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Things have been pretty tough lately. It is tempting to switch off the evening news because of the negative stories coming from all parts of the world—Ukraine, Gaza, natural disasters, and so on. Don’t watch the negative newsfeed is the advice I give my dear old mum, because she is exasperated by it all and believes the world is ‘going to the dogs’. Who can blame her?
Then, there is the bad news that can turn up more directly on your own doorstep and can be hard to process, or even fathom.
How do we react and respond to things that are not always in our direct circle of control? And how do we, as members of communities, including an Old Scholar community, play a part in restoring balance and kindness? Yes, kindness that so often seems to be missing in action.
It is ironic to think that the poetic line “milk of human kindness” is a phrase from the Scottish play, which many of us studied in school. Lady Macbeth egging her husband on to do the tough things and chiding him for being too full of compassion and sympathy for others.
Is being hardline and doing whatever it takes the way to go? Or is there a better and ultimately more rewarding path? Instead of looking at a situation and thinking, “What would Putin do?”, we need to ask ourselves, “What would Jesus do?”.
Unfortunately, some world leaders are terrible role models and have risen to their positions through a ruthless mastery of realpolitik. They take, manipulate, bluster, and bully their way through life. Fortunately, at least in our country and in our own personal universes, we can be better than that. We don’t need to be immersed in their newsfeed. Let us be patient and understanding. Let us be caring and giving. Truly, it is by giving that we receive, wouldn’t you agree?
Let us take a leaf from the immortal Jane Austen’s, Emma: “There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart. There is nothing to be compared to it. Warmth and tenderness of heart, with an affectionate, open manner, will beat all the clearness of head in the world.”
When things are tough and life deals a bad hand, let us band together. Let us support one another and show we care with acts of kindness.
Llewellyn Jones
President St Peters Old Scholars Association
It’s been a whirlwind few months for the SPOSA office as we welcomed over 100 Old Scholars and guests to the 2025 Reunion Weekend in June. It was a fantastic weekend filled with rekindling old memories and forging new connections. Check out the detailed recap and photos on the following pages.
Looking ahead, SPOSA is excited to be involved in several upcoming events, including over eight Peer Year reunions, and the Boys Basketball Old Scholars vs Opens match.
There’s plenty of fun to be had, and opportunities to reconnect so be sure to get involved!
Best
Wishes
Amanda Osborne Alumni and Archives Officer
Old Scholars who wish to enrol their children or grandchildren in the following year levels are reminded to submit an online application by the end of Term 4, 2025.
• Prep 2027
• Year 5 2028
• Year 7 2029
Due to the high demand for College places, applications from Old Scholars must be received by Wednesday 3 December 2025.
Submit an Online Application https://bit.ly/StP-enrol
Volunteers Thank You
5 November
Carols Under the Stars 30 November
2025 SPOSA Committee Meeting Dates
Boardroom, Centre for Learning and Innovation (CLI)
6:00pm
• Monday 20 October
• Monday 17 November | incl. Christmas party
Reunion Events
1 Year – Class of 2024
Save the Date: 24 October 2025 6:00pm – 9:00pm, drinks and canapés
SPOSA Café, CLI
10 Years – Class of 2015
Save the Date: 8 November 2025 Coordinator
Patrick Andrew | patrickandrews.email@gmail.com
Facebook group: ‘Seniors #2015’
25 Years – Class of 2000 11 October 2025
4:00pm – 5:00pm, College tour (meet at Ross Roy)
5:30pm – 8:30pm, drinks and canapés
SPOSA Café, CLI (formerly Luther House)
Book via: https://bit.ly/Classof2000reunion Coordinator
Majella Christensen | majella.christensen@gmail.com
30 Years – Class of 1995
Save the Date: 1 November 2025 Coordinators
Contact Melinda Beier melindabeier@hotmail.com, Andrew Corkery on andrew@selo.co or Simone Seeto simone.seeto@gmail.com
35 Years – Class of 1990 13 September 2025 4:00pm – 5:00pm, College tour (meet at Ross Roy) 5:30pm – 8:30pm, drinks and canapés
SPOSA Café, CLI (formerly Luther House)
Book via: https://bit.ly/Class1990reunion Coordinators
Jane Iszlaub | janeiszlaub@icloud.com
Jacqueline Nave | jacquelinenave@me.com
40 Years – of 1985 Saturday 6 September 2025 4:30pm, College tour (meet at Ross Roy) 6:30pm, Royal Exchange Hotel 10 High St, Toowong QLD 4066 Book via: https://bit.ly/Classof1985reunion Coordinators
Robyn Hamilton | robynaba@bigpond.net.au
Suzi Woodrow-Read | suzi.wr@bigpond.net.au
45 Years – Class of 1980 20 September 2025 5:30pm Saint Lucy Caffe e Cucina, UQ Blair Drive, St Lucia RSVP via: https://bit.ly/Classof1980reunion Coordinator
Alison Arnold (nee Gardiner) | alison.arnold@iinet.net.au
50 Years – Class of 1976 | Ironbark reunion
Save the Date: 25 – 27 September 2026 Coordinator
Contact Marie-Louise Trusler (1978) ironbark2026@outlook.com
All Old Scholars based in Darling Downs/Toowoomba Reunion 11 October 2025, 11:00am Coordinator
Contact Gary Hauser (1967) for venue details gkhauser@bigpond.net.au
If you wish to update your contact details or know someone who is not receiving communications from the SPOSA office and would like to, please use this link: https://www.stpeters.qld.edu.au/indooroopilly/update-your-details
Congratulations to Old Scholar Mitchell Bridge (2021) on representing Australia at the 2025 World University Championships in Duisburg, Germany held in July!
This marked Mitchell’s debut on the world stage and his first national representative team—an incredible milestone in his rowing journey. A proud achievement for Mitchell and a significant moment for the St Peters Boys Rowing Program.
Congratulations to Old Scholar Sam Cujes (2018) on an exciting career milestone as Assistant Stage Manager at The Australian Ballet!
Sam recently had the honour of calling Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon at the Sydney Opera House. In theatre and dance, ‘calling’ a show means the person is responsible for giving all the technical cues (such as lighting, sound, set changes, curtain, etc.) during a live performance, ensuring everything happens precisely on time.
This is an incredible achievement that reflects Sam’s hard work, talent, and passion for the performing arts.
We’re proud to see a St Peters graduate making their mark on the national stage. Bravo!
Storytelling with Scissors and Paper - Sarah Capon (2010)
Congratulations to Old Scholar Sarah Capon (2010) on winning the CBCA 2025 Book of the Year New Illustrator Award for her debut picture book Grow Big, Little Seed (written by Bec Nanayakkara). The CBCA Book of the Year Awards are Australia’s most celebrated children’s literature prizes, and this recognition marks an outstanding achievement in Sarah’s career. Judges praised her papercut illustrations as “highly original, beautifully conveying the complex emotional journey of the characters.” A wonderful accomplishment and perfectly timed for Book Week.
Sarah has been making waves in the creative world with her intricate paper art and layered visual storytelling. From designing major campaigns for Griffith University and
projecting animations onto Qantas 747s, to now national recognition for her debut book, Sarah’s journey has been anything but ordinary.
Her book, Grow Big, Little Seed tells the heartfelt story of a young girl named Nina learning to care for a seedling— an emotional and hopeful metaphor for pregnancy, loss, and the joy of rainbow babies. Sarah spent eight months creating each page by hand, carefully crafting colourful paper-layered illustrations that reflect the emotional depth of the story.
A passionate ‘art kid’ during her time at St Peters, Sarah credits her creative foundations not just to Visual Art classes, but also to the unexpected influence of her English teacher, Mr Fitzgerald, whose belief in her abilities reshaped her academic path and gave her the confidence to pursue her passions.
To read Sarah’s full story, including her creative process, advice for young artists, and what’s next on the horizon, don’t miss the feature coming up in the next issue of Plus Ultra magazine.
SPOSA is proud to celebrate the appointment of Old Scholar Rod Brazier (1986) as Australia’s Ambassador to Indonesia.
After graduating from St Peters in 1986, Rod went on to earn a Bachelor of Asian Studies (Honours) from Griffith University, followed by a Master of Arts from The Fletcher School at Tufts University in the United States.
Rod’s connection to Indonesia began back in 1990 when he undertook a six-month university exchange in Makassar, South Sulawesi, lived with a local family, and immersed himself in the language and culture. This early experience sparked a lifelong commitment to international engagement.
Since then he’s served as High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, held senior roles in DFAT such as Deputy Secretary for Development, Multilateral and Europe Group,
and led international policy at the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Earlier this year, Rod returned to Makassar, reconnecting with his former host family and meeting students at the university where it all began.
When asked how his time at St Peters help shape his path into international relations and public service, Rod said, “St Peters fostered in me an interest in the world, and in service. Having many classmates from PNG, Malaysia and indigenous backgrounds exposed us to cultures and viewpoints that we had never seen before. I wanted to know and experience more about the world thanks to St Peters.”
SPOSA extends its warmest congratulations to Rod as he embarks on this important chapter.
Dr Lorna Heaslop (1966) receives an OAM
SPOSA is very proud to share the news that Old Scholar Dr Lorna Heaslop (1966) was recently awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for her service to medicine and the community (pictured here with her husband Will on a trip to the Arctic last year).
Lorna has dedicated her life to improving healthcare and giving back—from her work as a General Physician
and Teaching Fellow at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, to her continued support of medical research and ethics. She has also contributed widely through medical advisory committees, aged care projects, and scholarly publications.
Beyond medicine, Lorna is an active community member and a passionate support of the arts, as evidenced by her roles with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and the Norman Creek Catchment Committee.
When asked how she feels about receiving an OAM, “I was very surprised and felt humble because there are so many people doing good things everywhere so why me? I have enjoyed the activities and the people I have met and worked with over the years and have a strong feeling that I have benefited most.”
A true example of service and impact, SPOSA congratulates Lorna on this well-deserved national honour.
After an extraordinary 45-year career devoted to ecological science, St Peters Old Scholar Dr John Neldner (1976) is retiring from the Queensland Herbarium, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that has shaped the way Queensland’s vegetation is understood, conserved, and protected.
John’s journey began in Mannum, South Australia, where he was born, before settling in Toowoomba, Kingaroy, and Brisbane from the ages of five to 16, respectively. Early bushwalks through the Bunya Mountains and a childhood fascination with butterflies sparked his enduring love of botany. It was also during his school years at St Peters, that his love for biology truly began to take hold. Reflecting on his time at the College, John said, “Geoff Butler was my biology teacher at St Peters and challenged me and fellow students to aspire to careers in the biological field.”
Encouraged by his mother, a biology teacher, John then pursued a Bachelor of Science with Honours at the University of Queensland and began work at the Queensland Herbarium in December 1980. During his university years, John had the opportunity to
learn from Ray Specht (an Australian plant ecologist, conservationist and academic who participated in the Arnhem Land Scientific Expedition in 1948), and who also taught his mother two decades prior. John was also very active in the Lutheran Student Fellowship based at UQ.
John made landmark contributions to vegetation mapping, particularly through a PhD from the Australian National University in 1995 on survey and mapping methodology. His work resulted in the completion of detailed vegetation maps covering around 25% of Queensland, including Cape York and the western regions. These efforts not only enhanced scientific understanding but also informed key conservation legislation, such as the Vegetation Management Act.
He authored or co-authored more than 115 scientific publications and was the lead author of the foundational 2014 book Vegetation of Queensland: Descriptions of Broad Vegetation Groups. His work in developing the Regional Ecosystems (RE) survey methodology remains central to ecological planning in Queensland.
In the field, John was tireless. He contributed over 5,500 plant specimens to the Queensland Herbarium, including many rare or previously undescribed species, and carried out extensive fieldwork and vegetation mapping in remote areas across the state, documenting 1,343 ecological sites. The savanna plant Mitrasacme neldneri was named in honour of John’s contribution to botany in Queensland.
From 1997, John served as Science Leader of the Ecological Sciences team at the Queensland Herbarium and Biodiversity Science (QHBS). He managed teams of botanists, ecologists and analysts, chaired the Queensland Species Technical Committee for 17 years, and guided critical work on the conservation of threatened species.
Yet, he remained deeply connected to fieldwork, leading studies on forest monitoring in southeast Queensland, riverine eucalypt ecology in the MurrayDarling Basin, and other areas. His collaborative work extended globally, with research partnerships in countries such as China, Brazil, the USA and Germany. His publications have been cited thousands of times by the global scientific community.
“It’s been a privilege to contribute to something bigger, to help shape how we protect and value the natural world, a gift of God’s creativity to us all.”
— Dr John Neldner
Reflecting on his long and varied career, John shared:
“I’ve always been driven by a sense of curiosity and a desire to understand the incredible diversity of Queensland’s landscapes. It’s been a privilege to contribute to something bigger—to help shape how we protect and value the natural world, a gift of God’s creativity to us all.”
Beyond science, John is known for his warmth, humility, and active engagement in the life of the Herbarium and the church. He participated in charity events such as Shave for a Cure and Australian Lutheran World Service fundraising walks, and supported countless staff milestones. He always made time to
mentor and encourage his colleagues.
On his retirement in July 2025, the Queensland scientific community farewells not only a brilliant ecologist and leader but a deeply respected colleague and friend. His contributions will continue to guide and inspire future generations.
SPOSA extends its congratulations to Dr John Neldner on a remarkable career and wishes him every happiness in the next chapter of life.
Australian Youth Orchestra Professional Immersion Program
Congratulations to Old Scholars Erna Lai (2018) and Alyssa Deacon (2021), two of just five talented musicians from the Australian Youth Orchestra selected for the AYO Professional Immersion program.
Hosted by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the program included rehearsals and performances alongside renowned pianist Sir Stephen Hough and conductor Elim Chan, as well as mentoring from SSO musicians.
We also acknowledge fellow participant Miriam Neissl, sister of Year 11 Boarding student Nathan, who was named 2024 Performer of the Year –Concerto at St Peters.
A terrific achievement and a wonderful opportunity!
On 26 July, Symphoria, St Peters newly formed Old Scholar string orchestra held its inaugural performance. With 22 alumni musicians and guest vocalists Nic Wallace and Cassandra Barnett (2020), the ensemble delivered a program that combined entertainment
with technical precision and impressive talent. Whether exploring classical masterworks or reimagining operatic favourites, Symphoria invited audiences into a world of musical storytelling, shaped by passion and a shared St Peters legacy.
The concert reflected what Symphoria is all about—providing St Peters string graduates with a place to continue performing at a high level, maintaining musical connections and inspiring current students. This longenvisioned pathway has become a reality thanks to Co-Director of Cocurricular Music and Head of Strings, David Deacon, with the support of SPOSA. Their debut made it clear that Symphoria has both the talent and vision that has hit the right note. SPOSA looks forward to many more performances.
Attendees of SPOSA’s 2025 Reunion
I cannot tell you how lovely it’s been to attend the SPOSA reunion events on Friday and Saturday with a few of my cohort, not to mention aunts and a cousin who had attended the College before me! And what a joy to meet Pastor Mayer again. I admit that I’ve never considered returning to St Peters and came only at the invitation of a dear classmate and fellow boarder, Sally Bell, and I am very glad I made time to attend. Thank you so much for a fabulous day.
Merilyn Rohde (1985)
What a weekend!
SPOSA’s annual Reunion Weekend was once again a highlight on the St Peters calendar, with Old Scholars from across the decades gathering to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate the enduring legacy of the College.
Festivities kicked off on Friday 13 June with the ever-popular President’s Drinks, held at the SPOSA Café in the Centre for Learning and Innovation (formerly Luther House). Old Scholars from peer years spanning the 1950s through to the 2000s gathered for a relaxed evening of drinks, canapés, and conversation. The evening continued with an outstanding performance from St Peters Strings in the Dron Auditorium, showcasing the incredible talent of current students and a beautiful reminder of the College’s rich musical legacy.
Special thanks to Isabella Barber (2022) and Tristan Jones (2020) for their excellent help behind the bar, and to SPOSA President Llewellyn Jones (1983) for warmly welcoming guests and reflecting on the importance of community and connection. With nearly 60 Old Scholars in attendance, it was a wonderful way to open the weekend.
Saturday began with a stunning morning tea in the gardens of Ross Roy, celebrating 80 years of St Peters. Over 60 Old Scholars from the 1950s to 1990s came together, some visiting the College for the first time since graduation, and many reuniting with classmates they hadn’t seen in decades. College tours, led by our current prefects and boarders, provided guests with the opportunity to revisit cherished spaces and see how the College has evolved.
Kirstin Strom(1975), Kate Case (Graves 1975), Gail Urbanski (Spann 1975), Carolyn Moxey (Pohlner 1975), Frank and Sandy Finter (1975), and Bradley Porter
A moving Songs of Praise service followed, led by Pastor Tim Jarick, with Old Scholars selecting their favourite hymns. The day continued with a delicious long lunch prepared by our very own Chef Chris and his team. With over 100 Old Scholars in attendance, we honoured our Platinum (1955), Diamond (1965), and Golden (1975) reunion groups, who were presented with commemorative badges and certificates by SPOSA President Llewellyn Jones. A special shoutout to the Class of 1985, who had an especially fun table as they celebrated 40 years since graduating.
The weekend concluded on Sunday with a chapel service, morning tea, and the SPOSA AGM, filled with great updates and exciting plans for the year ahead.
Thank you to all who helped bring this special weekend to life:
SPOSA Committee Members –Llewellyn Jones (1983), Anne Fulton (1988), Julie Ross (1969), Gwen Lewerissa (1973), Cassandra Sun (1991), Zoe Truesdell (1998), Row Lester (1991), Rob Barber (1990), and Patron Margaret Curnow (1960).
And our dedicated peer year coordinators – Phillip Woo, David King, Bradley Porter, Cameron Quinn (1975), Gwen Lewerissa (1973), and Julie Ross (1969).
Thank you to everyone who travelled near and far to be part of this special celebration. We can’t wait to welcome you back next year as we mark another milestone—80 years of SPOSA!
https://bit.ly/SPOSA-Reunion-Weekend
The Class of 2005 marked 20 years since graduating from St Peters with a lively catch-up at the Boundary Hotel. Over 30 classmates came together to swap stories, laugh over old memories, and see how much has changed (or not!) since school days. From remembering uniform or classroom mishaps to catching up on careers, families, and adventures, it was a night filled with connection and nostalgia. Thank you to Courtney Mackinnon for co-ordinating a great night. Here’s to friendships that last well beyond the classroom and to another memorable reunion in the future!
During a week in August, Director of Boarding, Stuart Delaney and Head of Senior School, David Rushmore, visited Lae and Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea to speak with prospective families about St Peters Boarding and host several Old Scholar functions. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces at these functions and we loved hearing stories from your time at the College. Thank you to everyone who joined us.
The 2025 SPOSA Tennis Tournament took place on Sunday 17 August and was a great success. Over 15 doubles teams, consisting of Old Scholars, current students from Years 4–12, and their parents, hit the courts to compete for the trophy, displaying an impressive standard of tennis throughout the tournament.
Congratulations to our 2025 Champions, Zinta M and Old Scholar Vedant Mange (2021), and Runners-Up Brayden F and Old Scholar Luke Dyer (2023).
It is always wonderful to see the St Peters Tennis community come together! See you in 2026.
A huge thank you to the Tennis Parent Support Group (PSG) and SPOSA, for their continued support of this event.
After 45 years of dedicated service, SPOSA farewells Senior Librarian and Old Scholar Jan Lewis (1974), who recently retired from St Peters.
Jan’s connection to the College is extraordinary. She first arrived as a Year 7 student and graduated in Year 12 in 1974, before returning to dedicate 45 years of her professional life to the College. With St Peters opening in 1945 and now celebrating its 80th anniversary, Jan has been part of more than half of the College’s history.
Her return journey began when she saw a job advertised in the Langer Library, helping to set up the College’s first audio-visual department. “I remember in my first days going to the science classrooms to help with a ¾” reel-to-reel videotape system and the 16mm film projectors. It was amazing to assist the teachers and eventually develop it into a cable-wide video distribution system to the classrooms,” she recalls.
Across this time, she has seen all seven Heads of College. Jan still recalls Mr Schneider (St Peters first Headmaster) stepping into her classroom as a
substitute teacher to give a lesson on the London Underground—years after he retired as Headmaster. She also remembers being at swim training in the 25-metre pool as a student, only to be told by Mr Lohe (the College’s second Headmaster) that she and her sister were being “too noisy.” These are just a few of the many moments that tie her school days to the long career that followed.
Since 1992, the Langer Library has been Jan’s professional home— transformed under her care into the busy hub of learning it is today, while also witnessing numerous changes over the years. “I loved developing the library services over the years and have seen monumental changes occurring with technology and research, but still see the basic foundation of the love of reading,” Jan says.
Jan has made significant contributions to the College community by hosting authors such as Li Cunxin, Morris Gleitzman, and Patrick Ness; leading Inter-School Readers’ Cup competitions; and curating the highly anticipated Book Week displays. “We enjoyed seeing
the students walk through the doors and exclaiming – ‘Oh, it’s Book Week!’” she remembers.
In her final days at the College, Jan was honoured by Senior School students during chapel, followed by a Guard of Honour leading to the library. Colleagues past and present also gathered for a special morning tea to thank her for her professionalism, passion, and remarkable contribution to College life.
Reflecting on retirement, Jan says: “I will miss it all – the hosting of events, developing students’ research skills and putting the right books into their hands. I will miss the collegiality among the staff, working with the library team, and the daily routine. It’s now time to do other things… travel, hobbies and reading books, but now not necessarily Young Adult titles.”
SPOSA congratulates Jan on her retirement and extends our heartfelt gratitude for her many years of service. She leaves behind a legacy that will be felt by generations of students and staff to come.
When 2014 St Peters Old Scholar Will Szalay returned to the College to speak at a recent Mother Son Breakfast, he brought with him a refreshingly honest account of the unpredictable journey he’s taken since graduating— one marked not by certainty, but by curiosity, resilience, and a growing sense of purpose.
Will attended St Peters from Prep through to Year 12. He admits he wasn’t an academic standout in his early schooling, but in Years 11 and 12, he began to put in more effort. Like many young people, he was unsure about his future, but one thing motivated him: money. Believing that success was defined by financial gain, Will set his sights on studying Law and Business. When he missed out on the required OP score by just one point, it felt like a setback—one he now describes as “a blessing in disguise.”
A university exchange to Michigan State sparked a passion for travel,
which led to an internship at a podcast agency in Hollywood. While it was exciting, Will soon realised it wasn’t fulfilling. A full-time job offer followed, but the COVID-19 pandemic intervened, another unexpected turn that led to self-reflection and eventually, to Ghana.
There, Will volunteered as an environmental educator, coached football, managed social welfare programs, and supported incoming volunteers. It was intense, sometimes uncomfortable, but deeply rewarding.
“The kids were so passionate about life and learning,” he shared. “Even in the tough moments, I found purpose in the small wins.”
Through these experiences, Will discovered a genuine passion for humanitarian work and now aspires to work for the United Nations. In the meantime, he’s already taken a bold step forward—he was recently accepted into the Australian Navy as a Nuclear
Submarine Officer and began training in August.
Will’s story is an important reminder that success doesn’t always follow a straight line—and sometimes, the most meaningful journeys begin with the unexpected
20 September 1937 – 21 July 2025
A Life Devoted to Forests and People
With the passing of Old Scholar Alan Cameron, Papua New Guinea and the wider forestry world farewell a man whose life’s work shaped plantations and people across the globe.
Alan’s passion for forestry began with a cadetship in 1956, which took him from the University of Queensland and the Australian Forestry School—where he graduated with distinction and received the Sir William Schlich Memorial Gold Medal—to the rugged plantations of Bulolo, Wau, and Kerevat.
His groundbreaking research at Brown River Forest Station helped establish tree breeding programs for teak, kamarere, and hoop and klinkii pine, creating the foundation of PNG’s plantation forestry. His co-authored work, Silvicultural Techniques in Papua New Guinea Forest Plantations (1966), became known as the ‘silvicultural bible’ and remains in use today.
Recognition followed—Alan won the WN Hedges Prize in 1965, received a Churchill Fellowship in 1966 to study teak improvement across Asia, and published widely on tree improvement and plantation management. But beyond the accolades, he was known for his curiosity, commitment, and willingness to share his knowledge.
His career extended far beyond PNG. With Savoy Corporation and later CSIRO, he worked to improve harvesting efficiency, environmental protection, and safety in
forestry operations. Returning to PNG in 1979, he became General Manager of PNG Forest Products, overseeing not only timber exports but also ventures as diverse as gold mining, cattle farming, and the world’s largest wooden chopsticks factory. Later, as a consultant for the UN, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and AusAID, Alan worked in more than 25 countries, often alongside rural communities, always focused on practical solutions that balanced economic needs with environmental care.
Alan’s professional life was extraordinary, but he also carried a deep love of the land in a personal sense. In 1986, he settled on a small farm near Lismore, NSW, where he cultivated coffee, fruit crops, bamboo, and macadamias. Tending the soil with his own hands, he found the same satisfaction in nurturing plants as he had in guiding forests on a global scale.
Alan will be remembered not only for his pioneering research and global contributions to forestry but also for his generosity and passion. His legacy lives on in the forests he helped grow and in the many people he inspired throughout his remarkable life.
14 June 1948 – 7 May 2025
Lee Gan (Cotterell) lived a life marked by deep curiosity, kindness, and quiet strength. Born in Sydney in 1948 and later raised in Brisbane, Lee was the eldest of four children. From an early age, she displayed independence and maturity, helping in the family’s Chapel Hill corner store before heading off to school alone and taking her younger brothers under her wing.
Her school years were full of achievements. At St Peters, Lee shone both academically and socially. She embraced new friendships, experiences, and cultures—traits that would define her life. She was Dux of the College in 1965 and captain of the Swimming team, even taking the first dive into the newly built College pool. She later completed a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Japanese at the University of Queensland.
Lee’s love of languages and culture led her to Expo ’70 in Osaka, Japan, as a hostess representing Australia. There, her adventurous spirit flourished, and she made the most of every opportunity to connect with people and explore. Upon her return, she married Cary—the man who had captured her heart—on 6 February 1971. Fittingly, they were married in the College Chapel by Pastor Mayer, marking the start of a loving partnership that spanned more than five decades.
Together, they settled in Malaysia for 14 years, raising three children—Joshua, Melissa, and Kristy—and embracing life with Cary’s extended family. Lee immersed herself in Malaysian culture, learning Cantonese, mastering local dishes, and creating a home full of warmth, joy, and creativity. A devoted mother, she approached parenthood with humour, patience, and imagination—hosting puppet shows, sewing costumes, and encouraging all manner of childhood adventures.
Returning to Brisbane, Lee raised her family while caring for her own parents. When her older children entered high school, she followed her passion for teaching and became a Japanese language teacher at St Aidan’s Anglican
Girls’ School. Her enthusiasm and empathy left a lasting impression on students and colleagues alike.
A woman of deep faith, Lee found spiritual family at International City Church, where she not only worshipped but served wholeheartedly. Her involvement included everything from greeting newcomers and mentoring students to working in the Bible College and completing a Master of Theology. Her compassion extended to anyone in need—becoming a surrogate aunty, mother, or grandmother to many in the church community.
Lee adored her growing family. As a grandmother, or ‘Nana,’ she brought the same playfulness and dedication that had defined her motherhood. From Lego battles and dress-ups to storytelling and water slides, she was a constant, joy-filled presence in her grandchildren’s lives.
In her later years, Lee faced health challenges with grace. Even after multiple strokes, her spirit remained unshaken— bright-eyed, cheeky, and deeply loved by the community around her. Her devoted husband Cary was by her side each day, and her carers and friends at her aged care home cherished her presence and friendship.
Lee was, quite simply, one of a kind. Her legacy is a life of service, love, and light. She leaves behind a family who adored her, friends across the globe, and generations of students and church members who were touched by her words and actions.
She will be remembered for her warmth, her humour, her unshakable faith, and her boundless heart.
23 January 1936 – 22 March 2025
Robert Krause OAM, a proud St Peters Old Scholar (1950–1951), passed away peacefully on 22 March 2025. His life exemplified Christian service, community leadership, and a deep commitment to family, faith and education—values that were shaped during his time at St Peters and carried through his 89 years.
Robert Krause was born in Rosewood in 1936 and grew up on the family dairy farm at Marburg with his five sisters. As a young boy, he attended the opening of St Peters in 1945 with his family, and began his studies there in 1950. In two short years, he threw himself into academic and sporting life. He achieved excellent academic results and represented the College in the 1st XI Cricket and 1st XV Rugby, as well as winning the Junior Sports Trophy in 1951. One of his proudest sporting memories was bowling the legendary Bill Brown, an achievement that became a favourite family story. Over 70 years later, in 2024, Bob was delighted to see his grandson Isaac make his own 1st XI debut for St Peters.
Bob’s time at St Peters shaped his lifelong commitment to Lutheran education. St Peters always remained dear to Bob. He cherished the friendships made as a boarder and maintained contact with fellow Old Scholars throughout his life, regularly attending reunions (70th in 2023) and Founders’ Days. He was a passionate supporter of Lutheran schools, serving on the council of Bethany Lutheran School for over a decade and playing a pivotal role in establishing Faith Lutheran College, Plainland.
In 1972, Bob married fellow St Peters Old Scholar, Janet Ham, after meeting her through Rural Youth and church activities. Janet had vowed never to marry a dairy farmer, but happily broke that rule. Together they built a life on the family farm at Marburg, raising four sons: Tim, Paul, David, and Jonathan.
Bob’s love for family only deepened with the arrival of nine grandchildren: Michael, Christian, Isaac, Jonah, Elijah, Jasmine, Rory, Angus, and Theo. He embraced the role of ‘Pa’ with pride, travelling to watch their sports, concerts, and school events, and finding joy in sharing stories from his school days.
Bob served at St Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Rosewood for over 50 years in various leadership roles. Before this, he played an active role in Lutheran Youth, especially in establishing the Luther Heights youth campsite, contributing labour and leadership to a facility that continues to bless young people today. His service to the broader community included more than 60 years at the Marburg Show Society, including a decade as president. He was involved in local political organisations and committees for community events and agricultural groups such as the Qld Dairyfarmers Organisation, Rural Youth, and Junior Farmers.
Retirement did not slow Bob’s community involvement. After selling his dairy herd in 2001, he continued to work on the farm with his sons, took on leadership roles in the Show Society, and enjoyed travelling with Janet. Memorable trips included journeys through Europe, the UK, and Canada, as well as visits to Germany, tracing family roots.
In 2022, Bob and Janet celebrated their golden wedding anniversary surrounded by family and friends. That same year, Bob was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his outstanding service to the community, particularly through his involvement in agricultural shows and Lutheran education.
In later years, despite facing the challenges of amyloidosis, Bob remained deeply engaged with those around him. He treasured time with family, took pride in his sons’ and grandchildren’s achievements, and continued to follow the rhythms of farming life from his patio, always keen for an update on the cattle.
Bob Krause’s life reflected his values: faith, family, service, and integrity. From his formative years at St Peters, through decades of marriage, fatherhood, community leadership, and proud grandparenting, he lived out the words he once gave his sons: “Live your life with honesty and integrity.” His legacy will be carried forward by those who loved him and by the communities he helped shape.
3 November 1943 – 20 March 2025
Born into a close-knit dairy farming family as the fourth of five children, Merv Otto’s early years in Thornville were shaped by the values of hard work, humility, family, and a deep connection to the land. Days spent fishing in Bum Bum Creek with his brothers and barefoot games at Thornville State School laid the foundation for a lifelong love of the outdoors and learning. A gifted student with a remarkable memory, Merv was nicknamed ‘Professor’ by his teachers.
Merv embraced his boarding years at St Peters in Brisbane with enthusiasm, forging lifelong friendships. It was at St Peters that his sporting talents flourished. He excelled in Athletics, Cricket, and Rugby—earning vice-captain roles in both Cricket and Rugby and taking an astonishing 55 wickets in his first year, helping secure the school’s first U15 Cricket Premiership in 1958.
Merv went on to train as a teacher at Kelvin Grove and dedicated his early career to teaching in rural Queensland, including at Crows Nest, Inglewood, and Taroom. After marrying Mary, he settled in Toowoomba and spent the remainder of his teaching career at Rangeville State School, later continuing as a much-loved supply teacher at local Catholic schools. His impact was profound. One former student wrote, “You inspired me to be a teacher… You will forever be our favourite teacher.”
Merv had a deep love of gardening, particularly his vibrant spring displays. Visitors were routinely taken on tours of ‘Dad’s farm,’ a testament to his fascination with growth, resilience, and nature’s quiet miracles. He also gave generously of his time, volunteering with St Vincent de Paul,
Special Religious Development, and the Vision Impaired Bowlers at the North Toowoomba Bowls Club.
Travel became another enriching part of Merv’s life. In 2001, he and Mary embarked on an adventurous camping trip through the Kimberley and Tanami Desert. Together, they later explored Europe, the UK, and South Korea. A memorable highlight was a 2005 trip to China with daughter Catherine, where Merv climbed the Great Wall and biked rugged local trails. In 2014, he fulfilled a long-held dream of attending the Melbourne Cup.
Above all, Merv’s heart belonged to his family. He met Mary while teaching in Taroom, and it would not be until later that year that he plucked up the courage to ask her out. They went to that dance and the rest is history. Together they raised a family, and later, delighted in the joys of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Merv’s pride in his family was immense and tender.
Tall in stature, yet gentle and humble in spirit, Merv Otto will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, gifted teacher, loyal friend, and generous community member. His was a life well lived and deeply cherished.
We respectfully acknowledge the passing of the following Old Scholars.
Help us honour and remember members of our St Peters community.
If you know of an Old Scholar who has passed, please contact us at 3377 6592 or sposa@stpeters.qld.edu.au
Juergen Raasch (1962)
Selwyn Steinhardt (1953)
Evelien
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Patron: Margaret Curnow OAM (Neumann 1960)
President: Llewelyn Jones (1983)
Vice President: Rowena Lester (Fulton 1991)
Vice President: Rob Barber (1990)
Treasurer: Simon Gideon (Mafi 1994)
Secretary: Anne Fulton (1988)
Committee Members 2025 – 2026:
Julie Ross (Hillman 19 69)
David Jones (1969)
Gwendoline Lewerissa (1973)
Phillip Woo (1975)
Bradley Porter (1975)
Karel Baum (1976)
Cassandra Sun (1991)
Jennifer White (Dalrymple 1996)
Zoe Truesdell (Wihardjo 1998)
Ailsa Wood (Patterson, 1992)
Andrew Corkery (1995)