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Volume 58 No 2
December 2013 Print Post Approved
236697 - 00002
Published by Sydney
High School Old Boys’
Union Inc
Patrons: James Wolfensohn and
Lord Robert May
President: Ross Bowey
Secretary: Vincent So
Treasurer: Eric Wong
Editor: Joseph Waugh
(02) 9907 2856
+612 9907 2856
PO Box 1546
DARLINGHURST NSW
1300
AUSTRALIA
www.shsobu.org.au
In this issue:
9 – New president
11 – Jottings
13 – Queen’s Birthday
honour
13 – Roden Cutler
Foundation
14 – Media mentions
16 – Class of 1963
19 – Obituaries
24 – Basketball: Old Boys
vs the School
25 – Back to the sheds
26 – Boat naming
28 – Rifle Club
The High Bulletin
The Magazine of High’s Old Boys
“FOLLOW YOUR
CURIOSITY”:
High Achievers Conference
2013
George Miller (1963) at the High
Achievers Conference 2013
What do Russell Crowe, James Spigelman
SC and George Miller have in common?
In all likelihood you’ll know the answer
already, but in case you needed reminding —
they’re three Sydney Boys’ High alumni who
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have gone on to become celebrated figures in Australian and even international
society.
Indeed, many Old Boys have gained success in their career of choice: from law
to medicine, athletics to the arts.
The Sydney High Old Boys’ Union (OBU) celebrated notable alumni at this
year’s inaugural High Achievers Conference.
Over 300 students and parents gathered at the Great Hall on 5 September for the
conference — the first of its kind for the school.
The evening featured a number of Old Boy speakers, who shared their
experiences of their career trajectories with current students and their families.
“The aim [of the conference] was to inspire the students,” OBU Executive
Member Paul Almond (1981), told The High Bulletin.
“But it was not just about inspiration. It was about giving something tangible and
real about what every [student] there can literally aspire to,” said Paul, the chief
organiser and MC of the conference.
“We had lawyers, engineers, business executives, movie directors — this
demonstrates there’s a massive spectrum of people that are produced by Sydney
High.”
The Sports guys: Dominic Grimm (2005), John “Spot” Anderson (1982), Adam Magro (1988) and
Danny Weidler (1986)
[Credit: Stephen Turner, Face to Face Event Management]
3
Speakers were welcomed with loud applause, reflecting the palpable excitement
of students on the night.
“Everybody was cheering as the Old Boys were coming in … it whipped up the
crescendo,” said Paul. “There were some really special Old Boys: 7 former
school captains, 6 CEOs and a Rhodes Scholar.”
The night was divided into several panels, as well as individual speeches and an
opportunity for mingling. A diversity of panels was on offer, including: Legal,
Sports, Engineering & Science, Medicine & Health and Business.
There were also plenty of opportunities for students to get direct advice on their
career area of choice from speakers.
“I ensured the stage was set up in couches and coffee tables ... the idea being to
have people at the edge of their seats, to have them as close as possible and
relaxed,” said Paul Almond.
Students were able to SMS and email questions to OBU volunteers, Joseph
Waugh (1987) and Paul Harapin (1983), who were strategically located on
stage. This then enabled the speakers to near-instantaneously respond to the
students’ questions, which ranged from “how much do you earn?” to “how do I
become a film set designer?”
A highlight of the impressive speaker list was film director George Miller
(1963). Director of the Mad Max series and Happy Feet movies, Miller also
practiced medicine before joining the film industry.
The Business dudes: Tony Abrahams (1991), David Vien (2008), David Scribner (1983).
[Credit: Stephen Turner, Face to Face Event Management]
4
“The thing I most remember is the play and the répétée … we had a lot of witty
people around then,” Miller reflected on his time at the school.
“It was an interesting school because it drew on so many corners of the city ...
and that was very influential [on me] because there was so much cultural mix
that it was like a microcosm of the city.”
As a former doctor, Miller admires both art and science — and emphasised that
there’s less distinction between the two than one might think.
“The big mistake that at least I was making … is [thinking] you cannot be
scientific and critical unless you’re highly creative [or vice versa],” he said. “I’m
a big subscriber to the idea that the greatest piece of art is 20th century physics.”
But the main piece of advice he wanted to pass on to students was to follow their
instincts. “I was intensely curious about who we are as human beings,” explained
Miller on his motivation for studying medicine, and later, film.
“You can’t be too goal-oriented, because life is always going to hit you. So I just
followed my curiosity.”
“I never intended to be a filmmaker. I just wanted to see what it would be like to
make films. The best thing by far is to go out and make a film, and the world will
tell you if they’re interested in what you’ve got to say.”
The mentors: Ben Whitaker (1991), Yaegan Doran (2005), Jack Manning Bancroft (2002).
[Credit: Stephen Turner, Face to Face Event Management]
5
All of the speakers on the night were chosen
because they had achieved some measure of
success in their chosen field.
Hearing stories from speakers first-hand had a
particular impact on the boys. “One of the Year
12 boys came up to me [at the end of the
conference], very emotional and said ‘Tonight
the old boys have shown that they do care’,”
said Paul Almond. “This is symbolic of the
bridge that we were rebuilding between the Old
Boys and the school — which is a very
important one.”
Ultimately, success and how to attain it meant
different things to each speaker, and they didn’t
hesitate to share their sentiments with the boys.
“Be kind to each other and everything else
flows from that”, remarked Old Boy Tim
Morris (1981) AM APM, Assistant
Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police
during his opening address.
One speaker spoke about his regrets. When asked by John Croll about his
misgivings on his time at the school, David Scribner, CEO, Virgin Mobile
Australia told a story about being too hung-over to play rugby one morning. His
shame doubled when his father came down and reminded him: “you only have
six opportunities in your life to play rugby against Joeys and you’ve just blown
one of them.”
This resonates with a message from another Old Boy, delivered almost a decade
ago. Former Chief Justice of the NSW Supreme Court James Spigelman SC
imparted this message to the school:
“The school makes available to you various opportunities. The extent to which
you take advantage of those opportunities is a matter for each of you. I do not
only refer to the process by which you are equipped to continue your education
and to choose your job and career paths for the future.”
The ongoing successes of high achieving Old Boys continues to illustrate that
many alumni are making the best of the opportunities afforded to them.
A full list of speakers on the evening is as follows:
Tony Abrahams (1991) CEO, Access Innovation Media.
The Engineers: Nick Armstrong (2001), Greg
Warren (1981).
[Credit: Stephen Turner, Face to Face Event
Management]
6
Paul Almond (1981) Special Counsel, DibbsBarker Lawyers & owner, The
Flying Pan restaurants, Hong Kong.
Spot Anderson (1982) Australian Champion Triathlete and Ironman & owner,
BondiFit.
Nick Armstrong (Captain, 2001) CEO, COzero.
Jack M Bancroft (2002) CEO, Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience.
John Croll (1981) CEO, iSentia.
Alan Davies (1982) Physiotherapist, Eastern Suburbs Sports Medicine Centre.
Dr Damitha Fonseka (Captain, 2005) Doctor.
Yaegan Doran (2005) High OBU Mentor Program.
Dominic Grimm (2005) World Champion Rower.
Andrew Hii (2000) Lawyer, Gilbert & Tobin.
Older gents: The Hon Peter Anderson (1964) and George Miller (1963).
[Credit: Stephen Turner, Face to Face Event Management]
7
Thomas Kaldor (2005) Lawyer, Allens.
Adam Magro (Captain, 1988) Australian Rugby Wallaby and fund manager.
Tim Morris (1981) AM, APM Assistant Commissioner, Australian Federal
Police.
Dr Tim Musgrove (Captain, 1978) Orthopaedic Surgeon.
Kimberley O’Brien Clinical Psychologist, Quirky Kid Clinic.
Bruce Ramsay (Captain, 1977) Partner, Herbert Smith Freehills.
David Scribner (1983) CEO, Virgin Mobile Australia.
David Vien (Captain, 2008) Commerce Graduate.
Dr Louis Wang (2000) Cardiology Senior Registrar.
Greg Warren (Captain, 1981) General Manager, Orica.
Danny Weidler (1986) Channel 9.
Ben Whitaker (1991) General Manager, Development Pathways, Australian
Rugby Union.
OLD BOYS SPONSOR A GREAT EVENT
The High Achievers Event in the Great Hall on 5 September 2013 was a
tremendous success and a highlight of the year for the Old Boys’ Union.
Its success would not have been possible without the support of the Event’s
generous sponsors. More importantly, the sponsors represent the great alumni
network that High has contributed to in abundance over more than a century.
Support these Great businesses:
Booktopia is Australia's largest online
bookstore and is owned and run by two
Sydney High School Old Boys, Simon
Nash (1982) and Steve Traurig (1983).
We ship 1,700,000 books per year from
our 4,000 square metre distribution centre in Sydney. The business was launched
on a $10 per day budget back in 2004 and now employees 68 people with sales of
$30 million per year. Over 850,000 Australians have purchased from Booktopia
since inception. Booktopia donates books and money to Australian Literacy
projects and Writers Festivals across Australia.
8
With thanks to Eric Wong (2000), from the
north shore real estate agency that will get
sellers the best prices!
CEO Nick Armstrong (2001) provided support as
well as his valuable time to attend and present to
our high Achievers audience. COzero helps
customers access energy and environmental
markets more efficiently, ultimately saving them
money.
Stephen Turner (1981) is Managing Director of Face to Face Event
Management, which provides event management services all over Australia and
Asia. Face to Face also supported the organising and event management for
High Achievers, contributing greatly to the smooth running and success of the
occasion.
Paul Almond (1981) from DibbsBarker,
gave up many hours to organise High
Achievers and acted as MC on the night.
Commercially driven and focused law
firm, DibbsBarker partners with clients on all areas of their business. This means
providing not only consistently excellent service on all current issues, but
exploring with clients emerging opportunities and areas for growth.
Thanks to all our sponsors.
If your High business is interested in becoming involved in School and Old Boy
activities and promotions, then please contact Paul Almond. The OBU will
shortly be launching a great new initiative for High businesses, so please look out
for more information.
9
OLD BOYS LEARN NEW TRICKS
Ross Bowey begins new term as OBU President as Joseph
Waugh retires
“When I first joined the OBU Executive in 1988, there was no internet, no
desktop publishing, no digital photography, no e-mail, no electronic banking and
only the most rudimentary of computers,” remarked Joseph Waugh (1987) in
his final report as President of the OBU.
After almost seven years at the helm, Joseph retired as President in June this
year.
As Ross Bowey (1974) takes over the reins as President, we’re able to Tweet,
Facebook, Instagram and even Snapchat his progress — which goes to show just
how the times have changed.
At the start of a new era for the OBU, the High Bulletin spoke to Ross to reflect
on Joseph’s legacy as President and the path he’ll forge ahead.
He stressed that he has very big shoes to fill. “I’m still learning and my
admiration for Joseph Waugh grows daily,” said Ross. “Joseph is a fantastic
person... and I didn’t want to see the initiatives begun by him to fall by the
wayside.”
Some of the projects Ross hopes to develop
focus on building and strengthening the
OBU network. In particular, he’ll be looking
to “explore ways we could better assist
membership to engage school.”
“I’d like to work on the database and playing
a great role in the life of the school — which
we’ve just done with the High Achievers
conference.”
Ross — as member and parent for a number
of years — has a personal connection with
the OBU. He says his motivation to stay
involved with the OBU stems from his
appreciation for what Sydney Boys High
stands for.
“A public school in private school
competition and environment is a value
worth maintaining and pursuing… it
Ross Bowey (1974).
10
provides a unique education for gifted and talented boys,” he said.
A behavioural school worker for over twenty years, Ross maintained that he’s
encouraged by the calibre of Sydney High boys. “It’s easy working in
behavioural school to think that world is made up of troubled and troubling
students,” he said. “My involvement with Sydney High helps reminds myself that
kids are just good, fantastic kids.”
Ross acknowledged that his role will involve catering to a large and diverse
alumni community. “I’d like my initiatives to reflect on Old Boys in the first
third, second third and best third of life,” he said.
“There’s a difference in needs. We’re looking at ways to support the way we can
deliver to everyone. For example, Old Boys
in the best third of their life are looking for
more reunion dinners.”
This would come as welcome news to
Joseph Waugh, who rallied members of the
OBU to continue to agitate for better ways
to support the community in his parting
words.
“I became president in early 2007 and I am
happy to be able to say that the OBU is now
meeting most of its obligations to the
School and its members,” he said.
“This is an ongoing process, however, and
we must never rest on our laurels.”
Joseph emphasised that the role of OBU
President is not one which can be carried
out alone; rather, it’s only in conjunction
with the support of others that the President
can effectively execute his duties.
“The position of President of the OBU is
the more onerous because of the School
governance obligations that go with it, on
both permanent and ad hoc committees,” he
said. “Nobody can do it all and do it
effectively. My view is that we need to
explore ways of sharing the burdens more
effectively.”
Executive Council 2013-2014
Members:
Robert Gordon (1974)
Michael Jarvin (1974)
Rodney Mitchell (1975)
Graeme Anderson (1979)
Paul Almond (1981)
James Solomons (1999)
Eric Wong (2000)
Thomas Kaldor (2005)
Karl Kruszelnicki (2005)
Secretary:
Vincent So (2005)
Treasurer:
Eric Wong (2000)
Membership registrar:
Geoffrey Andrews (1964)
Vice Presidents:
Geoffrey Andrews (1964)
Dennis Briggs (1967)
Joseph Waugh PSM (1987)
President:
Ross Bowey (1974)
11
JOTTINGS
You can now post updates about
yourself and your classmates on
our website -
http://www.shsobu.org.au/bulletin/
The School is sponsoring the High
Runners Club on Friday mornings
in order to build long distance
running capacity in the school.
Adam Booth (2012) is leading the
runners to help with motivation and
to set some benchmarks for their
running.
The Rowing Committee has thanked Doug Donoghue (1953) for donating a
wonderful caricature of Olympic rower, Merv Wood (1934). It is now displayed
in the upstairs conference room at the Outterside Centre alongside a framed
tribute to the school’s modern day World Champion rower, Dominic Grimm
(2005).
The School’s libraries have been delighted to receive bequest of 42 boxes of
books from the estate of Gregory Babic (1981). At a rough estimate the bequest
is worth between $10,000 to $25,000 and has been shared out between the two
libraries. The bequest has been a great boost to the growing collection in the
Senior Library especially.
Geoffrey Lewis (dux 1965), was famous for his maths achievements at school,
in particular being awarded a mark of 150 out of 120 in the UNSW maths
competition for solving the problems set in a way better than the examiners had
when setting them. In latter years Geoff has taken up power lifting and on 4-8
December this year he is competing in the Commonwealth/Oceania Powerlifting
Championship in Auckland. He is in the up to 74Kg category in Master 3 class
aged 60-69. In March this year he won the Australian Championship in this
weight and age category.
“Half a Person” a play by Alex Broun (1983) will be staged in London at the
Kings Head Theatre from 26 January 2014.
David Scribner (1983) has been named the Telecomunications Executive of the
Year at the 2013 Executive Awards. David is Chief Executive Officer of Virgin
Mobile.
Simon Bedak’s (1984) comedy play, “He Died With a Felafel in his Hand” ran
successfully to packed audiences at the Brisbane Powerhouse in October 2013.
12
John Pilger’s (1957) documentary ‘Utopia’ opened in London on 15 November
2013. Utopia is a vast region in northern Australia and home to the oldest human
presence on earth. “This film is a journey into that secret country,” says Pilger in
Utopia. “It will describe not only the uniqueness of the first Australians, but their
trail of tears and betrayal and resistance - from one utopia to another.”
Russell Crowe (1981) picked up the ‘Icon’ Award at GQ Magazine’s ‘Men of
the Year’ Awards in November 2013. The trophy was handed to Russell by old
boy and veteran Aussie actor, Jack Thompson (1955).
Meanwhile, on 4 December 2013 Jack Thompson (1955) was reunited with his
1984 Best Actor TV Logie in Armadale. As reported in the Stonnington Leader
newspaper, “Thompson was hosting a book launch in Armadale on Tuesday
night when the host gallery owner sprung the surprise. Thompson was at
Mossgreen Gallery to officially launch Accounting for Taste: The Lowenstein
Arts Management Collection by Sasha Grishin. After his speech, Mossgreen
Director Charles Leski presented Thompson with his long-lost, but well-
preserved Logie, awarded for his performance in the 1984 TV mini-series
‘Waterfront.’’
Earlier this year, the World Economic Forum named Tony Abrahams (1991) as
one of seven Young Global Leaders from Australia in its Class of 2013 who were
recognised “for their professional achievements and commitment to society.”
Luke Simpkins (1981) and Scott Morrison (1985) were re-elected to federal
parliament at the general election held on 7 September 2013.
Craig Wing (1997) recently represented the national rugby team of Japan, the
Blossoms. In the first game Craig played, Japan defeated Wales and Craig scored
a try. In his most recent outing for the Blossoms, Japan was defeated 54-6 by the
All Blacks on 2 November 2013 in Tokyo.
On 31 August 2013, Craig Moller (2012) made his AFL debut, playing for
Fremantle against St Kilda.
In November 2013, Jack Manning Bancroft (2002) with two others founded
Fone Free Feb. Promoted by this new organisation, February will be the month
dedicated to keeping dreaming alive and will give people the chance to turn their
phones off and turn their minds on.
In September 2013, Sir James Wolfensohn (1949) was revealed by the UK’s
Daily Mail to be the person who put up the required £200,000 for Sir David Frost
to pay former US President Richard Nixon for the famous 1977 TV interview
during which Nixon first publicly described his role in the Watergate scandal.
13
QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOUR
Congratulations to Christopher Brown (1967) who
was honoured with an OAM for service to the
community, particularly to people with a
disability. Christopher’s citation states that he has
been Chairman of the Windgap Foundation Ltd, since
1997, a not-for-profit organisation that has supported
people with intellectual disabilities through providing
supported employment, supported accommodation,
community access and participation and training. He
has also been a director, since 1987 and has provided
pro bono legal advice and assistance since around
1972. He has also been a director of Harvey Norman
Holdings, since 1987 and is currently chairman of the
remuneration and nomination committees; and a
member of the audit, information technology and
governance committees.
For details of all Old Boy honours recipients since
1919, visit the High Achievers page on the OBU website:
http://www.shsobu.org.au/high_achievers/.
Thank you to the Old Boys who continue to update omissions from the High
honours list: Graham Charles Gard (1956) was awarded the Medal of the
Order of Australia on the 26 January 1990 for his contribution to the community
and Local Government.
Supporting the Sir Roden and Lady Cutler Foundation
The Class of 2014 took to the streets on 15 November to raise money for the Sir
Roden and Lady Cutler Foundation. The day was promoted on radio by Alan
Jones and Ben Fordham, thanks to Mr Vincent Del Zio, the foundation’s CEO.
The Sir Roden and Lady Cutler Foundation is a not-for-profit organization which
transports the elderly to medical appointments and hospitals and assists in the
relief of suffering. The Foundation was first started by Sir Roden Cutler (1933),
the former Governor of NSW. Supporting the foundation helps the students at
Sydney High to connect with the community and embody the values by which
Sir Roden Cutler lived - to serve the community. The Class of 2014 is the first to
raise over $10,000 since 2010.
14
MEDIA MENTIONS
Our oldest Old Boy?
Merton Cooke has recently celebrated his 101st birthday. The Central Coast
Express Advocate (14 August 2013) reports:
Mr Cooke works at his family run business, Memory Lane at The
Entrance. It’s a second hand store and Mr Cooke likes nothing better than
having a yarn with customers. He also chips in and places furniture
outside for display each day.
Mr Cooke celebrated his 101th birthday last Friday while at work. “I get
to talk to people about history,” he said.
At Memory Lane Mr Cooke works with his daughter Lesley Sims and
granddaughter Jackie.
“Dad is a gold mine of information on some of the things that come
through the store,” Ms Sims said.
Mr Cooke said he was born in Stanmore, the oldest of three children, and
his father was a barber.
“We moved around a lot and I went to Narrabeen Primary School, Manly
High School and a short stint of three months at Sydney Boys High
School,” he said.
“I had to leave school at 16 because of the Depression which was pure
starvation.
“Dad lost all of his money that he had invested in a timber company, it
was a hard time for many people.” When he left school Mr Cooke painted
roofs.
“I painted myself in on a couple of occasions but I soon learnt,” he said.
Mr Cooke met and married Doris (deceased)
and the couple had two children Lesley and
Richard. He has five grandchildren and seven
great grandchildren.
Mr Cooke served in the NSW Fire Brigade
until 1972 and during World War II was
stationed at Circular Quay. He received the
Queens Fire Medal for exemplary service as
well as a good conduct medal.
OBU CONTACT
PO BOX 1546
DARLINGHURST NSW 1300
AUSTRALIA
(02) 9907 2856
+612 9907 2856
15
Best dressed Old Boy?
The Sydney Morning Herald has reported on d'marge.com's list of the best
dressed men in Australia - a list of 10 Australian men who they think “regularly
deliver great style”. Drew Hoare (2004) was among them:
The marketing guy behind the Australian menswear brand, MJ Bale. Not
only is he an identical twin who's a keen runner and man about town,
Drew is also a master of classic Italian style that encompasses
magnificently tailored suits, shirts and accessories. He was even street-
snapped by the NY Times while in Paris for Fashion Week. Not bad for an
Aussie bloke. If you want to steal his style, take a cue from the Viola
Milano man-bracelets he is often spotted wearing.
War hero recognised
The Canberra Times (2 November 2013) reported on the commemoration of
Captain Robert Page (1938) at the Australian War Memorial’s Last Post
ceremony, attended by his widow and nephews and nieces on 1 November 2013:
November 1 has been a significant date in Roma Page’s life.
On that date, 70 years ago, she married her husband Robert Charles Page
at St Andrew’s Church in Weston Creek. Then, on their second wedding
anniversary, she received a telegram informing her of her husband's death.
The telegram said he had died of
illness in a Japanese prisoner-of-war
camp, but years later the truth
emerged. …
In 1941 he put his medical studies
on hold to follow in the footsteps of
his father, a WWI veteran, and
enlist. He later joined the Z Special
Unit, a top secret group formed to
conduct operations behind enemy
lines.
He was decorated with a
Distinguished Service Order for his
role in Operation Jaywick, in which
he and five other men paddled
canoes into Singapore harbour and
attached limpet mines to Japanese
Captain Robert Page.
16
ships. They destroyed or seriously damaged seven ships.
Following the successful mission he returned to Australia and married
Roma Prowse.
Due to the secret nature of the unit, he couldn't reveal to his new wife
what he’d done and nor could the army tell him he had been honoured for
“his courage and devotion under extreme hazardous conditions”.
His next mission, six months later, was his last. Captured by the Japanese
in September 1944, he was imprisoned, found guilty of espionage, then in
July 1945, aged 25, just one month before the end of the war, Captain
Page was beheaded.
CLASS OF 1963 – 50 YEAR REUNION
8-9 November 2013
Seventy five members of the class of 1963 attended their 50 year reunion
function - a Dinner in the Great Hall at the School on Saturday 9 November.
Some also warmed up at the rowing/rugby/5D maths class luncheon at PJ
Gallagher’s Pub in the Entertainment Quarter on Friday 8 November and others
started re-unifying at the Bat and Ball Hotel on Saturday afternoon.
Many came from interstate and some came from London and the USA. Quite a
few others were sad to give their apologies for reasons of distance, health and
family commitments. Earlier, Bob Dalziel had represented the year in giving the
occasional address at the School’s annual Foundation Day Assembly in October.
The class of 1963 poses for their School photo with former teachers, Geoff Ball and Brent Rushall,
sitting in the front row with the reunion organisers.
17
Special guests at the reunions were Geoff Ball, legendary coach or the 1963 GPS
Premiership winning 1st XV Rugby team and 5D maths teacher, Brent Rushall
(1957), Sportsmaster in 1963 and rugby and rowing coach for several years, and
Ernie Tucker (1956), another of our outstanding rowing coaches in those years.
Bob Outterside, maths teacher then and later Principal, and Doug Donoghue
(1953) and Graham Pilger (1953), other dedicated rowing coaches, were unable
to attend but sent their best wishes.
Before sitting down to dinner, the old boys enjoyed a tour of the main school
building where there was much interest in the memorabilia on display. During
dinner, a slide show produced by John Staton featured photos of teachers, teams
and other groups from the year, reproduced from The Record and the School
archives.
There was also much hilarity, and even awe, finding out things like who had had
the most wives (five); the most grandchildren (thirty); the most joint
replacements (three); and the most bypasses (five). Many stories were told about
putting snakes in teachers’ desks and other pranks and, of course, the evening
couldn’t finish without a rousing renditions of the school song (Come rally round
boys young and old…..) and the war cry (Koomity, koomity, kara, kara……..).
During and after the night, there were many positive comments:
Thank you for the hospitality, friendship, and opportunity to reminisce
about good times. It indeed was an enjoyable evening. Opportunities to
revisit those heady days of 50+ years ago are few and far between and
thus, are greatly appreciated.
Thank you for a highly successful reunion. I was somewhat hesitant about
attending given that I had virtually no contact with anyone from school
after I moved to Canberra in 1966. I enjoyed the night immensely.
I have very fond memories of those
days. The imprint that my student and
teaching days at the School have had
upon my life is incalculable. We all
were very fortunate to be in the right
place at the right time at High.
I came away from both functions
thinking just how lucky we were to
have experienced such great
friendships with such a diverse set of
talents. Friday was really enjoyable and
I thought I was going to be a little flat
at the Saturday night dinner. In fact, the
Geoff Ball, legendary rugby coach and maths
teacher, still able to effortlessly command our
attention as he spoke about the Class of 1963.
18
opposite was the case. The way everyone mixed and renewed friendships
was to me, simply spectacular. It was most humbling to be part of such a
great cohort. Looking forward to the 60th.
Just wanted to say how great it was to catch up with everyone. A lot
changes over 50 years, but a hell of a lot doesn't. I couldn't help feeling
that the incredible diversity amongst us only highlighted how powerful are
the values and experiences we have in common.
It was a magnificent evening and I enjoyed myself immensely. The total
strangers I met - all with names that I could put a face to from 50 years
ago - were warm and interesting, fascinating and funny.
I was scared going to the reunion as I feared that time may have meant
that I would experience, at best, a polite detachment. That would have
been devastating as those school experiences and relationships meant so
much to me. The opposite was the case and I came back West in great
spirits. You are a great mob of blokes.
By the end of the night, many friendships had been renewed and arrangements
made to catch up in smaller groups and follow up on a wide variety of interests.
A contact list has been circulated to all those who made their email addresses
available.
The OBU encourages old boys to organise reunions, perhaps every ten years, and
can guide you on how to go about it and help with contact details from its
database. If you would like assistance, please contact our Reunions Coordinator
through the OBU website at http://www.shsobu.org.au
19
OBITUARIES
Ivan (Lou) Rupert Brumfield (1944), CBE DSO died on 26 September 2013.
Upon leaving High, Lou was selected to join the February 1945 intake at the
Royal Military College Duntroon. He graduated in 1947 and was posted to the
67th Australian Infantry Battalion with the British Occupation Force in Japan.
He became a foundation member of the 3rd Battalion when the Royal Australian
Regiment was formed and deployed to Korea in 1950, where he was mentioned
in despatches. He was a platoon commander at the battle of Kapyong, when the
battalion was awarded the prestigious US Presidential Unit citation.
After service in Malaya, he was promoted lieutenant colonel and was appointed
commanding officer of the RAR's 1st Battalion, the first Australian battalion to
be deployed in Vietnam. A persistent back injury from his sporting days saw him
evacuated from the field, but he was sent to the United States for prestigious
further training and staff appointments before returning to Australia.
His latter appointments included command of the Australian Army's toughest
training establishment at Canungra in the Gold Coast hinterland, and the staff
officer responsible in Canberra for developing policy for the PNG Defence
Force's devolution to independence.
He retired to Benowa on Queensland's Gold Coast where he served as a member
of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal until age 75. (The Courier-Mail
(Brisbane), 9 November 2013.)
John Basil Charles Dickinson (1932) died on 7 October
2013. At his death, Basil was Australia's oldest Olympian
and one of the last of the Australian team that went to Berlin
in 1936.
Born in Queanbeyan, he attended High, where he came first
in the senior broad jump and 120 yard hurdles in his final
year.
By the mid-1930s, he had emerged as one of the world's
best triple and long jumpers. However, Australia fared
poorly in Berlin. A shambolic and lackadaisical training and
competition set-up put Dickinson and his teammates at a
disadvantage against the scientifically trained and intensely
focused German, Japanese and American athletes.
Dickinson placed 16th in the triple jump and did not
compete in the long jump. Australia's sole medal was a
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bronze for fellow Old Boy, Jack Metcalfe (1929) in the triple jump. While in
Berlin he befriended the African-American Jesse Owens whose athletic success
earned Hitler's fury. Owens proved to be a humble, homesick fellow like himself.
World War II put an end to Dickinson's hope of improving on his results at an
Olympics yet, in the 1938 British Empire Games in Sydney, he won a bronze
medal in the triple jump and in the long jump.
During the war, he was an army fitness instructor, serving throughout Australia
and New Guinea. Afterwards, he was an insurance executive and judged jumping
events at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics.
In retirement, he lived in the Blue Mountains and completed a BA at the
University of New England. (Sydney Morning Herald, 16 October 2013)
Professor Kenneth Robert Minogue (1946) died on 28 June 2013. Born in New
Zealand, after School, Ken attended Sydney University and then went to London
to study at the London School of Economics (LSE), under Michael Oakeshott.
After a brief spell school-teaching in London and lecturing at Exeter, he returned
to the LSE in 1956, where he was appointed a senior lecturer in 1964 and Reader
in 1971. He was Professor of Political Science at the London School of
Economics 1984-1995.
His obituary in The Telegraph reports that he became widely known there as a
central figure in a group of prominent conservative political philosophers and
commentators. He sat on the board of the Centre for Policy Studies (1983-2009),
and from 1991 to 1993 was chairman of the Euro-sceptic Bruges Group.
In his final book, The Servile Mind: How Democracy Erodes the Moral Life
(2010), Minogue addressed “the remarkable fact that, while democracy means a
government accountable to the electorate, our rulers now make us accountable to
them. Most Western governments hate me smoking, or eating the wrong kind of
food, or hunting foxes, or drinking too much, and these are merely the surface
disapprovals, the ones that provoke legislation or public campaigns. We also
borrow too much money for our personal pleasures, and many of us are very bad
parents.”
The Telegraph reports that he complained that governments — far from being
content simply to represent their electorates — were increasingly in the business
of “turning us into the instruments of the projects they keep dreaming up”. “The
business of governments,” he went on, “is to supply the framework of law within
which we may pursue happiness on our own account. Instead, we are constantly
being summoned to reform ourselves... Life is a better teacher of virtue than
politicians, and most sensible governments in the past left moral faults to the
churches... our rulers have no business telling us how to live... Nor should we be
21
in any doubt that nationalising the moral life is the first step towards
totalitarianism.”
He died suddenly on an aircraft while returning from a conference on the
Galapagos Islands of the Mont Pelerin Society, of which he was the retiring
president. (The Telegraph (UK) 2 July 2013)
Dr Peter Anderson Musgrove (1947) died on 23
November 2013. Born in Mudgee in 1931 to Victor and
Kathleen Musgrove, the family moved to Rose Bay and
his childhood was spent in and around the Balfour Road
area. From there he travelled to school at Bellevue Hill
Public before being given the opportunity to attend
Woollahra Public before gaining entry to Sydney High.
He excelled academically and on the sports field. In the
latter, he rowed in the stroke seat of the 1st VIII in 1947
as well as playing 1st XV rugby and swimming at
representative level for the school. He was school vice-
captain in his final year.
His sons, David and Tim attended Sydney High in the 1970s and listened to his
stories of his time at High and couldn’t wait to experience all that he did. David
recalls:
“Unfortunately rowing didn’t grab us and we gravitated to basketball. It
didn’t matter to Dad; he was at our matches supporting us at every
opportunity. However we were bitten by the rugby bug and managed to
play at a decent level being in the 1st XV teams between 1976-1978.
We know he loved those winter afternoons at McKay Oval. It was not
uncommon to see him on the field earlier in the day refereeing the junior
teams on the outer fields. Once he pulled off the boots for the day, he then
took on the role of medical support at home games. Those Saturday
afternoons were almost another work day for him. He thrived though on
the involvement. His support and
commitment to us and Sydney Boys High
was unwavering.”
Off the field he was a committed supporter of
Sydney High serving as President of the Parents’
and Citizens’ Association, 1975-1978. Bob
Outterside (Headmaster, 1977-1991) said of Peter
recently that his support of both the School and
him personally at that time is something he will
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22
always remember and appreciate.
Peter continued both rugby and rowing at university gaining a Sydney University
Blue for the latter. As he got older, he played grade rugby with Parramatta for a
time before moving into the refereeing ranks. He made it to first grade in the
Sydney Club competition and the family still have memories of him coming
home after dark with the dirty white kit of a grade referee.
He graduated as a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at Sydney
Unviersity. He worked as a general practitioner in Arncliffe for 50 years.
David said: “Our father was a wonderful man. He cared for his family, he cared
for his patients. His was, by most accounts, an ordinary life but the people who
needed him found an extraordinary man.”
Peter was a father and grandfather of Old Boys: David (1977), Tim (Captain,
1978), Tim’s sons Jack (2010) and Sam (Year 11) and his daughter Judy’s son
Matt Fetherston (Vice Captain 2007) – all of them excelled on the sporting
field. Most importantly he was the loving and devoted husband of June for 54
years. June cared for him selflessly as he became ill over the past couple of years.
His last day was difficult for her and the family. His immediate family were able
to be with him at his passing. “We were, in many ways, very lucky to have such
a unique and rare situation present itself to us. Dad’s passing could have
happened in other ways. He had us with him. He had Mum with him. How
lucky.”
Jeff Schneider (staff 1979-1980) died on 16 September 2013. Born in Grafton,
Jeff completed his tertiary education with degrees in economics and education at
the University of New England. He joined the Social Sciences staff after an
initial appointment at Homebush Boys High. Mentored by Olympian Islay Lee,
Jeff became rowing master.
Jeff returned to Grafton (where he served as an alderman, 1987-1990) and then
moved to Cairns where he taught at St Augustine's College where he became
involved with a program designed to support indigenous youth to pursue tertiary
education. He then moved to Marist College Ashgrove before taking an
appointment as principal of Good Council College, Innisfail. He retired in May
2012 as principal of Xavier College Ballina, when his health failed. (Daily
Examiner (Grafton), 19 October 2013.
Ralph Watson (Staff 1988-2006) died recently. Ralph served as Careers Adviser
for 18 years and had an abiding love for the ethos of this school. He established
the Careers Market that is held annually in the Great Hall. He was also active as a
football and cricket coach.
23
GPS OBU TIE
Woven exclusively for the GPS OBU Council of NSW, this tie features the
embroidered crests of all nine GPS schools, on a tasteful blue background.
Ideal for job interviews and formal dinners.
Only $40 (includes postage and handling within Australia).
ORDER FORM
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Sydney High School Old Boys’ Union Inc • ABN 22 652 291 509
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24
BASKETBALL
Old Boys vs the School
The Old Boys vs the School basketball matches were held in September. In an
intense and close-fought match the School’s 2nd Grade tream defeated the Old
Boys 53-48.
In the 1st grade game a matchup between Geoff Gerlach and Shiraz Biscevic
was much anticipated. They are two of the School’s biggest players in the 21st
Century. In the 1st grade, the School team was leading at the end of the first
quarter 15-10. The second quarter saw both teams pick up their pace, with Blake
McGlenchy from the Old Boys firing off and nailing two 3 pointers straight
away in two consecutive possessions. Momentum was on the Old Boys’ side, as
they continued their scoring to a 7-0 run to lead 25-20 with 3 minutes left. The
Old Boys then kept the edge and led at half time 31-26. The third quarter saw the
5 point difference continue until the 4 minute mark, where a smart three point
play by James Baraceros saw an 8 point lead by the School which they held
onto to lead 50-42 at the break. The fourth quarter saw another 3 pointer by star
player Blake McGlenchy. Noah Fowler of High 1sts immediately kicked back
however, putting the score at 52-45. At 4:42, the Old Boys came back to put the
score at 54-52, with 2 alley-oops conversions from Blake in the process putting
them back in the game. With 3:05 left to play, the scores were matched at 56-56.
The stalemate continued, with many missed opportunities from both sides. This
was broken with 36.9 seconds left, when Blake managed one free throw after a
foul to put the Old Boys 1 point up. With 0.9 seconds left, Mitchell Flynn was
controversially fouled in a shot attempt, to which many Old Boys objected, and
was given the chance to put the game into overtime or put the win in the School’s
hands with 2 free throws; however both were missed and the Old Boys ended up
pulling off a narrow 1 point win against the School.
The Old Boys retain the trophy and lead the contest 6 wins to 5.
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BACK TO THE SHEDS
The Old Boys VIII challenged the School VIII on 26 October 2013 on the
Parramatta River in front of the Rowing Sheds at Abbotsford. This race has been
a tradition since 2008 and each year it is closely contested. On this occasion the
Old Boys finished 5 seconds ahead of the enthusiastic and skilful school crew.
The outcome puts the Old Boys at for wins to the School’s two wins on the
Challenge Oar Trophy.
Congratulations to the Old Boy crew including Andreas Purcal (2012), Koren
Fang (2011), Tim Montanaro (2012), Vlad Boulavine (2010), Shahar Merom
(2009), Daniel O’Keefe (2008), Max Jones (2012), Ben Wilcox (2012), and
Gareth Deacon (2010) as coxswain who rowed the School VIII down and
finished in a time of 1.42.
On the shore, High rowers, Old Boys and spectators enjoyed coffee and breakfast
while watching the close and exciting race. Captain of Boats, Ray Fang,
welcomed everyone to the sheds and thanked the Old Boys for their support.
The victorious Old Boy crew.
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ROW, ROW, ROW YOUR WAY TO RECOGNITION
Five boats named after outstanding contributors
Have you ever had anything named in your honour?
For five outstanding contributors to the High Rowing Program, the answer is a
resounding “yes”.
The Rowing Committee recognised the commitment and efforts of a select
handful of contributors to the High Rowing Program at a Boat Naming Cocktail
Party on 16 November. The event was held at the rowing sheds at the Outterside
Centre in Abbotsford.
Among those recognised on the night by having a boat named after them was
rowing coach Ollie Wilson (2002) and long-term supporter and member of the
Outterside Centre, Cam Lyon (1964).
Rowing MIC Julie Blomberg described Ollie as a “talented, committed and
passionate coach to many crews over an 11 year period … [who] committed
himself to the boatshed keeping the fleet and equipment functional, and motors
serviced.” He’s also been praised for coaching four school 1st VIIIs between
2008 to 2011.
Cam, son of Norman Lyon (1929), rowed in the winning 1963 2nd IV and now
manages all the building maintenance and services at the boatshed for the
Outterside Centre Management Committee - a role which he’s held for the past
Cam Lyon (1964) and family.
27
seven years. Julie commended him as an “outstanding supporter of the school
over many years.”
Aside from rowers and management, an important part of the High Rowing
Program are those responsible for raising and supporting the competitors: the
(often under-rewarded) parents.
Bernie Desmond - mother of two rowers - Barney (2002) and Pat (2009) - was
recognised for her efforts, which include feeding 150 camps (that’s 50-60 boys
each meal). That’s no small feat as a camp catering co-ordinator, and for that her
name will be inscribed on the side of a boat. Bernie is also responsible for the
Rowing Camp Catering Handbook and passing on her cooking knowledge to
other parents.
Charles and Fabienne Ovadia - parents of Edward (2005) and Eric (2011) -
were also commended for their contribution. Charles was on the rowing
committee for four years, while Fabienne shared the roles of Canteen Committee
Treasurer and Parent Welfare Officer for five years.
“The boats are named after people who are outstanding supporters of high
rowing … these people just go one step beyond,” Julie Blomberg told The High
Bulletin.
“It was a very happy occasion,” she said.
The High Club was also recognised for its generous $10 000 contribution to the
High Rowing Program.
Ollie Wilson (2002) and family.
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SAILING
The Sydney High School Sailing Association held its second new boat naming in
October 2013. The boats were named “Tamara” after a member of the Gadigal
tribe, being the local custodians of the land, and the other boat was named
“Southy” after the Sailing Coach Adam South (1979).
THE RIFLE CLUB
The 2013 Rifle Shooting season has been an
extremely successful one for Sydney High.
The Club currently has a record number of
students actively shooting in the smallbore
program at the Sydney International Shooting
Centre (SISC). Fullbore shooting also
progressed well this year, now that there is
greater certainty of tenure at Malabar. High
now regularly shoots at SISC and Malabar
concurrently, something we simply did not
have staffing numbers to do only a short few years ago. The increase in young
old boys returning to coach each year is what has made this possible.
This year, High entered 3 teams of 5 in the NSW Rifle Association's 'All Schools'
challenge match. Our top team won the Fiona Reynolds All Schools trophy
outright, beating TAS into second place, New England Girls School into 3rd and
Scots into 4th. Our third and fourth teams then beat all other teams from Shore,
Armidale and Newington. Jeremy Chan took the honour of King of the Range at
All Schools for 2013. It was a great result and great lead up training for GPS.
However, it was at the GPS shoot this year that some of our greatest successes
were achieved.
With a very young team, High won the 2nd Grade Premiership for the first time
in the School's history, with a massive win of over 43 points from Kings who
took second place. The team's score of 524.32/560 was one of the highest
aggregate metric range scores in the last 50 years.
The 1st Grade GPS competition consists of 3 matches. High placed 3rd in the
Rawson Cup (won by Scots), and placed 2nd in the NRA Shield by only 1
heartbreaking point behind Scots. Finally, High won the Buchanan Shield (a
match which has eluded High since 2001 having placed 2nd in this match for the
last 5 years running. This year we ran out easy winners with 587.15, 20 points
29
ahead of The Armidale School on 567.22. Unfortunately, the fairytale ending
eluded us. High won the match, but Scots placed 5th, picked up 1 premiership
point and took out 1st Grade by 17 premiership points to High's 16 in second
place, with Kings third on 8 points. It was the closest premiership finish since
1990
Three High shooters were named in the Combined GPS team for 2013: Wilbert
Wu (yr. 12) 195.10, Dominic Tran (yr. 12) 193.11; and Terry Fong (yr. 11)
191.13. Wilbert was named Captain of the Combined GPS team.
The success of shooting this year is due in no small part to the growing number
of the young (and the not so young!) old boys who give up their time to train the
current students. These old boys include:
2nd Grade - GPS Premiers 2013
Back row: Daniel Comben (2003), James Jiang (yr. 8) Captain, Sam Phillis (yr. 11) "King of the
Range", John Huang (yr. 9), Keller Huang (yr. 10), Nick Phillis (yr. 10) Vice-Captain, Catherine
Meaney - MIC Shooting, Sam Kremer (1992)
Seated: Ishan Nadkarni (2008), Ciaran Farrell (yr. 9), Evan Han (yr. 10), Jack Zhou (yr. 10).
30
Nathan Scudder (1993), Sam Kremer (1992), Kevin Chan (2000), Justin Hill
(2002), Daniel Comben (2003), Joe Banh (2006), Ishan Nadkarni (2008),
Denis Stojanovic (2009), Matt Tong (2009), Nevin Spoljaric (2009), Jack
Wachsmann (2009), Abraham Chan (2010), Johan Santoso (2010), Peter
Tran (2011), Ryan Woo (2011), Brendan Leo (2011), Anthony Xu (2011),
David Chan (2011), Yujin Wu (2012), Jacky Yang (2012). As head coaches,
Ishan and Daniel deserve enormous credit for the dedication they put into the
program each year. We were also very happy to receive a visit at GPS by one of
our strongest supporters, John Fraser (1933), who came out to cheer the boys
along.
Last, but certainly not least, the outstanding devotion to shooting by the Master
in Charge, Catherine Meaney and the Club's licensee Geoff Blinkhorne, must
also be acknowledged. They each put in enormous amounts of time behind the
scenes to make the club run smoothly and to ensure the boys have the best
possible chances to succeed each year.
UPDATE YOUR DETAILS
The OBU is currently asking all Old Boys to update their contact details. We
want to make sure that everything is up-to-date so that you don't miss out on
future events and opportunities to reconnect with your peers.
The OBU is a community that works to make sure that Old Boys keep in touch,
and the first step towards this is ensuring all your information is accurate.
We would appreciate it if you could please complete our online Membership
Details form: http://www.shsobu.org.au/machform/view.php?id=11206
The form only takes minutes to complete and will a big boost to helping the Old
Boys’ Union grow and thrive.
31
32
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