OWCA OVERVIEW WITH MR GREG BROWN

As I write this, we have just held Pioneers’ Day, which even in our Centenary Year (which is bursting with celebrations), is still my favourite event. We welcomed the Class of 1973 at the Year 12 Assembly in the JGC Goatcher Auditorium. Given the outstanding attendance last year by the Class of 1972, the Class of 1973 got a “could do better” on their report card. We look forward to much higher attendance rates in future events! Nonetheless, we had a great turnout from other years.

The Assembly highlighted the diversity of talent that is being nurtured by the College from the Benny Hill theme song by a jazz quartet to the new Wesley anthem by a rock band. Vastly different from the 3Rs of many a Pioneer’s time!

We heard from the 2023 OWCA President Award recipient, Roman Cook, son of Mathew Cook (90-98), about the lasting impact he feels Wesley will have on him and how he has embraced the ‘opt-in’ culture. Yet another example of by daring and by doing. As always, the Pioneers enjoyed having lunch and discussing the difference in school experiences with Jimmy Timcke (College Captain 2023) and his fellow Prefects.

Anzac Day was held in person this year for the first time since 2019. It was wonderful to be able to sit in the Memorial Chapel, dedicated to our 56 fallen members, gaze at the Vacant Chair and the bronze plaques engraved with their names, and honour their sacrifice. Captain Richard Edinger (81-85) delivered the Ode and son Lachlan (11H) bugled the Last Post. Mum, Jo, Head of Junior School, was a proud onlooker.

Shakers & Stirrers was relocated to the South Perth Bowling Club this year and saw a 50% increase in numbers (as well as at least a 30% reduction in drink prices, meaning that the bar tab lasted longer than usual) so we will continue with that in ’24. Several younger alumni even impressed on the bowling green!

We also had the Stripeys’ Sundowner in February. A Stripey refers to the braiding on the school blazer which is attributable to the College Captain, Vice- Captain, Captain of Boarding and Chair of SRC for each particular year.

This presented an opportunity for me to catch up with John Watson (College Captain 1984) and Ken Martin (Captain of Boarding 1982) whom I have not seen since they completed their studies. It was particularly noteworthy that Dr Rod Kefford AM (Headmaster 1984-1996) made one of several trips from the east to attend Centenary functions along with David Gee (Headmaster 2003-2018) and Ross Barron. Having three of our eight Headmasters in one spot is incredible and only goes to show that Wesley has an impact on more than just the students.

Finally, I wanted to mention the Mildred Manning Scholarship Trust. Along with the OWCA, we are close to $5M in funds under management and are excited to announce a new six-year scholarship (Year 7-12) for the College. We sincerely thank all alumni who have contributed over the years. We have built a fund that will guarantee the future of Wesley well into the next century.

As always, I hope that the OWCA provides alumni with the best possible opportunities to connect and reconnect with your schoolmates, so if there is anything that we could do better, do not hesitate to get in touch.

GREG BROWN (82-86) OWCA President