COCA News December 2019

Volume 23 Issue 4 December 2019

Cromwell medal 2019 A magazine for Old Collegians, Friends of Cromwell, Current Residents and their Families

CROMWELL COLLEGE

CONTENTS

03 PRINCIPAL’S LETTER 04 - 05 COCA PRESIDENT REPORT/LinkedIn 06 - 13 VALEDICTORY DINNER 2019 14 - 15 CROMWELL COLLEGE MEDAL 2019 16 - 17 FREDERICK NORTH MEMORIAL PRIZE/STUDENTS GRADUATIONS 18 - 19 NAAUC 2019 20 - 21 Q&A WITH MEGGIE PALMER 22 - 23 CHRONICLES OF A CROMWELLIAN 24 - 25 CROMWELL RECAP(PER) 26 - 27 THE CIRCUS IS IN TOWN 28 - 29 CROMWELL COMPETES IN INDIA/UQ GIVING DAY WIN 30 - 31 SLT THANK YOU DINNER/ACADEMIC SUPPORT PROGRAM 32 - 37 CROMWELL BALL/RECOVERY/CHARLIE’S 21st 38 - 43 THE 27,000KM JOURNEY 44 INFO

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PRINCIPAL’S LETTER

To the Cromwell Community

It is hard to believe that another year has passed and that we are uttering “2020”! This year has been a great one for Cromwell. I sincerely hope that all students can reflect upon their time here in 2019 saying that they honestly gave everything their best shot.

We commenced the year with such a high demand for places that we opened a new corridor in Campus Lodge to allow a further 16 students a Cromwell experience, rather than turn them away.

Academically, with a few results still to be finalized, the Cromwell GPA remains above 5. This is reflective of the strong and positive academic culture amongst the students throughout the college, and as well, the dedicated work of the staff, mentors and tutors.

Cromwell entered teams in all ICC sporting and cultural activities this year with some pleasing results, and more importantly, high participation. There has been a healthy mix of social activities this year, with an increased focus on more dry events organized by the students. The final few months of the year are filled with celebrations, many of which are featured in this edition of COCA News.

This student vacation time sees amongst other projects, the remaining bathrooms (Dowling) rebuilt which completes the bathroom refurbishment program.

I would like to record my thanks to the Board, and to the staff team who so often go over and above to help our students. The student leadership team has again provided guidance and support to the students for which we are all grateful. As I approach ten years as Principal of Cromwell, I would in addition like to pay tribute to my wife Jenny, who as an unpaid volunteer, does so much behind the scenes to make Cromwell a home for the students and not just a place to stay.

Have a great break, enjoy this edition of COCA News, and the whole team looks forward to our new and returning students joining us again in February. The college is currently at capacity for 2020 with around 120 first year students. We are in for a great year so get keen!

Kind regards Mr R.A. Switzer, M.Ed. B.Ed.St. Dip.T. MACE, MACEL, MAICD PRINCIPAL

COCA NEWS 3

COCA Cromwell Old Collegians Association

CROMWELL COLLEGE

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COCA President Report Final greetings for 2019!

It’s been a great year for all involved in COCA with some new events and engagement pieces to build on in future years.

We assisted with four Industry Breakfasts at the College, held a Formal Dinner, ran the Bridge 2 Brisbane and aided past Cromwellians in their fundraising efforts for the Charlie Teo Foundation in support of James Wood.

On Saturday 23rd of November we closed off 2019 with our AGM and Christmas drinks at the Regatta. Over 50 past students and staff were in attendance to bring in the festive season. A great afternoon was had by all and we hope this annual function continues for years to come.

Our committee has been finalised for the new year with some fresh faces joining the ranks. Alex Newton will pick up the Treasurer’s portfolio while immediate past Students’ Association President, Lillian Horneman-Wren, will be able to keep COCA up-to-date with the recent happenings within the college.

The COCA Committee moving into the new year is as follows: Secretary: Alan Wrigley Treasurer: Alex Newton General Committee: Daniel Baum, Joanne Landmark, Roxane Mutschler, Nick Brook, Jacob Landers and Richard Shannon 2020 is fast approaching and big things are on the horizon for COCA. We’ll host our biennial COCA Ball in the second half of the year. Please keep an eye out on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook. com/Cromwell.Old.Collegians.Association/) and keep your details up to date on www.coca.net.au for more information on this one closer to the date.

We will look to continue our Industry Breakfasts as well as a renewed focus on professional networking.

For anyone who wishes to reconnect or assist with COCA, please do not hesitate to reach out via email or phone.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday period. See you in the New Year.

Ben Durance 0435 317 624 COCA President

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RECONNECTING WITH COCA THROUGH LinkedIN Did you know that you can link with fellow Cromwell alumni through LinkedIn? The first essential step is to become a member of Cromwell College UQ on LinkedIn. If already a member, please list Cromwell College UQ as ‘education’ instead of under ‘experience’.

COCA NEWS 5

The Valedictory Dinner was held on Tuesday 15 October.

VALEDICTORY

The whole college, along with many invited guests, joined to farewell 50 very special people who have made a most significant and positive difference during their three years at Cromwell College.

Guest Speaker was former Cromwellian Rosanna O’Neill (2012-2013).

Y DINNER 2019

The prestigious Cromwell College Medal, the highest award bestowed by the College, was awarded to Callum Breetzke for his outstanding contribution to Cromwell College over his three years.

Ross Switzer (Principal) delivered a fitting farewell to the Valedictorians who responded with a song.

Tears flowed during the Valedictory Video prepared by Valedictorian Oscar Crisp (Yass, NSW) which captured three amazing years of Cromwell life for those departing.

COCA NEWS 7

VALEDICTORY DINNER 2019 (cont.)

L to R: Ross Switzer, Rosanna O’Neill & Mitchell Burling

COCA NEWS 9

Tiana Sheehy & Elly Domrow

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Eric McChesney-Clark, Gail & Ben de Jong

Kaitlyn McNeil, Krishna Stanton, Hannah Amey

Lillian Horneman-Wren & Charlie Oliver

COCA NEWS 11

Alanna, Abigail, Ella, Lily, Maddie, Ally & Tori

Trevor O’Connell & Chelsea Blauberg

Brodie Johnson & Ella Erikson

Madi Jones, Anna Murley & Bec Grace

Eilish, Adelaide, Lily, Elouise

Maddie, Krystyn, Hannah, Gabriela, Jacinta & Emily

Abbey Croughan, Kim Gunther, Nathan Stevens

Hugh Begbie and Janet & Doug Porter

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Mark Land & Callum Breetzke

Rosanna O’Neill

Sam, Emma, Courtney, Clare, Elly

Valedictorians 2019

Valedictorians 2019

Valedictorians 2019

Valedictorians 2019

Valedictorians 2019

COCA NEWS 13

PRESTIGIOUS CROMWELL COLLEGE MEDAL As quoted by Ross Switzer on the night of Valedictory Dinner:

“The Cromwell College Medal is the highest award bestowed by the College, and is done so annually at the Valedictory Dinner. The Medal is awarded to the person who best displays breadth & successful involvement & achievement across 6 areas of Cromwell life (academic, leadership, cultural, sporting, spiritual & service.) The recipient receives the medal & their name is etched in gold leaf on the honour board in the Dining Room.

The most recent Cromwell College medalist is invited back to the following year’s Valedictory Dinner to present the medal to the new recipient. We welcomed back 2018 Valedictorian, immediate past Vice President of the Cromwell College Students’ Association & 2018 College Medal Winner, Brodie Johnson (Keith, SA) to make the presentation.

The recipient of the prestigious Cromwell Medal in 2019 has been at the College for 3 years. They have been comprehensively involved in all 6 College medal criteria, more so than many who have passed through this college over the years. Academically, they have been a consistent performer, with their cumulative GPA well above the college average. Over their 3 years they have participated in ICC Choralfest, Athletics, Swimming, Cross Country, Water Polo & Rowing, having convened one of these activities. Throughout their time at Cromwell, they have reveled in the opportunity to lead from the front in a most humble way, never seeking thanks or recognition for their work. Their words & actions truly align & regardless of popularity, they have always modelled true ethical leadership.

Last year saw them represent Cromwell at the prestigious National Students’ Leadership Forum in Canberra. They have served as a spiritual enquiry representative, IT advisor & regarded by the Students’ Association as the “go to person” at short notice for most technical things impacting its activities. He has served as the Academic Mentor for EAIT, won the Senior Tutor’s Award & the Students’ Association Prize. He is the RA of Bottom North. A humble, quietly spoken & most respectful all-rounder who has used his college experience wisely.

The recipient of the Cromwell College Medal for 2019, is Callum Breetzke (Gold Coast).”

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Ross Switzer, Callum Breetzke and Brodie Johnson

COCA NEWS 15

Frederick North Memorial Prize

As quoted by Ross Switzer on the night of Valedictory Dinner:

“The Frederick North Memorial Prize is presented at the Valedictory Dinner to a student who best exhibits spiritual leadership within the College. The Reverend Frederick North was Principal of the Queensland Congregational Theological College between 1917 and 1927. North building, opened in 1954, bears his name.

This year’s prize winner has alongside others, organized and led spiritual discussions over the past couple of years.

They have nurtured a spirit of enquiry amongst other students. They have organized life and prayer discussion groups, attended with others the Christ Community Church, introduced the all Colleges’ praise and prayer night, is actively involved with Uni Impact, and was instrumental in establishing the new Prayer Room in the Cromwell Chapel. She is a humble person, whose Christian example is an inspiration to all who come in contact with her. She balances her life, uses her College experience wisely, and is a great Christian example to others.

The winner of the Frederick North Memorial Prize for 2019 is Joelle Cullen (Biloela).”

CONGRATULATIONS TO Congratulations

to Dr Andrew Cousins on his appointment as the 7th Principal of Clayfield College, starting in January 2020. Clayfield College is a PMSA school and Andrew and his family look forward to being back and becoming part of the Brisbane Uniting Church community again.

Andrew lived at Cromwell from 1993-1998, his wife Joanne Cousins (nee Page) was at Cromwell from 1994-1997. They have a son James (11) and a daughter Georgiana (8). He served on the Cromwell Board of Governors for several years prior to his move to Perth in 2016, where he was Deputy Principal at the Presbyterian Ladies College Perth.

Prior to moving to Perth, he taught at Somerset College on the Gold Coast for 16 COCA NEWS

Cromwell Students Graduate!

One of the many highlights of my role as Principal is hearing the aspirations of students in Year 12 with their families at enrolment interviews, and then several years later after they have left Cromwell, attending their graduation ceremonies to see the culmination of their hard work as they receive their degrees.

December is a busy month with many ceremonies across different faculties held. I have been aware of Laura Brown, Carla Newlands, Marcus Van Vuuren, Adriana Di Bella, Mikaela Oakley, Tiana Sheehy, Abigail Ward and Brodie Johnson all graduating this month. Congratulations to them and to all other Cromwell students who have achieved this great milestone in their lives.

L to R: Laura Brown, Carla Newlands, Abigail Ward & Ally Molachino

DR ANDREW COUSINS many years, where he encouraged the students that he taught to apply to live at Cromwell while studying in Brisbane (see Meggie Palmer story) - a few took up his suggestion and as a result of having such a great time, it seems it became the starting point for many Somerset students in choosing Cromwell.

We wish Andrew and his family all the best and look forward to seeing them back at Cromwell in 2020.

COCA NEWS 17

NAAUC CONFE

The 2019 NAAUC (National Association of Australian University Colleges) conference was held in Melbourne at International House. It was an amazing week filled with seminars on how to be a better leader, covering topics such as mental health, inclusivity, life in res and on leadership. We would start off each day with a lecture from a special guest speaker, followed by a day of academic seminars about leadership and would end the day with a social event. The speakers each gave a unique insight on what leadership means to them and how colleges can be improved.

The social events helped us get to know delegates from all around the country. This was incredibly helpful as we could gain insight into the positive and negative aspects of other colleges and learn how to improve our own. The social events included a hipster themed scavenger hunt around Melbourne, a carnival themed afternoon, a merch swap, parliamentary debating, a 70’s themed graffiti gala with a performance from BABBA (ABBA tribute act) and on the final night, a ball at a stunning winery.

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FERENCE 2019

On the final day all the delegates from Cromwell had the opportunity to come up with an idea to take back and implement in Cromwell. We then pitched this idea to all of the other delegates from Queensland. Our idea is to make the college community inclusive for everyone, regardless of their sexuality, religious beliefs, disabilities etc. It is a firm belief at Cromwell that everyone is welcome, and everyone should be comfortable to be themselves and this is something we are going to ensure is true.

Overall, we would like to say a massive thank you to Cromwell for giving us the opportunity to attend NAAUC, and to NAAUC for all of the knowledge and inspiration they have given to us.

Samantha (Zwolf Days of Fire) Crisp

L to R: Aidan Fong (O Week Convenor), Samantha Crisp (RA Top North), Ethan Forge (Cultural Convenor), Hannah Adsett (RA Top Han), Kaleb Jeynes (Students’ Association President) COCA NEWS 19

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Q&A with MEGGIE PALMER Where are you from originally and what made you choose Cromwell?

I grew up on Mount Tamborine on the Gold Coast. I had a teacher who had been to Cromwell (hi Mr Cousins!) so he encouraged me to check it out. So glad I did.

Years at Cromwell? Which corridors?

I was at Cromwell 2002-2004. I lived in Mid Cock, Top Cock and Top Dowling. So many good times!

Fresher Name (if you had one)?

LEO What degree did you study?

B Business and B Journalism at QUT Any roles you had whilst at Cromwell?

Students’ Association President ‘04 Who has influenced you?

My family & dear friends. I really admire people throughout history who’ve stood up for what’s right in the face of adversity like Colin Kaepernick, Rosa Parks & Christine Blasey Ford.

What are you doing now?

I left my career in journalism to found PepTalkHer. We’re on a mission to close the gender pay gap. We work inhouse with Fortune 500 companies globally like JP Morgan & Salesforce helping them retain and grow top leadership talent. We run workshops, speak and partner with like minded brands for our community of 20,000 professional women. We also launched an app recently with Vogue. It prompts you to track your success to help you negotiate. It’s free to download - I’d love to know what the Crommie crew think! I’m on LinkedIn and Instagram @ PepTalkHer - slide on into my DMs, let’s chat. (If you want our Pay Rise Cheat Sheet drop me a line & will send it over hello@peptalkher.com) What advice would you give your 20-year old self?

• Bunkers are the best parties on campus (do you still have them?!)

• Corduroy shorts are a bad call • Travel as much as you can Do you see/keep in touch with other COCA Alumni?

OF COURSE! I had awesome share houses once we moved out with college mates in Brissie and overseas. Still so lucky to have dear friends from Cromwell in my life like Doc, Shin, White Dove, Texas, Woody, Sly & other legends, as well as Stu & Dave Bade who I met post college! My sister Gooch and a brother Mugwah still have close Crommie mates too - including Matt’s girlfriend Cookie. Lots of Cromwell alum tend to pass through NYC - we may or may not occasionally paint the town red.

What advice would you give to other students/graduates?

LIFE’s too short to hate your work! Cultivate a glass half full mindset. Italy is always a good idea.

COCA NEWS 21

Chronicles of a Cromwellian Speaking at 2019 Valedictory Dinner

Rosanna ‘Kanga’ O’Neill (2012 - 2013) It was February 2012 as my parents drove our car into the Cromwell College driveway. A country family from Tamworth NSW, we were greeted with the roar of dubstep and sight of dozens of students running around in matching merch, cheering and yelling “welcome freshers”! As if on cue, I leapt out of that car, luggage in hand and no turning back. But little did I know what they had in store for us that week…

O-week was a time of mental and physical endurance.

I was stunned to be woken on the first morning at 5am for burpees on the lawn in our oversized O-week shirts that looked like dresses. A group of stunned freshers, we were hustled into the dining hall to hear our fresher names. “Kanga!” they barked as they handed me a Mexican sombrero. Little did I know I’d barely take that thing off all week. It’s actually still in the garage of my house - I just can’t seem to part with it!

The week continued on and the fresher challenge ensued on the front lawn where we were put through our paces with a series of physical tests. After scoffing my dry weet-bix and vegemite with gusto, I leapt into my first “roar and roll” with great enthusiasm. Too much enthusiasm, perhaps, as I came down hard on another fresher and broke my arm. Ahh, O-week!

The next two years flew by, a blur of assignments, college events, incredible friendships and many laughs. My fondest memories stem from our many Crommie traditions… O-Week, Cro-Week, Mexicana, At Home, Sock Assassin, Boat Cruise, Cromwell Bunker and my personal favourite, Prawns on the Lawn. There was Ball line up, Ball Ask, Mini Ball and Ball (but we all knew that the real fun was had at Recovery). College Shop and everything about it… which brings me to… fresher spread! ICC Sport – not always our strength, but we sure made up for it with our eventful cultural calendar. Formal dinner, cultural dinner, sports dinner… and finally, corridor dinner at Ross and Jenny’s for a delicious home cooked meal and much appreciated chat.

In 2013, I bumped into an old boy named Mitchell ‘Velcro’ Burling at a Ball recovery at the Paddo. I was wearing a Thomas the Tank engine pillow case, he was dressed in the more traditional tight and bright. It was love at first sight, and he’s now my partner of seven years – living proof that college romance can last!

Just like that, my Crommie days came to an end. Three of my best mates and 22 COCA NEWS

Cromwell Ball 2012

I moved into a share house on Hawken Drive. I found myself getting involved in tutoring, continued my love of sport playing hockey for UQ, and took on a position as an exec member of my student society. I stayed close with my Cromwell friends, and - can you believe it - actually made friends with some day kids!

I knuckled down, determined to graduate from my degree with honours.

In 2016 I was proud to do just that. I graduated from a Bachelor of Environmental Management (Hons) at UQ where I was awarded a University Medal, named Valedictorian and asked to speak at the Faculty of Science graduation ceremony.

Following this (and an epic Euro-trip) I took a graduate role in Management Consulting at PwC. I still work there today helping companies in the energy, power and utilities sector improve their strategy and operations. It has been a great experience so far, allowing me to meet many talented people and work all over Australia in industries I’m passionate about.

I’m excited to see what the next chapter brings, including a potential move to work oversees.

Receiving the University Medal with mum Julie in 2017

Last month I was fortunate enough to return to Cromwell to speak at the 2019 Valedictory Dinner.

I was impressed by the achievements of current students and entertained by many stories about Crommie traditions still alive today. In my speech, I reflected on my time at college and gave some parting advice to the Valedictorians. This advice included some practical tips – do vacation work or an internship, live in a share house, offer to do the dishes (!) and get involved in COCA. Perhaps most importantly though - treasure college friendships, as friends are the family you choose to have. I look back on my time at Cromwell and the lifelong friendships I’ve made with incredible fondness. I rest assured knowing our Crommie spirit is still alive and well, and hope that many students continue to experience this in the future.

Prawns on the Lawn 2012 COCA NEWS 23

CromweLl Re’CAP(Per)

Amanda Capper (nee Hannam) (1984 - 1986) My first day at Cromwell started well. A shy girl from Proserpine, I went in to the office with Dad to introduce myself and pick up my undergraduate academic gown.

When asked my size (the gown was ordered by height), I duly answered that it was 162 cm and, typically, Dad came out with a Dad joke, “is that length or width?”. Sniggers in the background from the fresher welcoming party …

My room was pleasant, first door in Top North with trees outside my window and a view of the Chapel and driveway, but I thought they were joking that the fresherette nearest the phone had to answer it …

I had a great set of friends and had all I needed at college and on campus. I only discovered Hawken Village (“the Ville”) when we all went down to the florist to buy buttonholes for our partners for the Cromwell Ball in May. I put in a concerted effort in my second year, as a consequence of shortcomings in the first year. This time I was in Top Thatcher and you could hear me bashing out assignments on my manual typewriter well into the night. So well in fact, that my neighbours asked me to go and do that in the Junior Common Room or somewhere else, please!

In third year, I was in Top Hancock. I was studying Computer Science and Psychology. These were still the days well before PCs and the internet, but certainly the days of all-nighters in the UQ computer lab to try to get some time in the lab. Thankfully for me there was a computer linked to the University systems in a room at the back of the Cromwell chapel and there I sat.

Reflecting on my time at Cromwell, I thought about how this time contributed to my personal growth or influenced the decisions I’ve made in my career. But really, I think that for me, Cromwell was a safe place and an extended “family”. I was 17 and had essentially left home. My family had relocated with my younger sister, my twin brother had stayed up north and I didn’t have a car. I had plenty of part-time and holiday jobs and only went to see my family on the longer holidays.

Here are a few takeaways for me: • ‘I loved the Ball season’ – the Cromwell Ball, the ICC Ball, Faculty balls and of course the At-Home. Many of the country girls wore bridesmaids dresses or school prom dresses to the balls in first year, we really were very sweet. When I was a young school child in Brisbane, it was always exciting to travel across the Story Bridge to the old Cloudland and dance the night away in fancy-dress having practised the gypsy tap for weeks on the school oval; I’d had my debutante ball the year before Uni too. But it didn’t stop there … I became a ballroom dance partner at Orchard’s Dance School in the Valley in the 90s. I’m still eager to wear a ballgown and attended the COCA Ball in 2016, amongst others.

• ‘St Lucia’ - after a short foray into nearby suburbs, in 1993 I bought a house with my family in Boomerang Road West – barely 150m from Cromwell. If you’d looked out the backdoor you would have seen me catching the bus to work, walking with a pram or baby-carrier to Campus Kindy or on a daily early morning walk around campus. And it didn’t stop there … I had been a Girl Guide in Charleville, so it was a natural progression to start a Joey Scouts section in the early 2000s and I was eventually Group Leader of the St Lucia Scout Den in Acacia Park, directly opposite Cromwell on Carmody Road. I then moved to the Sunshine Coast in 2004.

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• Formal Dinner and high table – I so enjoyed the weekly formal dinners, guest speakers and fellow students providing musical entertainment. I wished I’d been there a year earlier to hear Sir Edmund Hilary speak! It was such a privilege to sit on high-table one night last year too. Anyone I mention it to pictures Hogwarts, but it became such a natural thing to wear our academic gowns those nights.

• The Cromwell library – This was my sanctuary for study. I loved to look through the ancient books. I grew up with parents who loved to read and my husband and I now have a library at home. I shall forever miss that haven and its atmosphere.

• Meeting people – I admit I haven’t kept in touch with friends or boyfriends. During and after Uni I was close to a few of our Japanese exchange students who taught me a whole lot about the joy and simplicity of gift-giving and of course, cooking. You couldn’t walk down the street to buy sushi then. I’m thankful to say that I’m still good pals with another country girl I met in my first week at Cromwell walking around the river as part of an O-week expedition.

What am I doing now? My career has advanced, I’m happy in my circumstance with a loving husband and two adult sons. I travel, I’m working, I enjoy a great life on the Sunshine Coast and I’m still learning. I’ve just completed the Company Director’s course through the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and looking forward to where that will take me next.

Amanda & Jon Capper - COCA Ball 2016

Circus At-Home 1986 (L to R): Linda Campbell, Amanda Hannam, Elizabeth Hibbard, Mio Iwata, Sharon Johnson

COCA NEWS 25

THE CIRCUS IS IN TOWN

On Thursday 31st October, and with studying for end-of-year exams in full swing, Matthew and the kitchen staff put on another of their fantastic SWOTVAC meals, with this semester’s theme being “Circus”.

Students were treated to circus-themed food like Dagwood Dogs, Lion Tamer Party Pies, Flying Acrobat Chicken Tenders, lollies, ice creams and even fairy floss, enjoying their meals whilst “The Greatest Showman” was played on the big screen.

A big thank you to all the kitchen staff for dressing up and theming the kitchen and in particular to Matthew Thurecht, our Executive Chef, for organising the event. It certainly lightened the mood of SWOTVAC.

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COCA NEWS 27

CROMWELLIANS COMPETE AT TECHFEST 2020 IN INDIA

At the end of this year, Callum Breetzke, Jordan Byrne, Keith Cunningham and Matt Cook will be travelling to India with the UQ Mechatronics and Robotics Society to compete in the International Micromouse Challenge. The competition is hosted in Mumbai at Techfest 2020 (Asia’s largest technology festival). The students are required to design and build robots that will navigate a maze as fast as possible using the skills they have learned studying at UQ. We wish them all the very best!

L to R: Callum Breetzke, Matthew Cook, Keith Cunningham and Jordan Byrne 28 COCA NEWS

CROMWELL GOLD IN UQ GIVING DAY Cromwell gets gold!! James Boyce, Will Ambrose, Jacinta Thefs and April Heasley competed in UQ’s Giving Day Inflatable Obstacle Course, in the Great Court. A test of strength, endurance, physical stamina and teamwork saw our team come out with a winning result against five of our neighbouring colleges; Kings, Duchesne, Grace, Leo’s and Emmanuel.

L to R: April Heasley, Will Ambrose, James Boyce and Jacinta Thefs COCA NEWS 29

“THANK YOU” DINNER FOR STUDENT LEADERS

Shortly before the commencement of SWOTVAC, our Student Leadership Team (SLT) and our Resident Staff and partners gathered at a local Thai restaurant to thank the SLT for their superb work throughout the semester. Whether serving on the Students’ Association Executive, or as RA’s or both, they have been a strong group, and we will all miss them when they depart. A great night was30had all with some good Thai food and drinks!

COCA by NEWS

ACADEMIC SUPPORT PROGRAM

The academic support program at Cromwell has seen an average of 65 tutorials being provided per week across both semesters this year. This is a substantial number of tutorials for a college of our size and something I know the students are very appreciative of.

A large amount of work is done weekly behind the scenes responding to tutorial requests, prioritizing tutorials, selecting tutors, liaising with students, timetabling tutorials as well as managing contracts and payments. Izzy Jurss, the 2019 Senior Tutor, has been a wonderful support, has personally managed the internal tutors and assisted with leading a group of dedicated Academic Mentors, all while balancing a busy personal schedule and maintaining a cumulative GPA of 6.17. Izzy is leaving Cromwell at the end of the year but I am sure will remain in close contact with the college.

Our Academic Mentor team have once again provided valued pastoral support and academic advice to the students within their Faculty. First year students in particular have found having a fellow student to assist them with the transition from high school into university invaluable. A big thank you to Callum Breetzke, Cassia Gulley, Nicola Chaney, Madeline Parise, Kiara McIntyre, Molly Miles, Connor Shelton, Tiana Sheehy, Hamish Williams and Sidney Blake.

Also a big thank you to all of the tutors who have done such a wonderful job in assisting students this year. Approximately 50% of our tutors are current students who have done particularly well in their courses, as well as recent ex-Cromwellians who want to continue their involvement in the academic program of the college. The balance of our tutors are sourced externally and many have commented on how much they have appreciated being part of the college community.

An increased number of Academic Breakfasts have been arranged this year and for the first time some have been arranged on a Saturday morning to attract support from students and guests who find difficulty attending during the week. The college has appreciated the support of COCA, and in particular Alex Newton, for sourcing and co-ordinating a number of ex –Cromwellians to attend breakfasts across the year.

Next year’s Senior Tutor is Chrissy Meelen. Chrissy is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Queensland and will, I’m sure, continue the strong work that has been done by her predecessors.

Any COCA members who would like to be considered as a tutor in a particular course, or participate in the Academic Breakfast program in 2020, should contact m.crome@cromwell.uq.edu.au.

L to R: Christina Meelan, Michael Crome, Izzy Jurss

COCA NEWS 31

CROMWELL Ball 2019

After a year of great events, the highlight of the social calendar finally arrived. Cromwell College Ball “A Riverside Soiree” was held on the 11th October 2019 and was a hit with everyone who attended. The 340 attendees consisted of current and past Cromwell students, a few members of staff and outside partners to the event. Despite the larger numbers, there was always plenty of food, drinks and room to dance!

After some delicious canapes on the Cromwell deck (thanks to the kitchen!), guests departed to the venue: Stokehouse Q in Southbank. Clouds and drizzle had been looming over Brisbane the entire day, but the venue provided covered outdoor areas that were perfectly suited to provide stunning views of the city while protecting everyone from the elements.

Upon arrival at 7pm, guests were treated to a fabulous cheese board, welcome drinks and a fantastic view of the Brisbane skyline. This transitioned into tasty canapes and free-flow refills throughout the night, with the band appearing at 8pm to get the dance floor moving. As the night went on, everyone made the most of the photo opportunities – it’s doubtful that the two photographers at ball will ever be asked to take so many pictures within a 4-hour window ever again! It’s fortunate they did however, as everyone looked absolutely amazing – the Cromwell students certainly know how to clean up well.

Although the night continued on to 11:30pm, it felt like only a moment passed from the time we arrived to the conclusion of the event. It was easy to lose track of time while talking with friends, making new acquaintances and celebrating yet another fantastic year at Cromwell. When the night came to close, many of us were reluctant to leave the fun. However, there is no doubt that many of the guests will certainly be at next year’s Ball for another good time!

A huge thank you goes out to Stokehouse Q for helping us plan such an amazing event, and for providing such a beautiful space for our Ball. We’d also like to thank the social committee and anyone who helped in the lead-up to the night; it takes an unimaginable amount of work to make an event like this happen and we are extremely appreciative of any help we received. Lastly, we are both grateful and apologetic to our treasurer James Boyce for our financial demands!

CHEWYMUMO – Jasmine “Chewy” Burr, Trevor “Sun Mum” O’ Connell, Oran “Double O” O’Sullivan

Chad, Nelson, Will, Pablo, Alex & Riley

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Alex Materazzo, Chad Robertson & Pablo Buchanan

Ross Switzer & Ollie

April, Claudia, Jacinta, Sophie & Ella (front)

Sophie Bates & Tom

Tom Atkinson & Josh Wellwood

Meredith Melvin & Oscar Crisp

Ella Erikson, guest & Sidney Blake

Sam Zhang, Aidan Fong & Jacky Wu

Wade Sullivan & guest COCA NEWS 33

L to R: Josh Wellwood, guest, Liam Henderson, Dale Schlaphoff

L to R: Trevor O’Connell, Pablo Buchanan, Will Ambrose, Will Morris, Will O’Mealley 34 COCA NEWS

L to R: Maddie Jordan, Claudia Cuellar, Maddie Dillon, Ella Parvin, Annie van Lint, Meg Callaghan

L to R: Sam Bebendorf, Caitlin De Paoli, Jasmine Burr & Matthew Smith

COCA NEWS 35

Ollie’s 2nd CROMWELL Ball

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BALL RECOVERY

HAPPY 21ST CHARLIE! The final Student Leadership Team weekly meeting of the year at Ross and Jenny’s house coincided with the 21st birthday of our Male Sports Convener and RA of Bottom Dowling, Charlie Oliver (Hervey Bay).

Jenny made a salted caramel popcorn cake in the shape of a 21, along with mini egg and bacon tarts, which everyone enjoyed!

Happy 21st Birthday Charlie!

COCA NEWS 37

Rev Hugh Begbie (Cromwell Principal 1995 - 2010) THE JOURNEY On the 8th May this year I left Brisbane on a 27,000 km jaunt around much of Australia. Driving a

Hilux and towing a small but solid camper trailer, I braved the drive right across the Centre. You can see the route from the map and realise that I have traversed a great variety of country.

Stage one was the Queensland coast as far north as Port Douglas. This is included a Zodiac day tour at Yeppoon and a three day sailing trip on the Whitsundays. For four weeks I was joined by a friend whose accommodation was a tent. My trailer is a one person (or couple) option only, but it was great to have some company. Graeme left me at Mt Isa.

Sleeping humpback

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Ulysses butterfly

Main photo: near Esperance

As you can see from the map, from Port Douglas we went south west via Cobbold Gorge and Undara and then west to Mt Isa. From there I went alone south to Boulia and then across the Plenty Highway to Alice. The name ‘highway’ is of course somewhat exaggerated as it was a trek of 3 days on dirt. At Alice, one of my brothers joined me and together we drove the dusty, corrugated road from Kata Tjuta to Laverton in Western Australia, and from there north west as far as Karijini and Karratha, then via Exmouth South. You will see pictures along the way including some wonderful wild flowers. My brother flew out of Perth leaving me to go south and then east via the Nullabor, Melbourne, the Snowy and then the coast home.

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Australia is a remarkable country. It is big - very big. I travelled the equivalent of two thirds of the circumference of the earth. It is remarkably varied. From beautiful white sandy beaches and azure seas, to the iron rich red dust of the centre, set off by a deep blue sky and an enormous horizon.

I have a particular interest in photography and was fascinated, not just by beautiful landscapes, but also birdlife and the wild flowers. I also had the unusual experience of swimming over the top of a sleeping whale, and yes, they do sleep but with only half of their brain at a time. The other half is awake to remind them to come up to breath.

I really want to return to the Southern coast of Western Australia. It is truly beautiful but I was running out of time and could not give it the attention it deserves. So, maybe next spring.

Main photo: Kalbarri 40 COCA NEWS

Kata Tjuta and Great Central Highway

COCA NEWS 41

Tom Price

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London Bridge Sandstone

Main photo: Great Australian Bight COCA NEWS 43

CROMWELL COLLEGE

Cromwell College Song

Cromwell is the greatest College, Proved by every kind of test; Seeking for the highest knowledge, Aiming always for the best.

Generous when we have the victory, Gracious if we know defeat, This is Cromwell’s firm tradition; Freeing Spirit, our heartbeat!

God’s own Spirit brings us freedom Is the Motto we profess; It provides us inspiration, Gives us strength in times of stress.

Hail or shine we stick together, Whether near or far apart; Ever caring, true and loyal, We bear Cromwell in our heart.

The song is sung to the music of “Hymn to Joy” (92 in the Australian Hymn Book)

Editor

Tania Dempsey

COCA President Ben Durance CONTACT

Tania Dempsey

EMAIL

coca@cromwell.uq.edu.au

ADDRESS

Walcott Street, ST LUCIA, QLD 4067

WEBSITE www.coca.net.au

www.cromwell.uq.edu.au

FACEBOOK

www.facebook.com/Cromwell.Old.Collegians.Association/