Canberra Reunion Canberra has long brought together a diverse range of the nation’s public servants, educators, defence personnel, journalists and politicians. Many of the families who have come to call the national capital home include Lasallian Old Collegians from schools in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and the regions. Each year, a committed group of former students and Brothers come together for a mass of celebration in honour of St John Baptist de La Salle, followed by dinner at Parliament House. The 2014 reunion event took place on 30 October, with mass celebrated at the Parish of the Holy Trinity in Curtin by Lasallian old collegian bishops Terry Brady and Gerard Hanna. More than 40 people attended the event, meticulously organised by De La Salle College Malvern Old Collegian John Hogan. The gathering has become an opportunity to get together, celebrate, catch up and give thanks with family and friends. A list of distinguished old collegians and friends sent their apologies and best wishes. During the mass of St John Baptist de La Salle, attendees gave prayers of thanks for
the work and vocation of the Brothers, the Lasallian Institute worldwide and for the significant gifts each person has received from their education. De La Salle Revesby graduate and Fowler MP Chris Hayes hosted the group in Parliament’s Members’ Dining Room and attendees warmly welcomed Brs Peter Gilfedder, Gabriel Watson, Peter Smyth and Frank Brophy. Mr Hayes, the Parliament’s chief Opposition Whip, reflected on his good fortune of receiving a Lasallian education in Sydney. “It’s great that we come back here each year,” he told guests. “It’s good to be here, not just because this is what we do every year to be together, but quite frankly it’s good to have a bit of tradition and celebration of the De La Salle spirit in Canberra.
“I can look back at the series of markers the Brothers gave me. A series of markers in my life that I think I have been able to act upon. Laying down those markers about what it is to be yourself and how to look after the community.” More than 50 years after graduating from De La Salle Malvern, Mr Hogan said the Lasallian community was strong in Canberra, despite the Brothers never having had a community or school in the capital. “It doesn’t matter what De La Salle association you have because you are welcome with your own Lasallian charism,” he said. “As I have grown older and travelled and seen Lasallian operations right around the world, I have come to know it is the thing that binds us, the thing that brings us back. “In the years since I left Malvern the attachment has remained with me. It is that attachment we are celebrating tonight. It is important we keep celebrating year after year.” Former Malvern staff member Br John Mitchell fsc was remembered fondly by many guests on the night. Planning for the 2015 mass and dinner is under way. Tom McIlroy (2003) Contact John Hogan for more information on 0408 224 492.
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