Lux Luceat Winter 2026 by Beaconhills College

Luceat

4 FROM THE EXECUTIVE PRINCIPAL 5

PREMIER’S AWARDS

Two students have received prestigious Premier’s awards

6-7

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE

Two significant capital projects represent a major College investment in educational opportunities for current and future generations of Beaconhills students. 8-9

RELAY FOR LIFE

The beloved Relay For Life event at Beaconhills has hit an impressive milestone.

STAFF PROFILE

Meet Jasmine Hurley, former nurse turned RAVE teacher.

GOLDEN TICKET

Senior School students brought the ‘world of pure imagination’ to the stage when they performed the much-loved production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

The story of Jesus as a refugee is not just something to remember at Christmas, but something to live out every day, writes Revd Peggy kruse.

ART AND INK

Showcasing students’ written and visual creative work.

14-19

ONE COLLEGE, MANY CULTURES

Beaconhills has become a very diverse community – and we are working to ensure everyone feels included.

RESILIENCE: WHY SCHOOL CAMPS MATTER

Beacon Explorers staff and Excecutive Principal Stephen McGinley take a deep dive into the topic of resilience.

22-23

ALUMNI REUNIONS

Reunion season is nearly here, with plenty of alumni events between now and the end of 2026.

Front cover: Badminton is experiencing a surge in popularity at the Berwick Campus. Read more in the centre feature, pages 14-19.

Back cover: Atharva C from Year 6, Pakenham Campus plays the saxophone at the Winter Concert.

Beaconhills College acknowledges the Wurundjeri and Bunurong –Boon Wurrung peoples as the Traditional Custodians of this land on which our College is built.

ASHA’S MISSION FOR SAFE WATER

Alum Asha Gallard is working to combat the global crisis of safe drinking water.

PUNTING ON A GRIDIRON CAREER

Mack Brown, Class of 2014, is hoping to play American college football with the ultimate dream of joining the big league.

26-27

FROM THE ARCHIVES

An audit is underway on the College’s extensive collection of honour boards, trophies and plaques.

28-29

CAREERS AND PATHWAYS BREAKFASTS

The highs and lows of elite sport was the topic of conversation at the second Careers and Pathways Breakfast event held at the Pakenham Campus, with one more breakfast planned for 2026.

30-31

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Catch up on careers news from our alumni.

Welcome to the latest edition of Lux Luceat. This publication provides an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable people who make up our Beaconhills community, acknowledge the achievements of our students and staff, and share some of the many opportunities that make our College such a vibrant place to learn and grow.

It is with great pride that I recognise the outstanding achievement of our 2025 Berwick College Dux and School Captain, Manuth Galabada Widanarachchige, who has recently received a prestigious Premier's Top All-Round VCE High Achiever Award. This award recognises exceptional academic achievement and is presented to students who attain study scores of 46 or higher in at least five VCE subjects. Manuth is only the second Beaconhills student to ever receive this honour, a testament to his dedication, perseverance and commitment to making the most of every opportunity available to him throughout his schooling journey.

Congratulations also to our 2025 Pakenham Campus Dux, Lily Marshall, for her Premier's subject award in Environmental Science. This is another outstanding achievement.

FROM THE EXECUTIVE PRINCIPAL

STEPHEN MCGINLEY

At Beaconhills, we believe that genuine belonging enables every individual to thrive, while finding their passions and interests.

In his valedictory address to the Class of 2025, Manuth encouraged his peers with the words, "we're Beaconhills students, so just let your light shine". His message captures something important about our College community. We believe every student has unique passions and interests, and our role is to help them discover, develop and share this with confidence and purpose.

The Beaconhills community is greatly enriched by the diversity of the students, staff and families who come together from a wide range of cultural, linguistic, faith and life experiences. This diversity strengthens our community and provides our young people with valuable opportunities to learn from others, broaden their perspectives and develop the understanding needed to thrive in an increasingly connected world.

As part of our commitment to Learning That Matters, we develop globally minded citizens who are equipped to engage respectfully and meaningfully with people and communities both locally and internationally.

This was reflected in our recent peace services. Our chaplains reminded us of the importance of fostering integrity, compassion and respect, and of creating a world where differences are acknowledged - rather than being a source of conflict - to bring peace and harmony to our communities. At Beaconhills, we believe that genuine belonging enables every individual to thrive, while finding their passions and interests. By creating an inclusive community where we all are welcomed, respected and encouraged to ‘give it a go’’, we all create the conditions for every member of our College to let their light shine and, in turn, become a beacon for in the lives of others.

Thank you for being part of this community and for all you do in supporting the next generation to be part of a bright and prosperous future.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR PREMIER'S AWARD RECIPIENTS

COLLEGE DUCES COLLECT AWARDS

2025 College Dux

Manuth Galabada

Widanarachchige has earned the highest possible VCE accolade - a Premier’s Award for Top All-Round VCE High Achiever.

Lily Marshall, the Pakenham Campus 2025 Dux, has also earned a Premier’s subject award for Environmental Science, for which she scored a perfect 50.

Manuth is among the elite group of students across the state who qualified for the Top All-Round award. Recipients must achieve study scores of 46 or higher out of 50 in at least five VCE subjects.

While delighted with the accolade, Manuth was not surprised, and said that meeting the criteria for the award had been his goal since starting Senior School.

His advice to VCE students - or for all learning - is to understand the concepts and learn how to critically think.

“When I was young, I just tried to memorise (information) and use that to do well, but when I went into the higher year levels I realised that doesn’t

work anymore – it’s about digesting the concepts to truly understand what’s going on,” he said.

The Berwick Campus captain’s ATAR for his 2025 VCE studies was 99.95. Last year he also received a Premier’s subject award for his perfect 50 subject score in Mathematical Methods (he also scored 50 in Physics).

This year Manuth is studying Science at the University of Melbourne.

Both students received their awards on Tuesday 21 July at a special ceremony at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Manuth Galabada Widanarachchige

Lilly Marshall

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE

Two significant capital projects at Pakenham and Berwick campuses represent a major College investment in educational opportunities for current and future generations of Beaconhills students.

The $8m Food Technology Centre at Pakenham and the $6m sporting precinct at Berwick are outstanding facilities which will enable students to develop real-world experience and skills while pursuing their passions.

The Food Technology Centre boasts features found in professional commercial kitchens including a ‘combi oven’ (which allows users to bake, roast, steam, grill and air-fry), a service hot-box, blast chiller, huge walk-in cold storage and industrial mixer.

Students taking classes in two new kitchens enjoy induction cooking and stainless steel benchtops with each fitted with features like microwaves and powerpoints at every station. Overhead screens enable students to easily follow recipes or watch videos.

Year 8 students recently baking ‘Subwaystyle’ cookies in the new classrooms said they loved the modern equipment, especially the new stoves, the screens and the stainless benchtops.

Larnie H said the new cooking space was “easy to keep clean”, while other students said they felt like they were learning in a real-world hospitality setting.

PAKENHAM AND BERWICK CAMPUS UPGRADES

Capital

projects at each campus are a major College investment in educational opportunities for students.

At the Berwick Campus, students are eagerly awaiting use of new first-class sporting precinct, in particular the expansive oval with the fresh new turf still settling in. It will be ready for use at the start of 2027.

The development also includes fully-lit, multipurpose synthetic grass courts for sports like hockey, soccer and tennis. Beneath the courts are 150,000 litre water storage tanks to sustainably capture stormwater runoff to use as irrigation for the main oval.

The College’s Head of Engagement Vicki Goodwin said while these projects were a source of great pride, they also represented a changing reality for independent schools across Australia.

"Independent schools are operating in a very different environment to even a decade ago," Ms Goodwin said. " Schools are increasingly required to take greater responsibility for funding major projects and future improvements themselves."

“As we look to the future, philanthropy and voluntary giving will play an increasingly important role in helping our College

provide exceptional education and opportunities for our students through enhanced learning environments. ”

Ms Goodwin believes that philanthropy should be viewed as an “investment in students and their ability to positively impact the world”.

Both precincts are available for hire by local organisations and community groups, further strengthening the College’s connection with the local region.

Below: Freshly laid turf on the Berwick oval settling in for use in 2027.

RELAY FOR LIFE $500K MILESTONE

This year the Beaconhills College community has marked an extraordinary milestone.

The College is proud to celebrate raising $500,000 for the Cancer Council, after 15 years of championing the annual Relay For Life event through the school and wider community.

Beaconhills’ involvement with Relay For Life began in 2011 at the Pakenham Campus with teacher Hayley Johnston-Coutts, the Middle School Head of Millet House.

One of her students had leukaemia, inspiring the House to make Relay For Life their chosen ‘charity of choice’.

Creese House took part the following year in the event, which was held at Berwick’s Akoonah Park. In 2013, Berwick Campus Middle School community – led by Clare Tuohy – joined in and became a fundraising force in the now 24-hour event.

Interest continued to snowball, with enormous participation from the College community in not only the main event, but in fundraising initiatives such as movie nights, stalls, parent committee barbecues and the popular Relay For Life cupcakes.

Students came up with the name ‘Beacon of Hope’, first attributed to a Cancer Council research grant for childhood leukemia the College funded in 2013. Over time, the College has funded a grand total of 85 cancer research grants.

Following Covid, the College decided to bring Relay For Life ‘in-house’, with events still held annually at each campus. It continues to be one of the school’s mostloved and popular fundraising events.

Mr McGinley said the achievement spoke not just to a number, but the unwavering commitment of the entire community –students, families, friends and College staff – to the vital cause.

“It proudly demonstrates the proactive spirit of our community —people who don’t just simply care, but act,” Mr McGinley said.

“Just as importantly, it provides our students with a powerful example of what it means to lead with purpose, and make a genuine difference in the lives of others.”

The community has raised more than $500K in cancer-fighting funds.

JASMINE HURLEY

Teaching Religious and Values Education (RAVE) in a school with students from many faiths may sound like mission impossible. But teacher Jasmine Hurley sees it as a mission rich with possibility.

She believes that in a multifaith school like Beaconhills, it is important that students learn to think critically and appreciate others perspectives.

“We all view the world through our own lens, which means we can look at the same thing and see it differently,” Jasmine said.

Like many schools, Beaconhills teaches RAVE based on the ‘five strands’ approach developed by British theologian Dr Peter Vardy.

This balances knowledge of religious traditions, critical thinking about beliefs and ethics, and personal reflection, aiming to educate rather than simply instruct students in a particular faith.

Jasmine loves teaching RAVE – which she does across all year levels, adding that education has always been in her blood.

After graduating from school, she began a teaching degree, then switched to nursing. But she soon found herself drawn to nursing education, writing curriculum and delivering lessons to staff.

That path led her back into the teaching profession. After joining Beaconhills’ excellent pre-service teaching program, there was no question about where she wanted to work.

She said having a background in a career other than teaching has helped bring a different perspective to her work.

“I just love the excitement from students and the questions that they ask. And I like that they feel safe enough to ask those questions ”

Head of Religious and Values Education, Pakenham Campus

A WORLD OF PURE IMAGINATION

Senior School students brought the ‘world of pure imagination’ to the stage when they performed the much-loved production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in term 2.

Pakenham Campus students rehearsed tirelessly for months to create the show, which included a live band comprising performing arts staff and students.

Director Ruth Taylor-Madin said with such a well-loved and familiar story, there was always a delicate balance between honouring what audiences know and love, and finding space for something new.

But she said the production remained true to the spirit and nostalgia of the story, while allowing students to bring their own creativity to the stage.

“Balancing the demands of Senior School life with the intensity of production rehearsals is no small feat, and they have risen to the occasion with professionalism and heart,” Ms Taylor-Madin said. “I am incredibly proud of the work we have achieved together.”

Year 12 student Riley stepped into the role of Willy Wonka, having played many parts in Beaconhills College shows in his school years. He was Pugsley in The Addams Family and the Dentist, his favourite role, in Little Shop of Horrors

Phoebe, from Year 11, said she was thrilled to play the role of Charlie. A drama scholar at Beaconhills, Phoebe has performed in various productions since Year 7. She has also trained with Australian Youth Theatre and participates in both the Pakenham Singers and Senior Chamber Choir.

At time of print, Berwick Campus Years 5-8 students were gearing up for their major production of the year, The Wizard of Oz –the musical

JESUS WAS A REFUGEE

IN EVERY MIGRANT, EVERY REFUGEE, EVERY NEWCOMER WE MEET, THERE IS A STORY OF COURAGE, HOPE, AND SACRIFICE.

Jesus was a refugee. If you know the Christmas story about when Jesus was born – a significant part is when the Wise Men visited Jesus, giving him gifts that they would offer a King. You probably have heard, also, that King Herod was using the Wise Men to find baby Jesus. King Herod was a very insecure and jealous king and worried that someone else was going to take his place, so he sent out a decree that every male child under two years of age in Bethlehem would be murdered.

Jesus’ family had to flee Bethlehem to escape for the safety of this small, innocent child.

I am, also, a migrant. Coming here to this wonderful land of Australia in 1982 has given

me many privileges and opportunities, and I hope that I have somehow made my little corner of Australia a better place to be since living here.

About 32 per cent (or 8.8 million) people of Australia have come from other places, different countries and cultures.

It is a wonderful country to live in and we are so blessed to have many people from other cultures who have contributed to making Australia an interesting and diverse country to call “home”.

One small example of how migrants from overseas make a difference in Australia is that because of Australia’s deep multicultural history, our national soccer team, the Socceroos, has heavily relied on overseasborn talent. In recent squads—

such as the 2026 World Cup campaign—over 30 per cent of the active roster were born abroad.

So perhaps the story of Jesus as a refugee is not just something to remember at Christmas, but something to live out every day. In every migrant, every refugee, every newcomer we meet, there is a story of courage, hope, and sacrifice. If Jesus himself needed safety, welcome, and compassion, then surely we are called to offer the same to others. In doing so, we don’t just make Australia a better place— we live out the very heart of what it means to be human.

At Beaconhills College we have a diverse and wonderfully rich community made up of many cultures, languages and

beliefs. We share our stories together and celebrate what it truly means to be human, finding tolerance, compassion and acceptance which helps us to grow into more understanding, more empathetic, and more courageous individuals. In learning from one another, we are reminded that our differences are not barriers, but gifts—and that by welcoming others, just as Jesus once needed to be welcomed, we become not only a stronger community, but better human beings.

Pakenham Campus

Revd Peggy Kruse Senior Chaplain,

& INK ART

The Moment That Defined Me

By Odette W Year 11, Berwick Campus

US Army Officer Richard WintersBrecourt Manor Assault D-Day.

The air was thick with the grey atmosphere of a failed operation. Exhausted and frayed by the constant loss of his men, Winters felt his mind cloud with a frantic and desperate urge to run. Without a signal, he bolted ahead of his unit, a lone soldier sprinting towards enemy lines. When he reached the top of the dike, he found himself face to face with a German soldier. The he was a boy, barely old enough to be away from home. He didn’t raise his rifle. He looked up at the American officer and, for a fraction of a second, didn’t see an enemy, he saw another human. The boy smiled, but Winters didn’t hesitate. He fired at point blank range.

The smile vanished.

Below: This artwork was created by Eva S, Pakenham Campus, in Unit

3 of Art Making and Exhibiting. Each layer is an individual cyanotype print and the artwork explores ideas about memory.

A COLLEGE OF INCLUSION

28 nationalities 45 languages 24 religions

BEACONHILLS COLLEGE

A COLLEGE OF INCLUSION

Beaconhills College has around 28 nationalities, 24 religions and 45 languages – a reflection of the broader demographics of our councils, the City of Casey and Cardinia Shire.

In recognition of this, in 2024 the College formed a Cultural Inclusion Project with some simple aims:

• increase awareness of our multicultural community

• increase awareness and understanding of cultural norms and celebrations

• create a supportive learning environment where all students, staff and community members feel safe, included and understood.

Established by the College’s wellbeing team - including counsellor Rebecca Cameron who has a background in social work, research and sociology - the project is working to embed cultural inclusion across curriculum, wellbeing, policy and community life.

Appointed as Cultural Inclusion Project Coordinator this year, Clare Tuohy is leading two student committees of enthusiastic Year 8s and 9s who have been brainstorming ways to strengthen cultural inclusion across the school.

Each student committee, itself made up from students of various cultural backgrounds, meet regularly during the term to workshop ideas and give practical feedback to the project.

Mrs Tuohy said one big project for the end of 2026 is to create a photo exhibition showcasing the College’s diversity.

And she said students were currently interviewing other students and staff to create around 20 short videos to be shown at House meetings and assemblies, again to help educate others about our cultural diversity.

Mrs Tuohy said it was important that everyone at Beaconhills “feels they are totally valued and appreciated – and that their culture is known and respected”.

Student committee member Angelia, from the Pakenham Campus, said she would like to see more understanding about our cultural diversity, and for “everyone not just to accept it, but embrace it”.

CULTURAL INITIATIVES

• ‘World map’ activity in House groups for Harmony Day, where students put pins in a world map showing their family’s background

• Multicultural cooking classes in Food Technology

• History: Students explore Indigenous culture in Year 7, including guest speaker Murrundindi who shares cultural artefacts and knowledge

• Geography: Year 8 students study megacities and challenges, such as air pollution in Shanghai, disparity of wealth in London

• Peace Service help in 2026 so people of all faiths can pray for world peace

• Little Beacons children doing handprint art in the courtyard representing all cultures

• Harmony Day in Junior School with performances and cultural dress

• Visual arts classes invite students to draw on their own cultures in tasks

• Language classes: Students select culturally significant topic designed to highlight links between France and Australia.

EVERY PASSION –EVERY PLAYER

Head of Sport at the Berwick Campus, Chris Johnson, passionately believes that all students should have the chance to participate in the sport of their choice.

Acknowledging that the student demographic has changed over the years, he and his team have made several changes to ensure all students can find a sport that reflects their interest and ability.

This has seen a rising popularity of sports such as table tennis, badminton, soccer, basketball and volleyball.

There is now a badminton club, with six full courts at any one time. Futsal is also becoming a popular choice, Mr Johnson said.

“There is a growth in soccer – once more a change as a direct reflection of the changing demographic and global interest in soccer, regardless of country,” he said.

For students who are not as interested in team sports, the gym club is also proving very popular with students who want to be fit and active.

And the annual Senior School cross-country event is now the ‘Festival of Running’, comprising a ‘Champions Run’ for students who want to compete at a high end level, and a fun run for those want to participate and have fun.

INCLUSIVE ADVENTURES FOR EVERY STUDENT

With students from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds going on camps, the team has also introduced turban-friendly helmets for students to accommodate religious headwear.

The College’s Beacon Explorers global and outdoor programs offer the perfect opportunity to connect cultures while out on country.

All programs include a specific aspect of Indigenous education, and Beacon Explorers often engage local Indigenous educators to work with program groups.

This year the Year 10s could choose a three-day Indigenous immersion experience in Tasmania at Tebrakunna, where they went fishing and enjoyed activities such as making clapsticks with Indigenous elders and learning from park ranger students.

With students from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds going on camps, the team has also introduced turbanfriendly helmets for students to accommodate religious headwear.

As part of their professional learning, staff will also take lessons from a member of the Sikh community on how to retie a turban – particularly relevant during water activities.

Menus on camp also cater for students’ individual cultural requirements – for example if a student is taking part in Ramandan.

STUDENT VOICE

WE ASKED STUDENTS FROM BERWICK AND PAKENHAM CULTURAL INCLUSION COMMITTEES: WHY IS IT IMPORTANT THAT WE ALL RECOGNISE AND CELEBRATE DIVERSE CULTURES?

JUGNIT

Celebrating diverse cultures helps everyone feel valued. It makes our communities kinder, stronger and more connected.

United by humanity, enriched by diversity.

Culture is a big part of who we are and shapes our identities. Sharing and celebrating the rich and wide range of backgrounds allows the Beaconhills community to feel proud of where they came from.

A world painted in one colour would be simple, but a world filled with many cultures becomes a masterpiece.

When we honour the cultures around us, we don’t just celebrate difference, we expand the boundaries of what humanity and our school can be.

MAYA

DAISY

ANGELIA

MAHEERA

FEATURE: BEINTHEKNOW PODCAST SERIES

WHY SCHOOL CAMPS MATTER

When students pack their bags for camp, they are often preparing for far more than a few days away from home. At Beaconhills College, camps and experiential learning programs are designed to help young people develop one of life's most important skills: resilience.

For Beaconhills alum and current Beacon Explorers trainee Tahlia Ziino, her Year 9 camp was a turning point. Having never grown up in a camping family, the nine-day adventure through Victoria's Great South West walk pushed her well beyond her comfort zone.

"It changed my perspective," she said. "Building that resilience to know that you can do hard things and sometimes getting out of your comfort zone is how you really push yourself and make yourself comfortable in those hard situations."

Executive Principal Stephen McGinley believes those experiences have benefits that extend well beyond the outdoors.

"The action of going on a camp and getting through a camp really allows a student to bear witness to what they can do, and the challenges that they can face and meet," he said.

From that comes confidence – confidence that influences future decisions, whether choosing challenging subjects, pursuing goals or navigating setbacks.

Steve said resilience helped students develop the mindset that - whatever challenge they face – they know “I will get through this.”

“What we do know is the resilient student will respond to challenge with renewed effort and renewed focus.”

“I have yet to meet a parent who says to me, ‘I don't want my child to be resilient’.”

Importantly, building resilience isn't about making students suffer. Head of Experiential Learning Lachlan Groh believes there is a significant difference between challenge and hardship.

"There is a big difference between suffering and being challenged," he said.

He said the Beacon Explorers program was carefully designed to provide ageappropriate challenges while ensuring students are supported every step of the way. Staff understand that every student's threshold is different. For some, growth may come from completing a long hike; for others, simply taking the first step can be a significant achievement.

The value of these experiences is often realised long after the camp has ended. Reflecting on her own journey, Tahlia believes resilience can only truly be developed through experience.

“I don't think there has ever been a student (who) hasn’t been proud of themselves after pushing through.”

• The full podcast on Resilience: Why school camps matter is on Spotify, as part of Beaconhills’ BeInTheKnow podcast series. (link to come)

• The full podcast on Resilience: Why school camps matter is on Spotify, as part of Beaconhills’ BeInTheKnow podcast series.

HAPPENINGS AROUND OUR COMMUNITY

ALUMNI

ALUMNI REUNIONS AHEAD

Cindy Morrison Alumni and Advancement Co-ordinator

1 / 5 / 10 / 20 / 30

YEAR

20 YEAR OUT REUNION

– CLASS OF 2006

Friday 18 September

Circa 1884, The Courthouse, Berwick

ROLLING OUT THE REUNIONS

A sensational season of alumni reunion events is about to get underway, kicking off with the 30 Year Reunion on Friday 11 September for the Class of 1996.

Between now and the end of 2026, there are five reunions scheduled in the College social calendar with registrations for all events now open.

This year, we're introducing a few new touches to make our reunions even more meaningful. When registering, alumni can nominate the teachers who had the greatest impact on their time at Beaconhills, celebrating the people who helped shape so many memorable school experiences.

We would love to hear what you have been doing since leaving Beaconhills. Whether you've started a new career, travelled the world, celebrated a personal milestone or simply have a story to share, email your update, along with a recent photo if you'd like, to alumni@beaconhills.vic.edu.au. Your story may feature in a future edition of Lux Luceat or other College publications, helping inspire the next generation of Beaconhills students.

30 YEAR OUT REUNION – CLASS OF 1996

Friday 11 September

Circa 1884, The Courthouse, Berwick

Between now and the end of 2026, there are five reunions scheduled in the College social calendar with registrations for all events now open.

No matter if you're returning after one year or three decades, we can't wait to welcome you back. Reconnect with classmates, catch up with your favourite teachers, revisit old memories and celebrate the lifelong friendships that make the Beaconhills alumni community so special.

Ready to reconnect? Register for your reunion via TryBooking here:

And to ensure you receive invitations to future reunions and alumni events, please keep your contact details up to date by visiting: beaconhills.vic.edu.au/community

ASHA’S MISSION FOR SAFE WATER

"Working internationally while still completing my degree has been an invaluable experience."

Former Beaconhills College captain

Asha Gallard (Class of 2023) is working to combat the global crisis of safe drinking water, while studying a Bachelor of Arts and Global Studies.

Asha Gallard credits her VCE subjects Health and Human Development and Geography for sparking her interest in helping communities in Thailand improve access to safe water.

Asha, a Berwick Campus student, describes her regular trips to Thailand with NGO Safe Water for Every Child as a highlight of her journey since graduation.

She aims to visit the country a few times a year, where she is able to witness firsthand the challenges communities face and the “transformative impact” of sustainable water initiatives.

“In Thailand they have plenty of water – it is just about the cleanliness of the water,” Asha said. “I do a lot of hygiene training as well as delivering water filters.”

Safe Water for Every Child is a project of Disaster Aid Australia, working in communities such as Kayin State (in Myanmar). It tackles the ongoing disaster of child illness and deaths as a result of lack of access to safe drinking water.

Asha has loved being able to combine her interest in global issues with practical experience on the ground.

“I have always loved helping people and learnt about service during my time at school,” she said.

“Working internationally while still completing my degree has been an invaluable experience.

“It has reinforced my commitment to humanitarian and development work and has shown me the importance of combining academic knowledge with practical action.”

She said her work with Safe Water for Every Child highlighted the importance of “walking alongside communities, not walking for them”.

Asha said she would eventually like a career in the area of public health policy.

linktr.ee/SafeWater_Myanmar

PUNTING ON A GRIDIRON CAREER

Mack Brown started training to become a punter the day after his last Year 12 exam at Beaconhills’ Pakenham Campus in 2014.

He is pinning his hopes on an offer within months to play American college football, with the ultimate dream of ‘going pro’ with the big league.

Mack is training in the gym six days a week, along with his coaches from NFL coaching group Prokick four times a week in Monbulk to hone his kicking technique (he can easily kick 50 metres).

He recently toured America, visiting universities on the west coast. He kicked for a range American College football coaches on a real NFL (National Football League) field.

His Beaconhills academic reports from Years 9-12 are now all converted to an American GPA (Grade Point Average) and his hope is to gain a scholarship offer to study agricultural science/business.

Mack said the attraction was not only about the adventure, but the chance to “get a good education” at the same time.

And he said the opportunity to be selected for a lucrative career with an NFL team one day was his ultimate dream.

He said when he was in Year 9, he would never have envisaged how important his academic reports would be in the future.

Mack first experienced playing gridiron in Year 12 after he went to a few football training sessions.

After completing his VCE at Beaconhills, he received an offer to Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga to study agricultural science, but put the offer on hold to start training with Prokick and follow his dream.

“IT’S REALLY EXCITING. THE ONE THING I WOULD SAY TO CURRENT YEAR 9s IS THAT YOU NEVER KNOW WHERE YOUR ACADEMIC RESULTS MIGHT TAKE YOU.”

PRESERVING THE PAST, SHAPING THE FUTURE: BEACONHILLS HONOUR BOARDS. FROM THE ARCHIVES

Across both the Beaconhills College campuses, history is recorded in more than 60 honour boards—some are proudly displayed; others are safely tucked away in the archive.

Alongside these boards lies an extensive collection of trophies and plaques, with many displayed throughout the College and many more preserved within the archives dating back to the foundation of Beaconhills College.

The College Archives Centre is undertaking, a project to bring this rich legacy together. This project requires a comprehensive audit of these honour boards and awards. This has evolved into a large task and will culminate in a unified database documenting award recipients from the College’s foundation through to the present day. The database will offer an invaluable record of achievement and contribution over time.

The process, however, is far from straightforward. Over the years, some awards have been discontinued, reinstated, or left with gaps in their records. The boards themselves vary significantly in style and condition, reflecting changing eras and approaches to recognition.

Despite these challenges, the project presents an exciting opportunity. By

refreshing and standardising the honour boards, the College can ensure that key achievements are accurately and prominently celebrated. Future displays may even incorporate modern elements such as video and photography, bringing stories of past recipients to life in dynamic and engaging ways.

As this work progresses, Beaconhills is not only preserving its history—it is redefining how it honours excellence for generations to come.

By refreshing and standardising the honour boards, the College can ensure that key achievements are accurately and prominently celebrated.

CAREERS AND PATHWAYS BREAKFASTS

The highs and lows of elite sport was the topic of conversation at the second Careers and Pathways Breakfast event held at the Pakenham Campus in term 2.

The event featured racing driver Thomas Randle (Class of 2014) and cycling champion Courtney Field (Class of 2015), with host Michael Perry, Pakenham sports administrator.

Thomas and Courtney shared their shared their inspiring stories of resilience, after facing life-changing injury and illness while at the peak of their careers.

For Thomas, it was a devastating diagnosis of testicular cancer at the age of just 23. Courtney also battled the challenges of a serious crash on a velodrome that left her needing surgery to remove pieces of wood from her leg.

Thomas, now competing in the Repco Supercars Championship with Tickford Racing, spoke about his long-standing passion for engineering and racing, recalling his VCE Top Designs award for an automatic dog feeder and the many parallels between school life and motorsport.

Thanks to his remarkable resilience after his cancer

diagnosis, Thomas went on to win the Super2 title in 2020 between surgeries and chemotherapy.

“To have my GP look in my eyes and tell me I had cancer was pretty shocking,” he told the audiences of students, parents and staff.

Courtney, a junior world sprint champion, four-time world silver medallist and holder of five junior Australian records, reflected on how her love of cycling began with the College’s HPV program.

Like Thomas, her underlying resilience helped her overcome a major setback, in her case the cycling accident.

“My mindset was that I am going to come back - and be better than before,” she said.

Their message to students was clear - pathways are rarely linear, but every opportunity at school can help shape your future direction. Most of all, they emphasised the importance of a positive mindset when facing setbacks.

PATHWAYS ARE LINEAR, BUT OPPORTUNITY SCHOOL CAN SHAPE YOUR DIRECTION.

CYBER SECURITY THEME FOR NEXT EVENT

IT and cyber security experts Deniz Molokov (Class of 2000) and Paige Haines (Class of 2018) will share their career advice and digital risk insights at the next Careers and Pathways Breakfast.

The event is on Friday 21 August at the Berwick Campus, with a free shuttle bus running from the Pakenham Campus.

The breakfast will be held at the Tony Sheumack Centre for Performing Arts, Beaconhills Berwick Campus, 7.45-8.45am.

For bookings: trybooking.com/DIWMT

Denis, has built an accomplished career in technology and cybersecurity across some of Australia's largest organisations.

As the Chief Information Security Officer at Downer Group, he leads the protection of critical infrastructure, sensitive data and digital systems across Australia and New Zealand.

Paige is Cyber Educator and Capability Consultant with CyberCX. A cyber educator, storyteller and community builder, she has helped more than 600 professionals develop a deeper understanding of digital risk and learn to think like attackers.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Brodie O’Halloran (Class of 2017, Pakenham Campus) graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Arts and went on to do a Masters of Creative Industries at Melbourne Polytechnic, researching how to introduce songwriting to young women in underrepresented communities.

Since 2020, Brodie has created original music under the artistic name Magdalia, recently releasing her debut EP Me at the Cardinia Cultural Centre. One song was written with fellow alum Seetali Mack at her studio in Oakleigh.

Brodie was a grand finalist in the Listen Up Songwriting Competition in Sydney, won the Basin Songwriting Competition for 2025, and received a nomination for a Music Victoria Award. She has also completed a residency at Bakehouse Studios, has been named Real Songwriters of Melbourne Songwriter of

the Year for 2024, and was selected to participate in a songwriting camp later this year.

Alongside her work as a musician, Brodie is passionate about music education. She teaches voice privately at Nossal High School, Kambrya College and Fountain Gate Secondary College, where she also works as a choir director.

Justin Huber

Baseball superstar Justin Huber (Class of 2000, Pakenham Campus) represented Australia at three world baseball classics and played five seasons in the major league baseball.

Justin later became a foundation player for the Melbourne Aces, then General Manager of the team.

On 20 May he was inducted in Baseball Victoria’s Hall of Fame at a special ceremony at Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park.

(Class of 2024, Berwick Campus) is lining up an exciting future career in the field of sports management.

Liam graduated from the Richmond Institute, the education arm of the Richmond Football Club in 2025.

He is now studying a bachelor of business, majoring in sports management, at Swinburne University.

(Class of 2012, Pakenham Campus)

Ben confesses he had no idea what to do after graduating from Beaconhills, before being offered an apprenticeship as an arborist (tree climber).

But he loved the job, which has led him to work across Victoria. He has climbed trees more than 70m high in the Dandenongs, worked in botanical gardens across Melbourne and learned all about tree anatomy and biology.

Ben also became a TAFE teacher at the young age of 25 years old and manager at 21. He started his own business two years ago and now has a growing company with six staff.

Ben O’Ryan

Liam Varcoe