The Old Melburnians

Thindika Amarasekara

Change can be daunting at the best of times. Not long after a global pandemic, we are facing a new political landscape, an energy crisis, soaring living costs, and a renewed urgency for de-carbonisation that is redefining what some of us do.

These drivers of change affect us differently. But through it all, there is at least one constant: community. I hope we all have a community we can fall back on for support, encouragement and inspiration. This may be your family, your church, your sporting club, or your friends.

This is where the Old Melburnians Society fits in.

We are a 17,000 strong community of past students bound by shared cultural values and experiences arising from our time at Melbourne Grammar School. This community supports every student who has attended Melbourne Grammar, regardless of their year of graduation. The Old Melburnians Council is the governing body of this community. We operate as a Board and, through seven sub-committees, deliver an annual program of initiatives to support and inspire our Old Melburnians, and even our current students. Council Members are volunteers with careers and families. We are passionate about the School and are focused on helping Old Melburnians to ‘connect and grow’.

We ‘connect’ Old Melburnians through the annual Business Breakfast, our OM Journeys speaker series, year group reunions, our numerous sporting clubs and interest groups, and through the Annual Dinner.

This year, we are launching a new initiative to help our female alumni feel more connected, and we look forward to welcoming them back to Grimwade House for a celebration on 17 November 2022.

Other initiatives such as the Dick Cotton Fellowship, our acclaimed Career Masterclass, and Year 12 Careers Night, are designed to help Old Melburnians ‘grow’ their professional network, their confidence, and their perspectives. As the world changes around you, remember that you belong to one of the oldest school alumni communities in Australia. A conversation with an old school friend you’ve not seen in decades, guidance from a mentor, or a tip from someone who ‘has been there’ can help immensely.

I encourage all Old Melburnians to explore what this community can offer, to join in and perhaps even help your fellow Old Melburnians. The 142nd Annual Dinner on 18 August at the MCC, is a great way to reconnect with each other, and my fellow Councillors.

I am delighted to introduce the 2022 Council on the next page. Feel free to reach out to us at om@mgs.vic.edu.au if you are interested in becoming involved with The Old Melburnians.

Thindika Amarasekara (OM 1991) President of the Old Melburnians Council

OLD MELBURNIAN COUNCIL ROLES Executive Thindika Amarasekara – President Martin Scott – Vice President and Honorary Treasurer Bill Cowan – Vice President Andrew Sutcliffe – Honorary Secretary General Members Will Alstergren Marc Cuming Anton Leschen Jeremy Nichols Charles Thompson Rohan Workman

OLD MELBURNIAN COUNCIL MEMBERS

The Hon Will Alstergren QC AO (OM 1980) Will is the Chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia. He is passionate about celebrating the School values, supporting the governance of the OMs, and in providing career guidance for young OMs. Thindika Amarasekara (OM 1991) Thindika is a Managing Director in corporate finance at a global investment bank. A former Captain of School, Thindika has three sons currently attending Melbourne Grammar. Bill Cowan AM (OM 1962) Bill is a renowned author and executive career coach. He supports the Career Pathways Committee and helped launch and build the OM Career Masterclass which supports young OMs to pursue their goals. Marc Cuming (OM 1983) Marc works in wealth management and has a 146-year connection to Melbourne Grammar across five generations. Marc is a member of the Finance Committee, Annual Dinner Committee and is the liaison point for the OM Clubs. Anton Leschen (OM 1983) Anton has over 30 years’ experience in the community sector, leading child, youth and family services including the Smith Family. Anton leads the Fellowship and Community Committee and supports Special Events.

Jeremy Nichols (OM 1983) Jeremy is the founder of a management consulting firm. An avid supporter of the OM Football Club, he leads the Communication and Database Committee, and is a member of the Clubs Committee. Martin Scott QC (OM 1980) Martin is a commercial barrister and is the Vice President, Honorary Treasurer, and Chair of the Finance Committee. He was inspired to join the Council by the example of his late father who led the Melbourne Grammar School Foundation. Andrew Sutcliffe (OM 1986) Andrew works in largescale infrastructure and is part of four generations who have attended Melbourne Grammar. His grandfather Joe Sutcliffe was Headmaster from 1938 until 1949. Andrew chairs the Annual Dinner Committee and is a member of the Finance Committee. Charles Thompson (OM 1987) Charles is a former lawyer and consultant with corporate and not-for-profit Board experience. He now runs his own strategy and investment advisory, and an ecotourism operation. Charles leads Career Pathways Committee. Rohan Workman (OM 2004) Rohan works in venture capital and entrepreneurship and is passionate about supporting founders to build significant and sustainable companies. Rohan leads the Special Events Committee which includes the Business Breakfast and OM Journeys.

General information OMLink.org mgs.vic.edu.au/old-melburnians

Athletics Harrison Roubin (OM 2013), President oldmelburniansac.com

Bowls Barry Fleming (OM 1958), President bnfleming1@optusnet.com.au

Cricket Tom Healey (OM 2008), President trhealey1@hotmail.com

Drama Club Andrew Brookes (OM 1974), President andrewdbrookes@icloud.com

Football Steve Mattingly (OM 1980), Secretary www.omfc.com.au

Golf David Court (OM 1981), President dcourt@gafcontrol.com.au

Hockey Stuart Allen (OM 1989), President stuarta@7mail.com

The Lodge Richard Burman (OM 1955), Secretary richard@rawburman.com.au The Lodge meets at: Uniting Church 36 St Edmonds Road Prahran 3181

Melburnia Club (Rowing) John Michelmore (OM 1979), President jrmich@tpg.com.au

Soccer Jon-Paul Michail (OM 2008), President omsc.org.au

Table Tennis Douglas Tsoi (OM 2004), Presidentdouglastsoi87@gmail.com

Water Polo Harry Lovelock (OM 2016), President harrylovelock4@outlook.com Joining an Old Melburnian Club is a great way for Old Melburnians to connect with others who have similar interests.

New members – both men and women - of all ages and abilities are always welcome at each club. While expertise and experience is well received, it is not required to join. While some of the clubs are competitive, there is also an emphasis is on friendship and fun with social activities forming an important part of the Club’s activities.

Members can take on a variety of roles in most clubs including as team players, helping behind the scenes, volunteers and supporters.

Most Clubs also welcome members who are not Old Melburnians themselves but might have a connection to the School through family or friends.

Our Clubs welcome all Old Melburnians, including women who attended Grimwade House.

Two new clubs have been formed in recent years. You’ll find further information about them below.

Contact details are included on the left, and we encourage you to get in touch with the Club that interests you to find out more.

If you are interested in starting a new Old Melburnian club, or have any questions at all, please contact the Club’s liaison person on The Old Melburnians Council, Marc Cuming (OM 1983), via om@mgs.vic.edu.au

The Old Melburnian Drama Club staged its first production in 2015. Rehearsals are about to commence for its upcoming production, the comedic The Whole Darn Shooting Match by Jack Perry. It will be staged in October 2022.

If you are interested in being part of this, or future, productions, the club would love to hear from you.

Those wishing to contribute to the production by undertaking backstage duties are also welcome. There are a wide variety of roles to be filled. Experience, while desirable, is not always necessary.

Contact details are provided at left.

Bookings for the 2022 production will open mid-September.

The Old Melburnian Table Tennis Club is looking for new members interested in playing competitive and/or social table tennis. All games are played at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC).

Formed in 2019, the club competes in the Table Tennis Victoria Premiership League. These games are played on a Wednesday evening, with training occurring on a Sunday morning and at another time during the week as determined by the individual players.

There are also social games played on a Sunday morning. A great way to meet up with fellow Old Melburnians, people with all levels of experience are welcome at this activity.

Contact details are provided at left.

Date: 7.00pm, 18 August 2022 Location: Melbourne Cricket Ground Speakers: Michael Veitch (OM 1980) Santo Cilauro (Melbourne Grammar Past Parent) Mike McLeish (OM 1992) Bookings: bit.ly/OMAnnualDinner2022

Enabling young Old Melburnians to continue practicing Melbourne Grammar School’s Values in Action

The Dick Cotton Fellowship provides a cash grant of up to $5000 to support and encourage younger Old Melburnians to act for the benefit of others.

Funds can be used for training, study, travel, or other expenses related to a project or volunteer work which helps communities in need. Old Melburnians aged 30 and under are encouraged to apply as groups or individuals. Applications will be reviewed by the Old Melburnians Council and awarded based on merit and impact. The 2021 recipient, Tom Akhurst (OM 2016), says: “I am incredibly grateful for support to enable me to train with Lifeline and join its ranks as a telephone crisis support worker. As humans, we rely on each other for comfort, reassurance and understanding. Sadly, many people do not have access to that important human connection. This is the void Lifeline works tirelessly to help fill.” Old Melburnians Council Member and General Manager of the Smith Family, Anton Leschen (OM 1983), leads this initiative and is available to discuss your application. Anton says: “My career in community service has taught me how rewarding it is to help others. The Dick Cotton Fellowship is a resource that can enable you to help people facing hardship. I encourage you to marshal your passion, skill, and networks, and use this opportunity to put your ideas into action.”

https://www.mgs.vic.edu.au/om-fellowship

Questions? om@mgs.vic.edu.au +61 3 9865 7682

1. 1950, 1951 & 1952 (70 year) reunion attendees 2. 1980 (40 year) reunion attendees 3. 1981 (40 year) reunion attendees 4. 1982 (40 year) reunion attendees 5. 1990 (30 year) reunion attendees 6. 1991 (30 year) reunion attendees

7. 1992 (30 year) reunion attendees 8. 1961 (60 year) reunion attendees 9. 1962 (60 year) reunion attendees 10. 1970 (50 year) reunion attendees 11. 1972 (50 year) reunion attendees