OLD GRAMMARIAN AND COMMUNITY NEWS

Congratulations to Dr Susie O’Neill OAM (1977) who was also recognised in the 2023 Australia Day Honours, along with Peter Hannaford AC (1973) whose career we detailed earlier in this issue of Boomalacka. Susie was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for helping children at risk, focusing on educating them to prevent and recover from injuries and trauma. Susie founded not-for-profit the KIDS Foundation in 1993 after meeting a young boy being cared for in the Aged Care area of the Queen Elizabeth Centre. There were few options for young people needing care at that time; it is wonderful to see Susie being recognised for her dedication and making an outstanding contribution to our community.

Lachlan Bongers (2009) was recently awarded Bond University's Law Students' Association Excellence in Teaching Award.

Lauren Butler (2018) was selected for the AFLW Season Seven All-Australian squad.

Rene Caris (2016) has returned to the Victorian Netball League after several years playing in the AFLW. The former GWV Rebel has rejoined the Melbourne University Lightning for the 2023 Season.

Tom Daunt (1990), previously Chief Executive, Aldi Australia, has been announced as Aldi’s new Global Joint Managing Director. Tom is moving to Salzburg to take up the position.

Annelie de Villiers (2009) (pictured below) and her partner Marcus Hall on the arrival of Morgan Hall, born in April.

Annabel Muir (2021) was awarded joint third place for the Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society Junior Ambassador Award, recognising her involvement in the local community, agricultural sector, and agricultural shows.

Joshua Mutch (2007) married Hannah McArdle from Scotland in September 2022 in the Dandenong Ranges.

News of the O’Donohues!

Nicholas O'Donohue (2011), (pictured below) who is working in construction management, married his partner of three years Nicholas McRoberts in May last year after six attempts during lockdowns. They are pooch parents to George.

Patrick O'Donohue (2008) married Anna Gorey (2008) in 2019 and their daughter Lucy has celebrated her second birthday. Since graduating from Grammar, Patrick has worked mainly in agriculture. Patrick and Anna purchased a 4000-acre farm at Bunnaloo, NSW, earlier this year. Anna teaches part-time in Deniliquin, and Lucy is already helping Patrick on the farm!

Ellen O'Donohue (2014) (pictured below) completed her law/science degree in 2021 and secured a graduate position with the Department of Defence in Canberra, working across various Defence departments. She and her partner of 5 years, Harry Mosley, have recently returned to Melbourne, where Ellen will be working for Laing O'Rourke on the new rail link project from Melbourne to the airport. They are happy pooch parents to a border collie cross poodle, Franklin.

Grace O’Dwyer (2017) finished in second place in the Stawell Gift final in April 2023. Grace is now a physiotherapist practising in Ballarat.

Richard Voss (1983) (pictured right) has recently completed a PhD at Deakin University. His study investigated adult student experiences of learning mathematics in a rural Australian TAFE institution as a construct in the field of educational psychology. The study provided insights into current teaching and learning practices and how these might be improved. Richard plans to publish the results from his study in academic journals to share his learnings.

Helen Yeats (2009) (pictured right) married Trent Popelier in April 2023. Helen was joined by fellow OGs, Sarah Hough (2010) and Steph Davies (2009), as members of the bridal party, and Jai Sharma (2009) and Angus Tonkin (2009) led prayers at the service. Helen and Trent honeymooned in Egypt and Jordan.

Michael Russell (1974) (pictured left)

Currently, I’m enjoying a wonderful life in the Huon Valley, Tasmania, with my wife Vibeke (pictured here with our grandson Theodore). Looking forward to seeing everyone at the 50th (yikes) reunion in 2024!

Jeanette Riley (Webster, 1959) (pictured right)

At school, my name was Rosemarie, but I am now known as Jeanette. I am a published writer living in New York City. I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me and/or my sister, Elizabeth. I attended Queen’s and have fond memories of Miss Woodbridge and the staff. Please contact the Development Office for my details if you want to reconnect.