Notice of Meeting
Annual General Meeting 2025
Tuesday 4 March, 7.00pm
Camberwell Room
Camberwell Grammar School 55 Mont Albert Road
Canterbury Victoria 3126
AGENDA
3.1 President’s Report (tabled)
3.2 Presentation of Honorary Life Membership
3.3 Financial Statements
3.4 Election of Honorary Auditor
3.5 Election of Committee
Guest speAker - Christos kAlAs And the old CAMberwell Grammarians’ soccer club
Christos and members of the newly reinstated Old Camberwell Grammarians’ Soccer Club will share insights into the club’s purpose, mission, vision, and values. They’ll introduce the committee, discuss key initiatives, and outline development and future plans. The presentation will also cover sponsorships, home and away kits, player highlights and results, key events, and the challenges they’ve faced along the way.
AnnuAl GenerAl MeetinG
Old Camberwell Grammarians’ Association
Minutes of The Annual General Meeting held at 7.00 pm, Tuesday, 5 March 2024 in The Camberwell Room , Camberwell Grammar School
1. W ELCOME
1.1 Present
G. Taplin, R. Sturzaker, W. Edney, M. Neilson, M. Forwood, J. Mills, B. Elliott, J. Elliott, A. Kyriacou, S. Chan, N. Schildberger, M. Pountney, C. Daley, P. Deliyannis, J. Elliott, R. Lee, B. Chesler, S. Beck, C. Mills
1.2 In Attendance
R. Whitehead (Director of Development ); P. Hicks (Headmaster); C. Lloyd (Business Manager), C. Parker (Development Associate); C. Turton
1.3 Apologies
D. Bellairs, D. Brett, D. Brown, W. Cook, B. Crisp, G. Fieldus, B. Finger, J. Giovannucci, J. Haysom, T. Henley, R. Idle, A. Jackson, M. Koswig, W. Lam, S. McKnight, G. Powell, T. Schenken, P. Sharp, P. Sugden, S. Taplin, B. Turne r, P. Wheelton, A. Wills.
2 . M INUTES OF THE 2023 AGM
The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed.
3 . B USINESS OF THE MEETING
3.1 President’s Report (tabled)
The President’s report was tabled, and he highlighted the following:-
• 2023 was another very full calendar of events for the OCGA.
• Participation levels have been high.
• The OCGA Committee revisited the Strategic Plan. Thank you to Richard Lee (2014) for his guidance with the process.
• N. Schildberger read through the Purpose, Mission and Strategic Priorities of the OCGA. As a result of the Strategic Plan sessions , wellbeing was added to the Strategic Priorities.
• The first Andrew Lane (1979) Prize was awarded in 2023 to a Year 9 and Year 10 student. It was appropriate that the award was in Andrew’s name due to his many years of service to the Old Camberwell Grammarians’ Association committee and football club.
• N. Schildberger read a review of the OCGA events held throughout the past year.
• There’s more details of the full calendar of events and detailed reports of the sporting teams if you’d like to read further.
• N. Schildberger thanked the Headmaster – Dr Hicks for his enthusiastic support of work of the OCGA. And also the School Council, Head of Community and Development – Ryan Whitehead, Cindy Parker and the entire office team
for successfully organising and running so many events across the year. N. Schildberger also thanked the OCGA Committee.
3.2 Presentation of Honorary Life Membership
Adam Kyriacou (1990) and Paul Hicks (Headmaster) were awarded Honorary Life Membership of the OCGA. Michael Neilson (1981) receive d his Honorary Life Membership plaque that was awarded in 2022.
3.3
Financial Statements
The Treasurer’s report was tabled, and he highlighted the following:-
• The OCGA is in a strong financial position.
• Increase of 13% on equity mainly due to performance of investments.
• Income and expenditure were down due to the decrease in dividends received and the decision to no longer charge for year level reunions.
• There was no outlay for Annual Dinner in 2023.
• Total income was $132k and total expenditure $92k.
Thank you to Warren Edney (1975) for his work chairing the investment committee. Thank you to Peter Deliyannis (2013) for his work as treasurer.
The accounts were approved unanimously by the meeting.
3.4 Election of Honorary Auditor
N. Schildberger thanked McPhail and Partners for their work this year.
McPhail and Partners were nominated as Honorary Auditors for the coming year.
McPhail and Partners were elected Honorary Auditors unanimously by the meeting.
3.5
Election of the Committee
The OCGA Committee for 2024 was accepted
Jack Amling (2019)
Peter Deliyannis (2013)
Warren Edney (1975)
Jack Fitzgerald (2018) – Vice President
Julian Giovannucci (2011) – Vice President
4 . OTHER BUSINESS
Geoffrey Gong (2020)
Chris Kelly (1970)
Michael Koswig (1986)
John Mills (1984)
Michael Pountney (2001)
Nick Schildberger (1997) - President
5 . C LOSURE AND DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The meeting was closed at 7.20pm. The Annual General Meeting 2025 will be on Tuesday 4 March at 7.00pm
old camberwell Grammarians’ association
President’s Report
The Old Camberwell Grammarians’ Association (OCGA) had another incredibly busy year. Alumni from all generations, from those who graduated just last year to those who left decades ago, came together to actively engage in a diverse array of events on a jam-packed calendar. A notable highlight was our Generations Breakfast, where we were joined by a fourth-generation family and four third-generation families, all with deep ties to the school dating back to 1928.
This year also marked a significant milestone for the school, with Dr Paul Hicks completing his final year as Headmaster. We were grateful for the opportunity to celebrate Paul’s legacy at the OCGA Annual Dinner, where he delivered the Toast to the School.
We were deeply saddened by the loss of Ian Mason, whose contributions to the school and the OCGA community were immeasurable. Ian was not only a dedicated supporter of the OCGA, but also a cherished friend to many of us. At the Gallery of Achievement Dinner, it was incredibly moving to hear the inductees speak about the profound impact Ian had on them during their time at school, with many highlighting the lasting influence he continues to have on their lives.
As we reflect on our purpose, it’s important to remind ourselves of the OCGA’s mission and strategic priorities:
Purpose: The OCGA exists to foster a supportive and inclusive community for Old Camberwell Grammarians to maximise their happiness and wellbeing in their personal and professional lives.
Mission: To provide opportunities and experiences that motivate Old Camberwell Grammarians to connect and engage with the community and become the best versions of themselves
Strategic Priorities:
• Communication
• Connection
• Career
• Wellbeing
In 2024, we introduced Wellbeing as a key priority, running a series of successful events in collaboration with Craig Turton from 100Words. Looking ahead to 2025, we’re planning our largest-ever event, focused on wellbeing, to bring the entire OCGA community together.
The success of our full calendar of activities is due to the hard work, expertise and goodwill of many volunteers. I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all those who supported the OCGA Committee throughout the year, with a special mention to the CGS Community and Development Office, led by Ryan Whitehead (1994), with invaluable assistance from Cindy Parker, for their unwavering support of our alumni, no matter where life’s journey leads.
Life Membership
All 172 leavers from Camberwell Grammar School in 2024 joined as new Life Members of the OCGA and we are delighted to welcome them to the association.
Finance & Investments
The reporting period for the OCGA is from 1 January to 31 December 2024. The OCGA continues to maintain a strong financial position with total equity at year-end of $1,890,534. This was an increase of 8% from the prior year, mostly due to the performance of the investment portfolio which increased 9.5%. When compared to the relative benchmark of the S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index, the OCGA was outperformed by 1.95% for the year.
Both income and expenditure were relatively consistent with 2023, with the one exception being the increased receipts and costs of functions due to the Annual Dinner held in 2024. Whilst the OCGA generated a healthy Operating Surplus of $31,469, due to decisions made during the year to dispose of some underperforming stock holdings, realised losses on Sale of Investments totalled $27,853, resulting in a Net Surplus of $3,616 for the year.
Total income for the year was $139,491. The three major sources of income for the OCGA continue to be dividends from the investment portfolio, Life Memberships from the cohort of Year 12 students and receipts from functions. Total expenditure for the year was $108,022. The major expenses are costs of functions and grants to sporting bodies.
I would like to thank the Finance and Investment Committee, Chaired by Warren Edney (1975) as well as our Treasurer Peter Deliyannis (2013) for these results.
Reunions & Special Events
7 February – OCGA versus Old Scotch Lawn Bowls. OCGA entered the day having won the last three encounters. Old Scotch brought a strong team of bowlers that managed to end our winning streak, and they won on all four rinks. Six alumni, five past/current staff, two past parents and two guests represented the OCGA
28 February – Generations Breakfast was held in the Camberwell Room. There was one fourth-generation and four third-generation families in attendance, as well as many 24 second-generation families. It was nice to see alumni fathers reconnecting with classmates and meeting the friends of their grandsons, sons and nephews. The span of these families’ histories at Camberwell Grammar School, stretched back to 1926 to two families with students in Year 2. .
29 February – ACT Network Function was held at Parlour Dining and hosted by Paul Hicks, Susan Hicks and Ryan Whitehead. 12 alumni and one guest attended.
5 March – OCGA AGM was held in the Camberwell Room.
Committee was elected for 2024 as follows:
Nick Schildberger (1997) President
Julian Giovannucci (2011) Vice President
Jack Fitzgerald (2018) Vice President
Peter Deliyannis (2013) Treasurer
Jack Amling (2019)
Warren Edney (1975)
Geoffrey Gong (2020)
Chris Kelly (1969)
Michael Koswig (1986)
John Mills (1984)
Michael Pountney (2001)
Paul Hicks Headmaster
Ryan Whitehead (1994) Executive Officer
Cindy Parker Development Associate
Craig Turton of 100Words addressed the meeting. His organisation is working to empower men to support each other to improve mental health, create happier generations and prevent suicide. Craig spoke about how asking your mates “How’s your day out of 10?” can open up conversation and create an environment for men to talk.
17 alumni, one guest and four staff attended the meeting.
7 March – Battle of the Decades Tennis Tournament was held at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club.
Players from the AGSV Tennis Premiership team of recent years joined other leavers from the 20s to win their first Battle of the Decades Tennis Tournament. 29 alumni from 1974 to 2023 played five games on the grass courts with Darcy Albert (2023)
awarded Best Individual Player from Will Stamper (2023), Brad Leitch (1983) and Alek Harper (2017). The evening finished with a buffet BBQ dinner and drinks. Thank you to Cam Dickinson (1981) for organising the grass courts.
21 March – 5 Year Reunion (Class of 2019) was held in the Camberwell Room. 67 alumni and eight staff attended.
19 April – OCGA Golf Challenge was held at Kew Golf Club.
Nearest the pin 11th – Colin Johnstone (Konica Minolta)
Nearest the pin 18th – Alastair Troedel (Neo Eastern Print)
Straightest Drive – Chris George (Systematic Carpet Installations)
Longest Drive Men – Nick Feenane (Securecorp)
Longest Drive Women – Susanna Karlson (past parent)
Ambrose: Neo Eastern Print – Clinton Daley (2013), Jonathan Gan (1985), Alastair Troedel and Adam Holmes.
19 alumni, three parents, three past parents and 42 sponsors/ guests attended.
5 May – 50 Year Lunch (Class of 1974 and prior) was held in the Camberwell Room.
Dr Paul Hicks welcomed the attendees and Grace was said by Mr Chris Kirwan (1974). The Toast to the School was given by Mr Lindsay Mullins (1974). 131 alumni from classes of 1948 to 1974, 40 guests, four musicians, three current staff and four past staff attended the lunch. 51 alumni from the Class of 1974 attended for the first time.
10 May – 20 Year Reunion (Class of 2004) was held in the Camberwell Room.
38 alumni, four current and three past staff attended. Past Headmaster Colin Black attended to catch up with the cohort, who were in Year 12 for his final year at CGS. It’s heartening to hear that many of the alumni have chosen to enrol their own sons to start at the school in the future.
16 May – Careers Night. 23 alumni from the Class from 1981 to 2020 shared the studies they undertook after school, the most/ least satisfying aspect of their job and important attributes for working in their field. Industries represented included architecture, arts, business, construction, engineering, law, marketing, media, medicine, science and technology. Alumni gathered after the sessions in Kingussie for drinks and networking. Thank you to the alumni that gave back to the school to inspire students.
6 June – The Roystead Society and Gallery of Achievement Dinner was held in the Camberwell Room. 19 alumni, 44 guests and nine current and past staff attended.
14 June – 30 Year Reunion (Class of 1994) was held in the Camberwell Room. 28 alumni, three current and four past staff attended. Past Headmaster Colin Black attended.
26 July – 10 Year Reunion (Class of 2014) was held in the Camberwell Room. 50 alumni, five current and two past staff attended.
1 August – The OCGA Art Exhibition and Sale was held in the David Williams Gallery.
Six alumni, five current and past staff and nine members of the Camberwell Grammar Community submitted works. The exhibition was opened by Grant Ellis (2006) who has returned to the pottery wheel after reconnecting with past staff member Kevin Boyd.
8 August – WA Network Function. Alumni from 1972 to 2014 and past staff living and working in Perth gathered for the WA Network Function.
The event was hosted by William Robinson (2003), providing an excellent opportunity for attendees to reconnect and network. 11 alumni, two past staff and two guests attended.
9 August – SA Network Function. Alumni living and working in Adelaide and the surrounding areas came together for the SA Network Function.
The event took place at the prestigious Penfolds Magill Estate Cellar Door. A special thank you to Derek Gibbs (1989) for organising the evening. 11 alumni and one guest attended.
22 August – QLD Network Function Alumni from 1965 to 2022 gathered for pre-dinner drinks at the Fiume Rooftop Bar on the Brisbane River for the QLD Network Function.
A big thank you to Craig Rose (1994) for hosting the evening and giving alumni in Brisbane a chance to connect. 11 alumni and three guests attended.
23 August – NSW Network Function Ian Robertson AO (1973) generously hosted the NSW Network Function at his office in Martin Place, Sydney.
Alumni from business, law, the arts, health and study enjoyed mingling over drinks and savouries. 18 alumni, four guests and one support dog attended.
30 August – The OCGA Dinner took place at The Langham Melbourne.
The event was masterfully hosted by Mr Geoffrey Gong (2020), while Mr Nick Schildberger (1997) extended a warm welcome to alumni and current staff. Mr Cooper Carbone (School Captain 2023) led the Grace. 79 Alumni, six alumni/current staff, 34 current staff and two guests attended.
12 October – Open Day. Many alumni returned to the School for Open Day on Saturday and represented the OCGA in sporting matches against school teams.
The OCGA were victorious to claim The Wayne Arthurs Doubles Tennis Cup. The school teams put up a strong fight, securing victories against the OCGA in basketball, table tennis and the Simon and Terence Chong Badminton Trophy. The hockey match for the Stuart Webster Shield ended in a draw. Modified Super 8s cricket games featured mixed teams, including OCGCC players and students from all year levels, played on the KAO. Alumni also took part in the Open Day Gift for the CR Bence Cup.
21 October – Year 12 Cufflink Ceremony. 15 alumni fathers and two grandfathers, along with the President of the OCGA and the Head of Community and Development, welcomed the Year 12 students into the OCGA by presenting them with 2024 cufflinks.
It was a special moment to have Graeme Ballard (1959) in attendance to greet his grandson. Graeme initiated the cufflink presentation during his time as president of the OCGA.
25 October – 40 Year Reunion (Class of 1984). 40 Classmates from 1984 came together for their 40-year reunion.
One attendee remarked that despite the years that have passed, the camaraderie, familiarity and mutual loyalty among them remain as strong as ever. 44 alumni, one past teacher and four current staff attended.
30 October – CBD Business Breakfast. 18 alumni, nine parents, six guests and four staff gathered for breakfast at the Novotel Melbourne to hear from Don McLardy OAM (1975) and Kimon Taliadoros (1985), who shared their experiences as leaders in business, sports and charitable organisations. They highlighted how their time as students playing hockey, AFL and soccer at CGS has positively influenced their careers.
14 November – 60 Year Lunch (class of 1964 and prior). As part of the occasion, members of the class of 1964 were presented with commemorative cufflinks.
Paul Hicks addressed the group for the final time, introducing the incoming Principal, Ben Jeacocke. Irving Lenton (1962) said Grace and expressed gratitude to Paul for his dedicated service on behalf of Old Camberwell Grammarians. 33 alumni, five guests and four current staff attended.
17 November – OCGA Lawn Bowls Day. After the first game was played in rainy conditions, the sun broke through for a day of friendly yet competitive lawn bowls.
Eight alumni, four current and past staff and two guests, participated in a round-robin competition. Nathan Bower was recognised as the best Lead, Mike Cody as the best 2nd, and Peter Hanson (1967) best Skip.
Gallery of Achievement
This year we inducted three men into the Gallery of Achievement. Some of these men were nominated by other alumni and some were identified through research of archival material. As in previous years, the inductees span a range of achievements. They are highlighted later in this booklet.
General
The OCGA continues to work closely with the School and be involved in several other major ongoing projects. The following is a brief review of that participation:
• Participation in the Annual Giving program with the CGS Foundation.
• Support for the School archives and museum.
• Providing grants and sponsorship to current students and alumni to pursue sporting events representing Australia, as well as some smaller specific grants for particularly worthy overseas study or volunteering
• Providing grants to OCGA sporting and arts clubs/associations – and encouraging a strong link between these groups and current aligned bodies within the school
• Organising speakers for the School Careers Night.
Mentoring Program
For a number of years now, the OCGA has facilitated a mentoring program for members which is powered by a software-driven package called Mentor Loop. The OCGA Committee has been impressed by the take-up by both mentors and mentees and will continue to seek opportunities to support alumni on their career journeys. If you’d like more information on the mentoring program, or would like to participate, please contact the Community and Development Office.
Conclusion
As we bid farewell to Headmaster Dr Paul Hicks, I would like to take this opportunity to once again express our sincere gratitude for his enthusiastic support of all our activities. His leadership has left an indelible impact on both the school and its alumni, shaping the future of the community in ways that will be felt for many years to come. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
Similarly, the continued support of the School Council and the staff is invaluable, and we are deeply appreciative of their contributions. I would also like to thank all the Committee Members for their hard work and support throughout the year, as well as the Community and Development Office staff for their exceptional organisation and support of all our events.
It has been truly rewarding to see so many alumni actively participating and contributing to our thriving association through a wide range of events and activities in 2024. However, we are always eager to hear from you and welcome new ideas as we strive to cater to as many interests as possible and support the addition of new activities.
I wish everyone in our community a prosperous year ahead and look forward to seeing you at an OCGA event soon.
Nick Schildberger (1997), President Old Camberwell Grammarians’ Association
Sporting Clubs & Affiliates
OCGA Cricket Club
The OCGCC punctuated their 2023/24 season with a Grand Final victory for the club’s 2nd XI in Division 4 of the MCC Club XI Competition. This marks the fourth premiership for an OCGCC team since the club’s inception in 2015/16.
Unfortunately for another year, the 1st XI didn’t progress past the semi-finals, being bested by Melbourne High School Old Boys’ Cricket Club. But there was cause for celebration as Andrew Richards (2010) topped the league with the bat, scoring 502 runs at 38, while Vaibhav Chandra (2006) and Mark Nothdurft (2010) finished in the top 10 bowlers in the league.
Attrish Sharma again topped the wicket-takers in Division 4 with 20, while Jon Gumley (2006) finished in the top 10. The 2nd XI defeated Maccabi AJAX in the semi-final, and then Old Carey in the grand final (beating them for the second time in the MCC Club XI to win a flag, the first being the week preceding the first lockdown).
The 2024/25 season has been another fruitful endeavour for the 2nd XI who are a lock to play finals; however, the same cannot be said for the Firsts who, in addition to being promoted a division, have faced stern competition as relaxed rules around the restricting of players have raised the standard of cricket to new heights.
The OCGCC welcomed a few younger leavers this year with Lewis Winkett (2020) and brother Ru Winkett (2018), Sam Windisch (2018) and Pete Lymberis (2018) all debuting for the club. The club has also seen a strong return of members from previous years, leaving us with a healthy player base for both teams.
We had another successful fundraising effort at the Hawthorn Bunnings, helping us maintain a strong financial position and support our club.
The OCGCC has once again been privileged to use the school’s great facilities for training, particularly the turf nets – a rare luxury for a small club like ours. We hoped to call Wilsons Road Reserve
our home ground again but, due to complications with the North East link, that looked unlikely early in the pre-season. We contacted many other clubs and facilities, including the school and the OCGA. In a stroke of luck, we were ultimately allocated a three-way share at Wilsons Road, leading to more away games played this season, but overall a good result. We once again thank the OCGA for their ongoing support of the club, without which we would not be able to secure and finance a ground.
The OCGCC is always looking for alumni to join us on our quest for Sunday park cricket glory. We have space for players of all levels to grow their game, help us compete or just enjoy a bit of social cricket. We have players who have returned after a long break and some who have never stopped, and we pride ourselves on having a supportive environment to play. If you want to know more, we’d love to hear from you either through our Instagram (@ ocgcc), Facebook page, or email secretary.ocgcc@gmail.com.
Go Wellers!
Andrew Richards (2010)
President – OCGCC
OCGA Football Club
For just the third time in the club’s history, Old Camberwell competed in B grade in 2024. I am pleased to report we were very competitive, finishing in sixth position after recording nine wins and a draw. This represented our greatest number of wins and highest finishing ladder position ever in B grade.
After being promoted from C grade in 2023, the main objective for the men’s senior team in 2024 was to consolidate in B grade and possibly push for a finals berth. In that context, and given the standard of competition, the sixth-placed finish was more than satisfactory.
The season featured a win against De La Salle (eventual runnersup), and a win and a draw against Old Trinity (who finished third), indicating that our best was good enough. We were, however, tested late in the season when injuries and overseas trips started to take their toll.
Most pleasing was that we were a young team. On several occasions, we fielded 10 players who were 21 years old or younger. Lachie O’Neill (2023) and Caleb Finlayson (2022) played almost every game in the seniors and both were eligible to play for the Under 19s. In addition, several other Under 19s played multiple senior games. We even had a Year 11 student, Sam Grjl, play three games for the seniors.
As has been the case over the last few years, over 85% of our senior team attended Camberwell Grammar – a testament to the strong relationship we have with the school.
The reserves also proved to be competitive at the level with a sixth-placed finish as well. Bolstered by a number of the previous year’s Under 19s, we played with a youthful enthusiasm not seen for some time.
Under the direction of new coach Al Rodriguez, our Under 19s had an outstanding year. Playing up in Division 2, we were on top of the ladder for most of the year and entered the finals series with confidence. A 50-point win in the qualifying final guaranteed a shot at premiership glory.
The grand final was played in wet and windy conditions. After a slow start, the boys worked their way into the game and gained the lead midway through the last quarter; a lead that was held until the last kick of the game. A controversial 50-metre penalty awarded to Uni Blues after the final siren resulted in a one-point loss and heartbreak for the team. As a club, we were very proud of the way the team conducted itself in the immediate aftermath of the game.
The Third XVIII also had a fine season, reaching a preliminary final with new coach Harley Beechey (2019) at the helm. The highlight of the year was undoubtedly Matt Cottrell (2000) playing his 300th game for the club, becoming just the second player in the club’s 64-year history to achieve that feat.
Playing in a team made up of Old Camberwell and Ajax players, our women showed great resilience in the face of onfield challenges where they won only one game. Their infectious enthusiasm remained throughout the year, and the relationships formed with their Ajax teammates will last for many years to come. The leadership of coach Nick Hooper, team manager Emma Vogel and captain Alannah Frampton was outstanding.
A big thank you to all our coaches: Anson Brownless, Tim Killworth, Neil Connell, Ben Hart, Steve Warr, (2004) Al Rodriguez, Nick Hooper and Harley Beechey. Your commitment and enthusiasm are unparalleled and greatly appreciated.
The Coaches Reviews go into detail about the year and pay tribute to all the helpers, leaders and supporters who have made this season possible. I would also like to thank them for their incredible contributions to OCGAFC.
2025 will be challenging for all teams. We expect the B-grade competition to be even stronger next year, so success will require some sound recruiting and a renewed effort and commitment from all involved.
We will work diligently to field a stand-alone women’s side next year. The groundwork has already started with a successful ‘training recruitment’ night held in early October at which several potential new players showed up.
The Under 19s should look to 2025 with great confidence. Many currentyear players remain eligible to play Under 19s again next year, and the current CGS leavers have indicated a real interest in joining OCGAFC.
Gavin Powell (1980), President
Old Camberwell Grammarians’ Football Club
Camberwell Grammarians’ Theatre Company
Camberwell Grammarians Theatre Company’s 2024 season was notable for our most serious and affecting production to date, Paper Lanterns, Paper Cranes. This drama by Brian Kral tells the story of a young Japanese girl recovering in hospital following the bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. Through a mix of magic realism and grounded performances, she begins to recover from the horrors that have haunted her for the past decade.
Directed by Oscar Lanigan, CGTC performed this production with a 15-member ensemble, including alumni Benjamin Chesler (2018) and Cyrus Chan (2018). Other notable alumni include our excellent set and prop designer Ishan Vivekanantham (2018) and Treasurer Adam Porrett (2010). The cast and crew had a challenging yet wonderful time bringing this piece to the wider CGS community.
CGTC is now looking forward to 2025, with two exciting projects coming up: The Importance of Being Earnest in July and a festival of original short plays written by members of the CGTC community towards the end of the year. If you want to get involved, keep an eye on our socials or email cgtheatreco@gmail.com.
Ben Chesler (2018), Camberwell Grammarians’ Theatre Company
Gallery of Achievement 2024
John has been involved in coaching the sport of Gymnastics for more than 30 years. Over this time John has coached athletes to represent Australia at ten World Championships, Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games. Notably, he is the only Australian Gymnastics coach to have had gymnasts represent Australia at the past four consecutive Olympics (2008, 2012, 2016, 2020) as well as being the only Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) Australian coach to have had gymnasts medal at the last four consecutive Commonwealth Games (2010, 2014, 2018, 2022).
John has been named in the Coaching Team of the Year numerous times over the years by both Gymnastics Victoria and Gymnastics Australia, has been a finalist for Victorian Sport Coach of the Year on three occasions and was the Australian Women’s Gymnastics Head Coach at the Rio and Tokyo Olympic Games.
John received a Centenary of Federation Scholarship in 2001 and was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in 2021. Most recently, he received the International Gymnastics Federation Honorary Coaches’ Diploma which is awarded to a coach who has represented his or her country at a minimum of eight International Gymnastics Federation competitions (Olympic Games, Youth Olympic Games, World Championships) as a National Coach or a personal coach. John is one of the first WAG coaches in Australia to be awarded this Diploma.
John is renowned for his exceptional coaching techniques, work ethic and passion for learning and is considered one of Australia’s most highly regarded gymnastics coaches.
In 2024 John was inducted into the Gymnastics Australia Hall of Fame with Legend status.
Mr Don McLARDY OAM (1975)
Don McLardy has an extensive insurance career starting in the 1980s with the progressive insurance broker OAMPS.
In 1996, Don joined the fledging broking business Insurance Advisernet and subsequently became a Director & Shareholder. Insurance Advisernet grew to a national insurance brokerage with over 100 authorised representatives.
In 2007, Don sold out of Insurance Advisernet and with close friend Mike McShane concentrated on building his own broking business – the now well-known McLardy McShane Group. Don is still the CEO and has presided over the tremendous growth of the Group. In 2024, McLardy McShane now have 26 branches and joint ventures and over 100 Authorised Representatives across Australia generating a gross written premium of over $500 million. McLardy McShane has a great reputation for still maintaining a strong family culture and a community minded focus.
A former President of the Melbourne Football Club, Don is still a passionate fan. He joined the Melbourne Football Club board with Jim Stynes in 2008, and in February 2012 assumed the position of President after Jim stepped down to focus on his courageous health battle. Don eventually stepped down from the Melbourne Football Club in June 2013 after 5 years as board member.
Don and all at McLardy McShane are strong supporters of many community initiatives including the Reach Foundation, created by Jim Stynes to inspire and empower Australian Youth to achieve their dreams. Don is a former board member and Chairman of Reach, and a former Governor of the Jim Stynes Foundation. He is also heavily involved with the amazingly successful FightMND campaign, led by his friend and AFL legend Neale Daniher. In 2023, Don was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to charitable organisations and to the AFL.
David Pringle PSM was formally appointed by the Governor-General as the CEO & Principal Registrar of the Federal Circuit and Family Court in 2020. His legal and public service career has included high level experience as a litigation lawyer and mediator, and playing a leading role in court reform in a number of Commonwealth Courts.
As a Partner and legal practitioner, David specialised in commercial, contract and intellectual property litigation, including, in 2002, successfully running the High Court case known as Daniels, in which the Full Court of the High Court found legal professional privilege to be a fundamental human right requiring protection.
In 2009 David Joined the Federal Court of Australia rising to the role of Deputy National Operations Registrar. In his 10 years at the Federal Court, David specialised in mediating complex disputes, including large class actions such as the Banks Fees case and the Queensland First Nations-related Stolen Wages case. David also played a leading role in reforming the Federal Court under its practice area based National Court Framework structure.
In his current role as CEO and Principal Registrar of both Division 1 and Division 2 of the Federal Circuit and Family Court, David has worked closely with the Chief Justice to spearhead fundamental reforms in the Courts’ operations in family law to develop an efficient and effective case management pathway for families, including parties and children at risk of family violence.
In 2024, David was awarded the Public Service Medal for outstanding public service through innovative leadership and vision. One of the reforms that David played an integral part in was also recognised internationally with the Courts’ Lighthouse program being awarded the Irwin Cantor Innovative Program Award in the AFCC in 2023.
Mr David PRINGLE
Mr John K M HART (1991)
Mr Peter RASHLEIGH OAM (1965)
Peter was admitted to practice as a barrister and solicitor in 1971. After three years overseas, in 1974 he joined the firm then known as Phillips Fox & Masel. Fifty years later, he is still with the firm which is now part of a global legal firm known as DLA Piper. Peter has enjoyed a diverse insurance and commercial litigation practice. This has covered all aspects of liability and insurance law and a broad range of commercial litigation.
He is now a consultant, having previously been managing partner and national chairman of the firm.
Peter has been a member of the Preliminary Evaluation Committee, Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Victoria, since 2012, member of the Law Institute of Victoria, since 1971 and member of the Australian Professional Indemnity Group.
Since the early 1980s Peter was a founding member and committee member of the Victorian Branch, Australian Insurance Law Association.
He is a former member and alumnus of the Committee for Melbourne.
In 2016 Peter was awarded the Insurance Law Prize, Australian Insurance Law Association and has received the LIV President’s award for legal ethics.
He also received an award for distinguished service to the Victorian branch of the Australian Dental Association.
Peter was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2023 in the General Division for Service to the Law.
The Gallery of Achievement
The Camberwell Grammar School Gallery of Achievement was established to acknowledge and celebrate the success of generations of Old Camberwell Grammarians.
It is an ongoing, evolving project, which aims to inspire current and future students to pursue excellence in a wide range of careers, community service and sport.
A detailed biography of each past student inducted will be included in a Gallery of Achievement Perpetual File, to be held in the Camberwell Grammar School Community and Development Office.
Some of these biographies have been edited for space. Full biographies are available at www.ocga.org.au.
