programs on my Tandy TRS-80. By Year 10, I’d discovered music and started buying 7-inch vinyls. In Year 12, I saw Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band and that changed my life. It was my first concert and I was completely transfixed. I thought “I want to do that” and I started playing guitar straight away on this beat up old instrument I’d got from my aunt.

What pathways did you pursue after graduating from the College?In 1986, I enrolled in Cartography at RMIT but soon realised it wasn’t for me, so I deferred for a year. I got a part time job as a storeman and

bought an electric guitar. Life was simple and carefree. The following year I went back to RMIT after transferring to surveying. This was one of the best decisions of my life.

After graduation, I was working casually for a small surveying firm in Brunswick, when I got a call from the Careers Officer from RMIT that would change my life. A US oil exploration company based in Singapore were looking for surveyors. I didn’t have a passport, had never been on a plane, but a month later I was on a plane to Singapore to take up a role on seismic exploration ships with Western Geophysical. The hours were long, two month stints at sea, working 12-hour shifts and the experience was amazing. But after two years it was time to go home.

Acclimatising to Geneva

Anthony Rea at WMO Geneva


Back in Melbourne I did two years of engineering surveying on a range of sites including the Kyneton bypass and the duplication of the Hume Highway at Holbrook. I then got a job with Serco which managed the hydrographic contract with Melbourne Water. I worked in sewerage flow monitoring, dirty and dangerous work.

How did you get started at the Bureau of Meteorology?I’d been promoted to Data Manager at Serco but was still doing a lot of field work. It was around this time I made a decision to go back to study. I had been reading books by Carl Sagan, specifically “Broca’s Brain” and “The Dragons of Eden”, books about the romance and nobility of science and this led me to approach RMIT to see if I could enrol in a research degree. In 1998 I was accepted into a Master’s Program which led to a PhD on satellite observations. My PhD supervisor, Prof John le Marshall, (1963) got me some part-time work with the Bureau of Meteorology where he was working as a senior research scientist and in 2000 they offered me a full time position in the Satellite Section.

The Bureau was an amazing place to work. During my 19 years there, I worked in satellites, observations and on the corporate side. I managed the Bureau’s extensive observations network of radars and automatic weather stations for several years and for the past two years was their Chief Data Officer.

What is your new role in Switzerland?My new role with the WMO is heading up the Infrastructure Department which has responsibility for the global coordination of meteorological, climate and water observations and also the exchange of forecast and analysis data to assist member countries (basically every country) in delivering services to their people.

What are some of the challenges facing meteorologists today?Like many occupations, technology is slowly replacing humans and

the challenge for meteorologists nowadays is to interpret data and to work with decision makers to help them use the meteorological information in the best possible way. Demand for more specialised and localised services by the public – for example the delivery of meteorological information via smart phone – is pushing many meteorological services to invest in phone apps and machine-to-machine interfaces to deal with the increasing loads. Climate change is also driving an increase in severe weather events globally and this is placing pressure on meteorological services around the world.

What have been your career highlights so far?Working for the Bureau provided so many opportunities. In 2011, I travelled by ship to Macquarie Island to conduct a health and safety inspection of its facilities there. An amazing experience. Other highlights have been travelling by helicopter to an oil exploration ship early in my career, watching as the data from a meteorological satellite was decoded by software I had written, being called to Parliament House to respond to the criticisms of climate sceptics who seek to discredit the quality science

undertaken at the Bureau. One of the biggest things I have done was a strategic review of the Bureau’s observations program – all of the weather radars, automatic weather stations and weather balloons – and implementing a major organisational change in response to the review’s recommendations.

How do you balance a healthy mind and body with such a highly technical and demanding role?I still love music - it has been a constant thread throughout my life. I have played in a number of different bands and continue to play when I can. My solo album, “Separation Street” is available on Spotify and Apple Music. I also love sailing and am hoping to pursue this on the waters of Lake Geneva.

What legacies have your days as a De La Salle students left you with?I had some great teachers at De La Salle who gave me a lot of encouragement, particularly in Maths and Science. My love of science continues to this day and I am thankful for the solid grounding I got at De La Salle.

Check out Anthony Rea’s album at anthonyreamusic.com

Anthony, Nicola, Lucinda and Maia on Lake Geneva


THE LONG GAME IS THE BEST GAME IN TOWN

In his role as the Managing Director of Seven Melbourne and Head of Network Sport, Lewis Martin (1981) understands the value of relationships and the importance of keeping them. With responsibility for more than 250 staff and a career at Seven which has lasted 26 years, let’s say he knows a thing or two about playing the long game.

Martin got his break in the media doing surf reports from the 3XY and Bay FM Cruiser and after joining Channel Seven as a sales executive in 1994, eventually worked his way up the ladder to his appointment to the role as Managing Director at Seven in Melbourne 2008. He admits that academic life at the College took a back seat to cricket and the Kildara girls, but that didn’t detract from his success. As well

as leading Seven through a decade of remarkable growth, Martin also supports a number charities. He is a Board member of the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, Visit Victoria, and the Cure for MND Foundation and a Director of the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation and Racing.com, as well as an advisor to a number of Melbourne based not-for-profit organisations.

The long game is the best game in town


Martin also plays the long game when it comes to maintaining his personal relationships and since graduating from the College, he has maintained close ties with a group of Old Collegians from the Class of 1981.

“Several times a year for more than 30 years I have had dinner with the same 13 blokes from the Class of 1981. The group most of whom hail from Glen Waverley and include a couple of ‘Johnny-come-latelies,’ who arrived at the College in Year 11 from St James, plus a couple of add-ons.”

“Over the years we’ve enjoyed and endured sharing the ups and downs of life, grief, marriage, kids, divorce, success and failure, and of course a few beers.”

Every year Martin and the group embark on a trip known as the Daniel Lagastes Memorial Cup, in honour of Year 8 student, Daniel Lagastes, (2010), who passed away suddenly in 2006, while he was in Year 8 at the College. Daniel’s father Marty is also one of the group.

“A joy of the annual Daniel Lagastes Memorial Cup is the selection process of the destination, the seedy silent lobbying and then the parliamentary-like debate of where we will go is not for the faint hearted!”

“Over the years we’ve enjoyed many trips away and each trip is a special chapter with its own stories, which, like tattoos are there for life, some recalled with discomfort, some with misty-eyed recollection and most recalled way to often with tears of unbridled laughter.”

The group has also had its setbacks and in 2001 they lost one of their treasured members. “We lost ‘Kingo’ which was a blow.” John Kingston (1981) was a rising star in the Department of Public Prosecutions when he died after complications from a lung heart transplant in 2001.

“He made us proud with his remarkable intellect and achievements as a prosecutor, he would also sometimes drive us mad with his rebellious nature and we miss him.”

Martin admits that things haven’t changed much since the group left the College. “We haven’t progressed far from the school yard, the Armadale Hotel, The Orrong, The Nott, The Mansion, or The Bush Inn.”

The relationships with this group are so important. “Sometimes they annoy me, sometimes I don’t like them, most of the time they make me laugh and I always love them.”

Martin also remains passionately involved with the Lyndavale Cattle station NT, where he lived and

worked for a year in 1983, and is proud of his Licensed Road Train operator’s licence, which is current.

Martin is not one to ‘pump up his own tyres.” When I ask him if I can have a copy of his Curriculum Vitae, he says. “I don’t have one.” Needless to say he does have one, and it is extensive. While he didn’t choose the university path he has learned from experience. “I continue to work towards my degree at the University of life,” he said.

Martin’s achievements are considerable. During his time at the helm, Seven has held the top spot as Melbourne’s number one television station for nine years in a row, the most successful era in Seven Melbourne’s history. He has driven new broadcasting right’s deals with the AFL and Tennis Australia and taken a lead role in setting up the new partnership between the Network and the AFL and AFLW. His contribution in steering the creation and execution of Fight MND ‘Freeze at the G’ has seen the charity raise $5 million a year for motor neuron disease.

In 2017, Martin told Peter Jones in an interview on White With One that he admired people who are high achievers in their particular field but who do it in their own low key style – some might say they are the quiet achievers. And Martin would be right at home in their company.

Martin agrees he has met some amazing people throughout his career and he puts people at the top of his career highs. “My career highlights are the people I have the good fortune to work with, everything else is a distant second.”

When he is not working Martin enjoys time with family and friends, supporting the Magpies and long-boarding. Martin lives in Melbourne’s bayside with his wife Kellie and children Joey 18 and Eleanor 16.

By Kerry Martin

The long game is the best game in town

The relationships with this group are so important. “Sometimes they annoy me, sometimes I don’t like them, most of the time they make me laugh and I always love them.”


RUNNING FOR THEIR BLUE FAMILY

Running for their blue familyThe tragic deaths of four Victorian police officers on the Eastern Freeway in May sent shockwaves through the community. In the wake of the tragedy, the community rallied to raise funds to support the families of the victims. Joining in the fund-raising efforts, Old Collegians, Senior Constable Jacob Gooden (2010) and Constable Robert Weir (2010) embarked on a month-long marathon run to raise money for the families.

Throughout the month of May, the pair, who are also first cousins, ran a total of 159.485 kilometres, which represented the sum of the registration numbers of their four fallen colleagues; Leading Sen-Constable Lynette Taylor, Sen-Constable Kevin King, Constable Glen Humphris and Constable Josh Prestney.

Gooden said that the 22nd of April 2020, would forever be remembered by all police members. “It sent shockwaves through our community,” he said. “I still haven’t truly got my head around the events of that week, in which we lost four members of our blue family.”

“As members of Vic Pol we consider ourselves to be part of a blue family and we genuinely feel for these people like they are your own,’’ Gooden said.

“In the week after the accident we were still in shock but knew we had to do something to help. We had an idea to combine the registration numbers of each of victim, which totalled 159, 485, we placed a decimal point in the middle and came up with the target for our Run, light heartedly entitled, Goodzy Runs -Not a Typo.”

“On the last day of the run, the 31st of May, we ran 27.417km which represented the registered number of the most senior member, Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor.

“The last leg of the run was the most physically gruelling challenge my body has ever gone through. My heart and

mind were willing at the end, knowing what we were doing it for, but my legs were just about ready to give up in the last 3 kilometres, I was very lucky to have Rob will me home.” Gooden said.

The pair exceeded their target of $10,000 with all money raised going to Police Legacy, which supports the families of the deceased police members.

The cousins both explored other careers before joining VicPol. Gooden, who joined VicPol in 2014, studied media and communications and then worked in sports marketing at Rookie Me and Weir studied teaching and worked as a personal trainer before joining VicPol, first in 2013, and again in 2018.

“Working within Vic Pol comes with it a set of challenges that perhaps other vocations aren’t faced with on such a frequent basis. Exposure to trauma and vicarious trauma is up there as a major one. It is something that you can’t really prepare for, you just have to make sure to manage and acknowledge how situations make you feel rather than ignoring them. “

Both Old Collegians believe are fully aware of the mental health issues associated with their work. Both believe that personal fitness is an effective way of coping with the pressures of working in the front line.

Weir admits there are definitely a lot of challenges involved with working with Victoria Police. “Some of the situations that you are required to deal with on a daily basis are quite stressful and confronting, but the training that you are given adequately prepares you for it,” Weir said.

Weir admits he is a bit of a fitness junkie. “I have always loved fitness and have been basically a fitness addict since leaving De La Salle, I thoroughly enjoy any sort from weightlifting, running and walking.”

Weir is also passionate about giving back to the community. “My career highlights have been helping the community. Earlier this year I was sent up to Wodonga to assist with the Victorian bushfires. It was a real highlight to see how the Victorian community banded together to assist one another in such a horrible time.”

By Kerry Martin

Rob Weir and Jacob Gooden


Tom McIlroy (2003) is the national political reporter for the Australian Financial Review. In this issue of Roll Call, McIlroy interviews, friend and fellow Old Collegian, Greg Nicolson (2003), himself a journalist based in South Africa.

As South Africa begins the long road out of the Coronavirus crisis, De La Salle Old Boy Greg Nicolson (2003) is writing the first draft of history - more than 10,000 kilometres from home. A journalist reporting for the online newspaper Daily Maverick, Nicolson first travelled to South Africa through an overseas study program with Monash University, gradually extending his stay to complete masters study and eventually going on to start a career.

“I was bouncing between Melbourne and South Africa and eventually I met my girlfriend here,” he says. “Then I got an internship and that’s basically the same job I’m in now.” The 34-year-old hadn’t planned to work in news and says he never would have imagined covering a global pandemic and recession, let alone in a country as economically challenged as South Africa.

“I had taken a couple of elective units in journalism and I enjoyed it. I enjoyed writing and when I finished my honours in international studies, I wasn’t sure what to do with it.

“I thought I was probably less employable than when I just had my undergrad, but I contacted any journalist I thought was writing good stuff or was interesting, both in South Africa and across the continent.

“I sent hundreds and hundreds of emails and very few got back to me.” He started in an internship position in 2011, about two years after the site was created as a spin off from a print magazine. Daily Maverick is a mix of news and analysis and Nicolson specialises in on the ground reporting and political coverage.

In 2020, he is covering the pandemic response of President Cyril

Ramaphosa, as well as the challenges South Africans face staying employed, receiving health care and even feeding their families. Despite a hard and early lockdown, cases of COVID-19 continued to rise.

“A lot of workers here are surviving week to week, they don’t have much in savings, so the situation was very dire,” Nicolson says.

“Some people were going hungry because they had to stay at home. You saw these scary photos of people lining up for hundreds of metres, around blocks, just to try and get a food parcel.

“The public health care system caters for 84 per cent of people around the country but it is often over burdened and under resourced. It’s not bad in certain sections but it does have problems.” Nicolson has survived lockdown at home, venturing out whenever possible with a notepad and a camera to document the spread of the virus.

“You get pangs of guilt staying at home, thinking ‘isn’t it my duty to be out there bearing witness?’

“All of the bars and restaurants are closed and you can’t buy alcohol. I’ve had to actively tune out when I can, turning off my phone and watching a movie or reading or trying to do some exercise.” Despite the virus continuing to spread, restrictions began to ease in early June, primarily because of economic hardship facing millions. Businesses, churches and shops were allowed to reopen.

Nicolson says he spoke to his family at home in Australia more in two months of lockdown than in the previous two years. “For my own sanity, I’ve had to rely on speaking to my parents and my sisters and their kids. Every couple of days we call or they send pictures.

“In a time of crisis I miss that familiarity of just being around what you know and what you’ve grown up with.

More than 15 years on, he looks back fondly at his time at De La Salle.

“I feel privileged to have been around so many friends and lots of interesting and educated people,” Nicolson says.

By Tom McIlroy (2003)

LIFE ON THE GROUND IN SOUTH AFRICA

Life on the ground in South Africa

Greg Nicolson


THE RENSHI AND THE CEO

The Renshi and the CEOPhysical and mental strength, sheer determination and perseverance, make a karate Renshi, but they also make a successful businessman and John Di Losa (1980) has mastered both.

Di Losa, who is a Yon Dan Ho, a probationary fourth degree black belt in karate, and a Renshi, a teacher of karate and kick boxing, has built the largest Australian owned private transport company specialising in chilled and frozen direct to store distribution in Victoria. ColdXpress, which he started in 1998, supplies more than 45,000 delivery points across the state from its 26,000 square metre operation in Rowville.

Di Losa says there are many similarities between the discipline and philosophy required to be successful as a martial arts practitioner and a CEO.

“A black belt requires perseverance and determination. Less than 10 per cent of those who take up karate reach the level of black belt and then only a few percent of black belts ever make it to a Dan level,” Di Losa said.

He says the skills are totally transferable. “If I get a resume across my desk and the applicant has achieved a black belt or higher, I put them to the top of the pile, as I know they are more likely to persevere and adapt and less likely to quit.”

“I truly believe if everyone lived by the virtues of a true martial artist the world would be a better place for all involved. Once you get past black belt, the higher you get the humbler you should become.”

Di Losa first became interested in karate while he was at the College. “In 1978, whilst at De La Salle I joined a karate school with Jack Di Giantomasso (1966), who was a teacher at the College. I continued studying and practising martial arts for over 40 years and eventually opened my own suburban karate club under the Allstars Martial Arts banner.”

”After graduating from the College, Di Losa worked at a local supermarket learning the ropes running the fruit and deli departments.” I saved and saved and in 1983 took over a small fruit and vegetable business in South Caulfield and started specialising in organic produce –my turnover in my first week was $680.”

“Within six years I had increased the turnover to more than $22,000. In those days there were only two other organic fruit and vegie’ retail outlets in Victoria.”

“At the same time, I joined the Board of Organic Retailers and Growers Association Victoria (ORGAV). Not one for standing still for too long, in 1995 Di Losa sold the business and seeing a gap in the market for refrigerated freight movement, three years later started a new business Cold Xpress, which is today the largest Australian owned private transport company specialising in chilled/frozen direct to store carton distribution in Victoria.

“I started with one van and four subcontractors working out of a container in Carrum Downs.”

“Over the past 21 years we have rented properties and moved four times to larger premises each time.”

“In 2017, I purchased a 26,000 sq. site in Rowville which we now operate from.”

“We now deliver to more than 45,000 delivery points throughout Victoria, Southern NSW and Canberra.”

A martial artist has to be quick to react and respond quickly to changing situations and this has transferred into his business approach which is constantly evolving and growing.

“We are currently in the process of automating our warehouse which will be capable of processing 6,000 boxes per hour.”

Like other businesses Di Losa’s business has been severely impacted by COVID-19 and he has had to respond to the ever-changing business conditions.

“In the early stages we had about a 40 per cent increase in volume, which posed logistical issues such as labour shortages - we pushed our team to the limits.”

“Then a few weeks later, when Stage 3 restrictions hit and a lot of restaurants and cafes closed, we lost the deliveries to these outlets.”

“Unfortunately, we did not qualify for the Government’s stimulus package, but we made up the losses by consolidating runs and getting contractors to deliver more on their normal days.”

“We also looked to minimise the impact of store closures by increasing our home delivery division. We also dropped our rates on home deliveries to attract more customers.”

COVID-19 has made business rethink how they do business and ColdXpress will come out of this a stronger and smarter business.

Di Losa and his wife Marie have four children Jacinta, Jack, Rebecca and Alex. He still practices karate. It keeps him on his toes.

By Kerry Martin

John Di Losa


COVID-19 ENDS FAMILY’S DREAM HOLIDAY

COVID-19 ends family’s dream holidayAn Old Collegian with a long-time dream to travel the world with his family for a year, found himself in lockdown when South America closed its borders due to COVID-19. The Miller family endured six weeks in isolation in Bolivia before finally making it back to Sydney. Bruce Miller (1988) spoke to Roll Call while in quarantine in a Sydney hotel.

Miller long held an idea of making a life-changing trip with his wife, Kate, and daughters Alex, 13, and Ashley, 9. The year-long trip would include South America, southern Europe and Africa.

“I remember seeing a family with kids staying at the same hostel when I was backpacking 25 years ago and thinking what a wonderful thing to do. So once my wife and I began our family, the idea began to germinate. We felt the broader life education for our daughters would receive from a year backpacking would be invaluable.”

Carrying only one small carry-on daypack (7kg) each and leaving Melbourne in December 2019, the family travelled through Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil and Bolivia. But five months into their dream trip things changed drastically when the world was hit with COVID-19 and South America went into lockdown.

“The day after we crossed from Chile into Bolivia the Government announced that all roads and borders would close in 24 hours. We were stuck.”

At the time the Millers were on a three-day tour of Salar de Uyuni – a remote desert landscape in Bolivia, famous for its salt flats.

“We were literally in the middle of the desert, with no Wi-Fi or phone coverage to find out what was going on. We were lucky to arrange for a private driver to take us into the Bolivian capital of Sucre in the country’s southern highlands.”

“That day was the most stressful day of our lives.”

“South America moved so quickly to shut everything down, and within days we were under a 24-hour curfew with only one adult allowed out to go shopping once a week. We remained in lockdown for six long weeks.”

Miller, who is an ultra-trail runner, tried to maintain some level of fitness. “Our days were a mixture of exercise – there was one flight of stairs that I would run up and down, and Kate and the girls did yoga, stretching and meditation – school work when the Wi-Fi allows, and playing card games and charades. Luckily we were able to buy fresh food so we spent a lot of time cooking.”

“Our decision to leave Bolivia was an eleventh hour call as there was only one flight we could catch to return to Australia. We debated staying and trying to ride it out, but without any idea of how many months we would be stuck in Bolivia and able to resume our travels into neighbouring countries we felt our only course of action was to return home.”

“Since the outbreak of COVID-19 the kids endured eight weeks of full lock down, six in Bolivia and then another two weeks quarantine back here in Sydney. That’s a long time to be stuck inside.”

When their quarantine was over the Miller’s headed to Byron Bay and plan to travel to Queensland when the border opens.

“We are optimistic that some global borders may reopen in September so we may resume our overseas travels. What this looks like and where we will go is unknown at this stage.”

After graduating with Honours in Applied Science, Miller spent three years backpacking, including just over a year in Africa. He now runs his own recruitment firm, Alexander Porter and competes in 100 kilometre and 100 mile long ultra-trail races.

By Kerry Martin

You can follow the Millers on: https://www.instagram.com/millersgotravelling2020/

The Millers in Bolivia

FROM WIMBLEDON TO THE MCG


Two years in the Championships’ Department at Wimbledon was an ideal training ground for Tim East’s (2009) current role as the Security and Precinct Coordinator for the Melbourne Cricket Club.

After graduating with a double degree in Sports Management and Science at Deakin University, East spent a year as a Player’s Relations Assistant for Tennis Australia before moving to London where he spent two years working for the All England Lawn Tennis Club Championships’ Department, based at Wimbledon.

“At Wimbledon, I was fortunate enough to work across a number of key projects and learn from and work with some incredibly talented people,” East said.

“My role as Security and Precinct Coordinator has many moving parts and looks different at different times of the year. I am responsible for the various events and activations we have external to the MCG – on the concourse or in Yarra Park – but also help to deliver the external aspects of all MCG events, including traffic and pedestrian management, security operations, and transport.”

“Working for a venue which has so many events over the calendar year, the working day is very dependent on the keys stakeholders I am working with, be it AFL and tenant clubs, Cricket Australia, Melbourne Marathon, or other event organisers.”

“The variety is certainly a favourite aspect of my job and was key to drawing me to working in events in the first place.”

“COVID-19 has had a very significant impact on the MCC and the events and entertainment industry as a

whole, as it has with many industries the world over. At the MCC, we are using this time to work on maintaining the venue and improving as a business so that we are ready to go once fans are welcomed back.”

“My involvement in some major sports organisations has meant that I’ve been very fortunate to help deliver some incredible events. The Australian Open, The Championships (Wimbledon), the AFL Grand Final and the Boxing Day Test – very hard to pick a favourite!”

“I have always been passionate about travelling and hope to one day live and work overseas again. Living abroad for a few years has also given me a new appreciation for home, so lately I have really enjoyed

being a tourist in my own city and enjoying all that Melbourne has to offer.”

“My time at De La Salle (in particular during Br Denis’ maths classes) helped me to develop a strong work ethic, which has held me in good stead through the start of my career.”

“My work requires strong social skills and that is one thing I can truly thank De La Salle for. “My days at the College gave me the opportunity to develop social skills and relate to and work with people from many different backgrounds, which I have always been thankful for.”

By Kerry Martin

From Wimbledon to the MCG

Tim East - Wimbledon

Tim East and Br Denis Loft

Tim East - MCG


MAN ON THE RUN

As a teenager, John O’Shea (1979) read The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner, not long after he joined the College’s cross-country team and started running.

“I loved the solitude of running and the time it gave me to think,” O’Shea said. His passion for running led to five years as a VFL/AFL boundary umpire where he shared the same side of the fence with the likes of Lockett, Ablett, Dunstall and Daicos.

“I was never the fastest or most talented runner, but I always knew at the end of training or a race that I had left nothing out on the track. To this day running still gives me time to think and over the years I have resolved many a work or family issue when I’ve been out on a run.”

Later in his 30s, O’Shea ran in the first of his four Melbourne Marathons, in just 2 hours 51 minutes and then in his 40s successfully completed two Oxfam 100km team races, with a best outcome of 15 hours 36 minutes. His four-man team finished 12th out of 250 teams.

O’Shea, who was College Vice-Captain in 1979, stopped running long enough to complete an Economics degree at Monash, an MBA at RMIT University and a Company Directors course at the AICD.

He realised he would have to leave his umpiring days behind him in order to establish his career and applying his dedication and passion for running to his professional life, O’Shea rose quickly through the ranks as a senior marketing manager.

After 12 years as a partner at KPMG, he was appointed to the role of Global Chief Marketing Officer for KPMG International.

“KPMG provided a chance to travel extensively, which opened up tremendous opportunities to travel as a family. The firm gave me great insights into how some very smart people thought about things and went about solving issues in both

a community and commercial context. In that sort of environment, you never stop learning.”

After KPMG, O’Shea held senior marketing and management roles for Minter Ellison, WHK Crowe Horwath, and the Bank of Melbourne.

A year ago he was appointed Chief Operating Officer of the ASX listed company, IPH Group, which owns five of the leading intellectual property firms operating in Australia, New Zealand and Asia, specialising in protecting the intellectual property of many of Australia’s and the world’s leading companies.

“We’re an acquisitive organisation and no one day seems to be the same. Up until COVID-19 changed things, I was travelling weekly and on the days I was in Melbourne I’d work from home – now thankfully I’m not seeing the inside of a plane, and am currently working 100 per cent at home.”

“My current role allows me to draw on so many of the lessons learnt throughout my career and put them into play in an ever-changing environment. “

O’Shea said De La Salle also sparked his love of learning.

“I came from a modest background and my mum and dad’s willingness to pay for a private school education instilled in me the importance and value of education as a means of furthering yourself, wherever and however life takes you,” he said.

“My time at the College taught me so much more than what was in the books we read. I learnt the value of hard work; the importance of getting on with people from all backgrounds and the ability to solve life’s problems in a way that fosters resilience and a healthy and happy outlook on life.”

O’Shea still runs although he admits he’s not very fast. He and his wife, Tess, who recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary have three adult children, Ryan, Clare and Liam.

By Kerry Martin

Man on the runJohn O’Shea


The Quin family has been connected to the College since its beginnings in 1912. Nicholas Quin (1963) who recently retired from his busy photographic business, started taking photos while a student at the College, under the watchful eye of Br Denis Crowe. In his final year, he took photos for his year book, Blue and Gold and in 2012, co-authored with Steve Stefanopoulos, the College’s Centenary book. He has also produced two marketing brochures for the school over the years. In this issue of Roll Call. Quin reflects on his family’s connection to the College.

“The Quin family connection began when my Uncle Maurice, my father’s younger brother, started at De La Salle on the first day the College opened in 1912. My father was too old, as he turned 16 in that year. Two other younger brothers, Leo (1917) and Ken (1919) also attended the College, although Ken’s time at De La Salle was cut short when the senior school was closed for a period during the Spanish Flu.

During World War Two, my three cousins: David Quin (1945), Peter Quin (1945) (Later Fr Peter Quin SJ) and John (1946) started at the College. Their father was Dr Bernard Quin, who was stationed on Nauru during the Second World War and was ultimately executed by the Japanese after their occupation of the island. When news of his execution became public at the end of the War, Xavier College, which had been Bernard’s old school, offered my three cousins scholarships, and so they moved on.

My three brothers, Christopher (1958), Robert (1959) and Damian

THE QUIN FAMILY CONNECTION

The Quin Family ConnectionThe Quin family connection

Nick Quin

The Quin Family (c1998) Nick, Michael, Nerida, Anthony, Ben


(1966) and I were the next generation of Quins to attend the College. Our family lived on Stanhope Street on the College doorstep so it was an easy decision that we should attend De La Salle. During this time our Principals were Brs. Peter, Oswald, Stanislaus and Edward. We all followed the same path: two years at Kildara Convent in ‘Bubs’ and Grade One, then a jump to Grade Three at De La Salle. We also all spent three or four years in the College Cadet Corps.

My brother Robert and I both dipped out of the College for a year in Year 8 to attend Scholarship Class (Junior Government Scholarship) at St Leo’s which was held in one of the classrooms of St Joseph’s Boys School next door. Living so close to the College had its perks, such as being able to go home for lunch each day and enjoy reheated ‘left overs’, although it meant that we missed out on the delights of Boss Bounds’ tuck shop! We were altar boys at St Joseph’s Church next door which meant that we saw the Brothers every morning before school. Living so close to the College and the Brothers gave our family a great sense of community and connection to De La Salle.

In the 1990s my three sons, Anthony (1995) Ben (1997) and Michael (1999) fulfilled their secondary education at the College, all doing well and going on to university. Our current connection to the College is Harrison Baum in Year 9, whose grandfather is my eldest brother Chris.

De La Salle gave me a sound set of principles to live by, discipline especially from the cadets, a sound education and a willingness to learn new things – and, of course, a career in photography, thanks to my mentor, Br Denis Crowe who prepared me well for RMIT Photography School. Being at the College with my three brothers and living so close to the Brothers gave me a particular appreciation of family. With some fourteen attendees at De La over the past century, the Quin Family certainly holds the College dear to its heart.”

Nick Quin

Nick Quin and Blue and Gold team 1963

Michael Quin Yr 7, Anthony Quin Yr 11, Ben Quin Yr 9 (c1994)


OLD COLLEGIAN LEGACY IN WESTERN DISTRICT

Old Collegian legacy in Western DistrictJohn Tindley (1955) was the first Principal of Catholic Regional College, Camperdown from 1973 until 1983. He stands as a towering figure in the history of the school, now Mercy Regional College. He is remembered by former staff and members of the Board of Management for his efforts in overcoming the early challenges that faced the school and its establishment in the local and wider education community.

Catholic Regional College was opened in February 1973 and grew out of a crisis in the local education landscape where Catholic secondary education, which had been previously offered to Second Form level by the Sisters of Mercy, was withdrawn because of the decline in the availability of Sisters. This had, in turn, lead to financial constraints caused by the employment of lay staff. The school was thus established in hurried circumstances and faced enormous challenges from the outset.

Tindley was employed in December 1972 and immediately set about establishing the school in several classrooms at Camperdown’s St Patrick’s Primary School. One former member of the Board of Management, remembered calling into the school to find him laying carpet tiles in the classrooms. He quickly assembled a staff and the school began at the opening of the school year with 120 students. The early challenges were many but the reliance of the school on the bussing of students from far-flung corners of the district was a constant cause of anxiety. A former member of staff, who began as a young teacher in Tindley’s time remembered soon learning that it was unwise to approach him after school until all the busses and students were safely home.

Tindley’s leadership was critical to this role and many have said that without him the school may not have survived. These skills as a leader were evident in his years as a student at De La Salle College. The 1955 edition of Blue and

Gold describes him as “popular with the boys and Brothers alike” and writes of his time at De La Salle as “noteworthy”. He arrived at the College as a Grade Five student in 1947 and quickly engaged with school life where he was prominent in sporting and scholastic activities. As a student, he successfully gained a Junior Commonwealth Scholarship, his Intermediate, Leaving and Matriculation Certificates. His determination to succeed was such that, having gained his Matriculation in 1954, he returned in 1955 to improve his marks and try for a Commonwealth Scholarship. Following his studies at De La Salle, he completed a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne, then a Diploma of Education at Monash University where, in later years, he also gained a Bachelor of Education.

In 1955, Tindley was House Captain of St Mark’s and, at the annual House sports carnival, he was the “outstanding athlete”, winning the Mile, the 880 yards and the High Jump.

Later, at the Associated Catholic Colleges meeting, he was the Captain of the Athletics team and won the 880 yard’s and Mile events. In the Mile, he set a record for his time of 3 minutes 45.4 seconds. He also set a record in the 880 although this was disputed at the time. At the All Schools Meeting in October, in the 880, Tindley came second to the Public Schools Champion, David Houseman from Geelong Grammar, after a rough

start which saw him drop to last place early in the race. Tindley was also a member of the College’s First Eighteen football team and was a member of the Handball team for several years.

The combination of determination and ability that Tindley demonstrated in his sporting and scholastic endeavours was developed in his years at De La Salle College and further refined at university and in his subsequent teaching role at St Bede’s. These skills and abilities he brought to the challenges at CRC in that important first decade, during which he helped lay the foundations for the school’s longevity and ongoing success. John Tindley left Catholic Regional College in 1982 and, eventually, left the education world altogether, moving into the hotel and hospitality industry. He passed away in 2009.

Mercy Regional College, Camperdown and the education it has provided for thousands of young people from the south west of Victoria, stands as legacy to John Tindley’s education career. De La Salle College can be very proud of him.

This article is an extract from a history of Catholic College Camperdown, written by Lachie Lee, which will be published in 2023, to mark the College’s anniversary.

By Lachie Lee

John Tindley and staff


2020 has had its challenges so far but the teams at DLSOCAFC have been back training since 2 June. Whilst the Club eagerly awaited the announcement from the VAFA on a season start date, the focus has been on fitness and skills as part of the non-contact training. Once restrictions were lifted, training for the Under 19’s, Reserves, Senior and Women sessions were back in full swing but unfortunately, on 1 July the VAFA President announced that the 2020 season was being cancelled.

Club President Mr Matt O’Callaghan, said that the VAFA decision was understandable but disappointing as an enormous amount of work had been undertaken by the Committee, coaches, conditioning, and training services staff, to enable the playing groups to return to training.

“In these uncertain times the playing groups have taken on a significant training load, both within the Club environment and under their own steam. All teams had set themselves up for great seasons, and the challenge now is to carry it into 2021 without burning out.”

“In looking forward, the Committee has no intention to sit back and wait for 2021. The Club has commenced a number of planning activities: footy department planning for season 2021, planning for what we can do to engage the playing groups over the next 3-4 months, seeking feedback on their preferences for training, playing, socialising and planning for Club acceptable social gatherings.”

“We need to ensure the whole Club, players and supporters, stay as connected as we can through these challenging times.”

“With a bit of luck we will be in a position to organise a large Club function later in the year. Keep an eye out for further communications. It is not an easy time for players and supporters who crave the interaction and camaraderie around the Club, so we are keen to organise a function as soon as we can.”

“A massive thank you to all members who took out a membership or donation prior to the end of the financial year. Your response in these times of uncertainty has been overwhelming and is a true indication of the loyalty and dedication of the Blue and Gold Army. Thank you also to Justin Hoy, Bernie Dunn, Mick Hegan and the Member Ambassadors for their tremendous efforts.”

“Finally, a big thank you to our sponsors and partners your continued support is greatly appreciated and we look forward a continued partnership with you, in 2021.”

“The Club was again proud to be involved in raising awareness for MND by supporting the Fight MND beanie project in June and raising $20,000 for the Big Freeze 6.”

For further information about upcoming Club events, donations and memberships go to: https://delasalleocfc.com.au

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE OLD COLLEGIANS FOOTBALL CLUB

A message from the President of the Old Collegians Football Club


John Kennedy (1945) only two months before his passing, was named the 29th Australian Football Hall of Fame member to be elevated to Legend status. He was bestowed with

the honour via video in June after the traditional gala event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Kennedy’s path to legend status started when he signed up to play for Hawthorn in the 1950s. He played 164 VFL games for the Club and was four-time Hawks’ Best and Fairest and captain of the team from 1955 -1959. After his career as a player, he coached Hawthorn for 299 games, winning the 1961, 1971 and 1976 Premierships and in the 1980s he went on to coach North Melbourne, between 1985 and 1989. In 1996, Kennedy was an inaugural inductee to Australian Football Hall of Fame and in 1999 he was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. Kennedy was Chair of the AFL Commission from 1993 -1997. Even though his football playing career was stellar, it was off the field where the man known as ‘Kanga’ created his mark as one of the game’s most brilliant individuals. Following years as a struggling club after entering the VFL in 1925, the Hawks emerged as a genuine powerhouse under his tutelage. Kennedy, who was 91 years old, joins the likes of Leigh Matthews, Kevin Sheedy and Ron Barassi as Hall of Fame Legends. The statue of Kennedy at the former VFL/AFL Park stands tall in honour of this iconic coach and legend. He was known for his gruelling coaching style, making

Where Are They Now?

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

his players run for kilometres carrying sandbags through creeks in the rain. But during the reign in the coach’s seat, he transformed Hawthorn from a laughing stock to an unbeatable powerhouse. He is a real life legend and we congratulate him and all the Kennedy family for this well-deserved honour. Vale John Kennedy Snr, who sadly passed away on 25th of June.

Gerald Murnane’s (1956) book A Season on Earth was shortlisted for the 2020 Miles Franklin Literary Award. The book which has taken 40 years to complete, tells the semi-autobiographical story of a lonely, imaginative teenage boy. Murnane was profiled in the May issue of Roll Call.

Alex Hay (2010) is the Vice President of Kore Software based out of London.

Luke Henriques-Gomes (2010) was awarded a 2020 Young Walkley award for his coverage of the robodebt scandal,

which helped to expose widespread failings in a punitive welfare scheme that the federal government later admitted was illegal. Henriques-Gomes, The Guardian Australia’s welfare and inequality reporter, won the award for short form journalism for his exclusive report revealing that the Morrison government had considered expanding the scheme to target thousands of pensioners and other “sensitive” welfare recipients. The report was one of a string of exclusives by Henriques-Gomes on the robodebt scandal and flaws in

Australia’s welfare system. He was also nominated in the public service journalism Walkley category for his reporting during the Guardian’s Fair Go series, which exposed flaws in the lucrative and privatised “welfare-to-work” system.

Rhys Nicolaou (2016) is a barber at Mayhem Barbers in Camberwell and loving life

in the “High Life” barber scene. Rhys will be featured in the next issue of Roll Call.

Philippe Ludekens (1985) is the General Manager, Commercial Operations with Respiri

Ltd. After graduating from the College, he completed a Bachelor of Science and an MBA at Monash University, and established a successful career in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry. Ludekens developed his skills working for several companies, including CSL Pharmaceuticals, Roche, Sigma, and Gilead Sciences. In 1998 he married Monique Mullaly in Marittima, Italy. Monique’s father, Kevin Mullaly (1956) is also a proud De La Salle Old Collegian. Ludekens and his wife have two children, Jacques, who is currently in Year 11 at the College and Charlotte, who is in Year 9 at Sacre Coeur. They live locally in Glen Iris.

Martin Kelliher (1981) is the Area Manager/Account Manager for The Tahbilk Group, Victoria’s oldest winery. Kelliher married Chris Mitchell, whose brothers are Old Collegians; John Mitchell, (1972) David Mitchell (1970) and Peter Mitchell (1962) (dec’d). They have two sons Liam (2016) and Sean, who’s currently a Year 12 student at the College. Kelliher is past president of the De La Salle Old Collegians


FROM THE ARCHIVES / REUNIONS / REST IN PEACE

From the Archives

2020 College Reunions Due to ongoing uncertainty around the restrictions and concerns surrounding the transmission of COVID-19 in large groups, the College has decided to postpone all 2020 reunions until 2021. While this is regrettable for all, we have to act in the interests of the health and safety of our broader school community. Reunions scheduled for 2020 will now be held in conjunction with their corresponding reunion year in 2021. A schedule for these dates will be published later this year or at the beginning of 2021, dependent on COVID-19 guidelines.

In 1963, Nicholas Quin (1963) was in his final year at the College. A keen photographic student, Quin took photos that year, with encouragement from Br Denis Crowe, for the annual Blue and Gold, the College Annual Report and several marketing brochures. The cover photo of the annual

Football Club (2009-2011) and is still involved with the Club.

Mark Parker (1977) runs his own business MRP Productions - Advertising, Marketing & Print Production. Parker lives in Murrumbeena with his wife Kate. They have three children; Tyson (2007), Jackson (2016) and Annabelle. Parker is currently a Director on the College Board.

Richard Halasa (1971) has recently retired from Schiavello Constructions, a major Construction/Development Company after 20 years as General Manager and Director. He enjoyed a successful career in amateur football with the Old Collegians. Throughout his 45 years in the building industry, Halasa’s mantra was to always push the boundaries and remain dedicated to his family at home and the family at work.

Same Merriel (2003) is working as a GP in Bristol and completing his PhD on the potential role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at Exeter University. Hellier will be profiled in the May issue of Roll Call.

Jacob Gooden (2010) and his wife Leesa welcomed their first child, Miller James Gooden into the world on 7 July at 10:59pm.

Martin Hirons (1981) is the Managing Director of SBP, an Australian owned consulting firm working in the sports and leisure sector. Hirons is also the Chairman of Red Dust Role Models, an Indigenous not-for-profit health promotion program that conducts most of its work with remote communities and youth in the N.T. Martin will be profiled in the next issue of Roll Call.

report was a photograph of the then Principal, Br Stanislaus Carmody standing in front of the Tower Building, which at that time was less than 20 years old. This year Quin returned to the College to take a photo of current Principal, Mr Peter Houlihan to recreate the original image.

Rest In Peace

John Kennedy Snr 1945 John Eddy 1948 Fr Peter Robinson 1949 Terry Lanham 1955 Kevin O’Brien 1956 Guy Gianni 1958 Richard Comerford 1960 Terry Waters 1960Paul Greene 1978 Stuart Jones 1993 Michael Holmes 2003

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