OGCA President’s Report

Kylie Mackey (OGC 1993), OGCA President

This Ad Astra, I reflect on the remarkable decade of service of College Principal, Dr Peter Miller.

It is with a profound sense of gratitude that I look back on Peter’s time at the College – a period filled with challenge, growth, and extraordinary moments. Leading the College during COVID, instilling a culture of courage with empathy, enabling the expansions of facilities at both the Junior and Senior School campuses as well as leading the Reach Out Program are but a few of his achievements.

An active supporter of the Old Geelong Collegians’ Association, Peter connected with our alumni, attending numerous reunions and events, instilling in many his belief in the transformative power of education. He championed our approach to historical harm and will be remembered for creating practical and empathetic responses for harmed alumni survivors and their families.

Under Peter’s tenure, the College has become a place where tradition meets innovation, where the pursuit of excellence is matched by a strong sense of community, and where every student is encouraged to discover their purpose and potential.

I have been inspired by Peter’s dedication to the OGCA, to his staff, College families and most importantly, his dedication to what he states are the College’s greatest asset, its students.

Recognition must also be extended to Peter’s wife, Naomi Miller, for her ongoing support and contribution to the OGCA. Naomi has been an advocate; participating on our 2022 sub-committee for the Gallery of Notable Old Collegians and attending events.

Peter will leave the College in a stronger place, ready for the future. His mark on the College is undeniable.

For me personally, I say thank you for your leadership and support. I’m grateful to have been part of your College story. Your time will be woven into College history and I look forward to seeing your portrait hanging in the Dining Hall soon. On behalf of the Old Geelong Collegians Association, thank you!

Aligning with our purpose, I share the following in-brief updates from our Committee:

• We welcomed Emily Hultgren (OGC 2010) and Michael Johnston (OGC 1999) to our Committee this year. We are also actively seeking a recent school leaver to join us representing our Youth Portfolio.

• We have been thrilled to host a number of reunion events. These have included the Leavers’ Function (2024 leavers), the 10 Year Reunion for the Class of 2015 and the 40 Year Reunion for the Class of 1985. All were well attended.

• We played an active role at Derby Day.

• We again provided support to our alumni via our partnerships with the Old Geelong Football Club in Melbourne, the Geelong Amateur Football and Netball Club and the Albert Bell Club.

• We support the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood team, encouraging our alumni to donate blood.

• We continue to support survivors of historical harm via the Reach Out Program.

Notables Gallery

The next induction into our Gallery of Notable Old Collegians will take place in September. Launched in 2011, the Gallery celebrates notable alumni whose achievements embody the

spirit of the College motto - Sic Itur Ad Astra - Reach for the Stars.

Gather Round 2026

Following our successful inaugural events at Gather Round in Adelaide in April, we are pleased to announce we will be hosting another reunion to coincide with Gather Round 2026. Scan the QR Code below to register your interest in joining us.

Join TGC Connect

Have you registered on our alumni channel www.tgcconnect.com ? It provides an excellent way to ‘connect’ with fellow Collegians.

Download the Graduway Community app from the App Store and select ‘Geelong College’ to have one-tap access to our College social media platform on your phone or device. Over 3,700 alumni have already registered.

Need support?

Please get in touch if you need support. As a Committee, supported by the Reach Out Committee, we are committed to assisting all Old Collegians.

OGCA Committee:

President - Kylie Mackey (OGC 1993)

Honorary Treasurer- Ashley McHarry (OGC 1991)

Honorary Secretary - Nicola Cousen (OGC 1989)

Executive Officer - Mike Howell

Members: Sam West (OGC 2000), Bridgette Engeler (OGC 1985), Donald McAllister (OGC 1990) and Morongo representative, Ann McAllister (MOC).

Community Relations team: Chelsea Matheson and Niki Nurnaitis.

2025 OGCA Event Calendar

• Sic Itur Luncheon - Saturday 21 June

• 5 Year Reunion (2020 year group) - Saturday 26 July

• 30 Year Reunion (1995 year group) - Friday 29 August

• Notables Gallery Induction - Saturday 13 September

• 20 Year Reunion (2005 year group) - Friday 7 November

Gather Round Reunion 2026

We invite you to register your interest to join us in Adelaide for our Gather Round reunion in April 2026.

Further information, including the exact date and venue, will be provided following the release of the 2026 AFL season schedule.

Visit bit.ly/3ZMJaJx or scan the QR code to register your interest and receive updates.