Old Aquinians Association As this is the first edition of Fish for 2020, I would like to welcome the graduates of 2020 to the Old Boy community and the new life-members to the Old Aquinians’ Association.
Business Breakfast The Association commenced 2020’s social calendar with the Business Breakfast held on Friday, 28 February 2020 in the Hughes Dining Hall. The event was hugely successful with special guest speaker James McMahon DSC DSM (1981) speaking to a packed room of guests from across the Aquinas community. James served in the Australian Defence Force from 1985 to 2007, including serving as the Commander of the Special Air Services Regiment (SASR), a special forces unit of the Australian Army. James was named Western Australian of the Year in 2019. James was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for command and leadership in action in Afghanistan and Iraq and the Distinguished Service Medal for leadership in action in Timor-Leste. In his post-military career, James has served as the Commissioner for the Department of Corrective Services in Western Australia, Chief Operating Officer at Azure Capital, on various boards, and is currently the Chief Operating Officer at Australian Capital Equity. James shared with the crowd many personal experiences from throughout 28 / the fish
his military and post-military career. James also briefly discussed his role as an ambassador for ‘The Fathering Project’, a not-for-profit organisation supporting fathers and father-figures. The Fathering Project attempts to inspire and equip individuals so that they can effectively engage with their children. The audience appreciated James’ insight and candour, which clearly imbued the audience.
Spring Sundowner The Association was delighted to host the Spring Sundowner at the Broken Hill Hotel in Victoria Park on Thursday, 15 October 2020. As many of the Association’s events earlier in the year were cancelled due to COVID-19, it was heart-warming to see approximately fifty us together, albeit socially distanced. The crowd, including individuals from the graduating classes of 1954 to 2016, discussed various topics, including, of
course, the COVID-19 experiences of themselves and their family and friends. Many guests were thrilled to enjoy a conversation with Elliot Yeo (2010), a West Coast Eagles player who is a John Worsfold Medal winner and co-owner of the Broken Hill Hotel. The Spring Sundowner served as a particular reminder to guests of the importance of and enjoyment of human connection, and the bond that past and present Aquinas College community members possess.
Thanks The Committee and I would like to express our sincere thanks to James McMahon, Elliot Yeo, and Nichole Rowson (Alumni and Events Administrator) for the time they have devoted to the Association. Alex Anile, OAA Committee Member
