Old Boys in the News – August 2020

Our Old Boys have been busy, including:

Pat Shaw is featured in this insightful podcast. Photo – The Courier.

• Pat Shaw (SPC 1998-2004) has opened up about concussion and how it could prove debilitating for the former professional cyclist in years to come in this insightful podcast here
• Old Boy Andrew Lewis (SPC 1976-81) has been working hard, recently confirming the sale of the iconic Miners Tavern pub in Ballarat for within “10 per cent” of the asking price of $3.1 million. To read more, click here
• Reigning premiership coach Matt James (SPC 2005-10) has been locked in as senior coach at Waubra in the Central Highlands FL for the next two years, see this story here
• It’s a great time to support the hospitality industry, including Old Boy Tim Kearney (SPC 1989-94) at the Golden City Hotel, who is part of the newly launched Ballarat Pasta Challenge.
  

  Tim Kearney from the Golden City Hotel with other hospitality businesses promoting the Ballarat Pasta Challenge. Photo – Kate Healy

  Twenty-two restaurants, pubs and cafes will offer a special pasta dish on their takeaway menus for the next three weeks, as part of an initiative between Plate Up Ballarat and Commerce Ballarat. To find out more, click here. It follows a plea from Tim and fellow Ballarat hotelier Dan Cronin (SPC 1986-90, PY1991) at The Western Hotel in this story here imploring residents to preserve the city’s relatively safe status and keep businesses open as the coronavirus pandemic causes nightmares for businesses world-wide.

• Medium paceman Dylan York (SPC 2014-19) is joining Sebastopol from Brown Hill for the upcoming Ballarat Cricket Association season. To read more, click here
• Professional basketballer and Old Collegian Sam Short (SPC 2011-16) is currently in isolation following a COVID-19 outbreak within the Melbourne United camp. This followed Sam’s return to Melbourne United as a development player for the 2020-21 National Basketball League season. The forthcoming campaign will mark the fourth season at the club for Short, to read more, click here and here and here
• Shaun O’Loughlin (SPC 1990-95) will remain the senior coach at Buninyong for at least another campaign after being reappointed recently. To read more, click here
  

  Ryan Waight talks about the impact on businesses. Photo – Lachlan Bence

• Ryan Waight (SPC 1998-2003), operations manager at Eureka Concrete, speaks about the uncertainty in the building industry in the Ballarat region due to Melbourne’s move to stage four COVID-19 restrictions in this story here
• Great to hear from Old Boy Conor Dickson (SPC 2007-12) who is currently undertaking his final year as a medical student at Deakin University.
• A quick shout-out to Old Boy Stewart Hynes (SPC 1976-81), who is now your go-to guy for all your printing needs as the new owner of Kwik Kopy Ballarat. Great work Stewart!
• David Canny (SPC 1980-85), president of the Australian Hotel’s Association, airs his concerns for the hotel industry, and particularly, rural pubs in this story here due to the coronavirus pandemic.
• Great to chat with former boarder James Murphy (SPC 1986) who is working as an agronomist in Horsham for a grain research company, after previously working in rural retail and woolclassing over the years. James came off a farm at Banyena, between Horsham and St Arnaud, and completed his Year 12 studies at SPC.
• Great to chat with Matthew Glenane (SPC 1997-2001, PY2002), who is keeping busy as a carpenter/builder in the much-warmer climate of Western Australia.
• Well done to Alex Ross (SPC 2010-15) who is working at the Ballarat Turf Club in the marketing department, while finishing off some uni study.
• Well done to Patrick Payne (SPC 1988-89, PY1993) who has surged into the top four Victorian stables for the 2019/20 season after training a career-best 109 wins in Victoria this season. To read more, click here
• Great to catch up with 2005 College Captain Michael Huckstepp (SPC 2000-05) who is enjoying his work in IT at IBM in Mount Helen and continues to catch up with many of his former classmates.
• We caught up with Matt Johnson (SPC 1998-2003) recently who is working as a cabinetmaker at Dunnstown and thankfully, has found his workload unaffected by the coronavirus.
• We heard recently that Old Collegian Ian McIntosh (SPC 1959-60) has moved abroad and is now living in Indonesia.
  

  Clinton Young, right.

• Great to see Clinton Young (SPC 2003) offering a beacon of hope to young footy lovers with the launch of the Clinton Young Footy Star Academy recently for youngsters in the Gisborne, Macedon Ranges and Sunbury areas. To learn more, click here
• Well done to former boarder Damian Castanelli (SPC 1980-85) who has been awarded the Australia and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) Steuart Henderson award recently for his dedication to his field and education to others.
  

  Damian Castanelli.

  The award is presented to those who over time, demonstrate excellence and provide outstanding contribution, scholarship, and mentorship to medical education in the field of anaesthesia and/or pain medicine. After finishing at SPC, Damian went to the University of Melbourne and in more recent times, has completed a Masters in Clinical Education, and more recently, a Graduate Certificate in Educational Research Methodology at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Damian is currently working as a paediatric anaesthetist at Monash Children’s and is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at Monash University. ANZCA described Damian as an “inspirational mentor” and “most importantly, Damian’s research, as well as his collaborations with other educational leaders, has informed and significantly influenced the development of the ANZCA training program and demonstrated that it is a world-class, robust program”. Well done Damian!

• A thoroughbred filly is set to sparkle in the memory of Old Collegian, the late Danny Frawley (SPC 1976-79, PY1981). Named Danny’s Sparkle, the horse was acquired by Danny and a local racehorse syndicator in 2019, but sadly, Danny never got the chance to see her get to the track with his passing in September last year. The filly finished second on debut at Echuca recently. To read more, click here
• It was great to hear from Old Boy Hayden Walker (1986-91). Hayden completed a Bachelor of Laws at Deakin University (honours) in July this year and is now looking forward to starting as a graduate law trainee with Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) next year. In the meantime, Hayden is building up his experience by volunteering at the Fitzroy Legal Service, where he has been since 2017 and Court Networking since 2018. Last year, Hayden was successful from hundreds of applicants to undertake clerkships with the Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office (VGSO) and Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP). He completed the Aurora project in Kununurra, Western Australia and clerked for the Supreme Court of Victoria last year and VLA in 2018, and volunteered with the Mental Health Legal Centre between 2017-18. Well done Hayden, we wish you well in your new job!
• Great to see Old Boy Darren Rix (SPC 1981-86) supporting the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute’s upgraded tissue bank via his role as Ballan chairman of the Bendigo Bank in this story here
• Congratulations to Brent Olszewski (SPC 1999-2004) who has been promoted to a director at PPT Accounting in Ballarat after joining the firm in 2007 and now leads the risk insurance arm of the business.
  

  Cyclist Luke Taylor with the remnants of his bike. Photo – Adam Trafford

• Old Collegian Luke Taylor (SPC 1995-2000) shares his moving story here on how his bike helmet saved his life in a major biking accident with a ute in mid-2017. Luke speaks out on the importance of cyclists wearing a helmet and how he is still recovering from the life-threatening accident three years ago.
• A wonderful story and tribute by Old Boy and journalism university student Ollie Nash (SPC 2011-16) about former Hawthorn player Shane Tuck, who sadly passed away recently.
  

  A young Ollie Nash fondly remembers spending the day with Hawks player Shane Tuck.

  Ollie wrote about his experience meeting Shane when he was younger on his new “On the Pine Sports Network” website, which is an interesting take on current sports topics. To read this story, click here

• Great to see quite a few of our Old Boys share their career knowledge and insights with our senior students at the recent Careers Expo. The expo became an online event this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. A number of Old Boys were available for students to chat to, including: James Fahey (SPC 2007-12), Michael Keem (SPC 2003-08), Allister Morrison (SPC 1990-95), Sean Duggan (SPC 1986-91), Paul Buttler (SPC 1982-87) and Alex Ross (SPC 2010-15). Thank you to these Old Collegians for giving their time and talents to inspire our current students with their future career paths.
• Old Boy Isaac Wareham (SPC 2017-19) was looking forward to the Greater Western Victoria Rebels’ NAB League restart in this story here
• Nathan Achison (SPC 2014-16, PY2019) talks about his lucky escape after an on-field incident saw him flown to Melbourne by helicopter last month after suffering a heavy blow on the football field in the closing stages of a Central Highlands Football League U18 match between Carngham-Linton and Hepburn at Snake Valley. To read more, click here and here
• Great to see Ballarat architect Luke Jarvis (SPC 1993-98) talking about the rapid rise of Ballarat’s $100 million GovHub building, which is still on track to be complete at the beginning of 2021. To read more, click here
• Old Collegian and real estate director Allister Morrison (SPC 1990-95) talks about the industry’s ability to remain buoyant during the coronavirus period. To read more, click here
• Damien Sheehan (SPC 1976-81), a viticulturist at Mount Langi Ghiran, and former chairman of Wine Victoria, speaks out on how winemakers across the region are bracing for how another shock to the industry might play out due to the coronavirus pandemic. To read more, click here
• Listen to the great podcast with Old Boy Gerard FitzGerald (SPC 1973, PY1975), talking about the highs and lows that he has experienced in his football career. To listen, click here
• Congratulations to Old Boy Paul McDowell (SPC 1980-85) who has recently been appointed as Principal of St Patrick’s Primary School, Gordon, commencing at the beginning of the 2021 school year. Paul has post-graduate qualifications in Business Administration, Religious Education and Student Guidance and Welfare. His leadership experience includes Deputy Principal, Religious Education Leader and time as a Pastoral Care Officer P-12 for Catholic Education Sandhurst. Paul is currently Deputy Principal of Catholic Identity at Our Lady of the Southern Cross School, Wyndham Vale and is responsible for the daily administration of the middle school. Well done Paul!
• Shame to hear the yearly Class of 1985 Reunion, which is organised informally and normally held at The Emerald Hotel in south Melbourne on the last Saturday in May, had to be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The guys hope to reschedule the get-together later in the year, pending the pandemic. Out of these regular catch-ups, a group of Old Boys have formed a racing syndicate, including Mick Hutt (SPC 1982-85), Terry Carman (SPC 1982-85), Chris Nolan (SPC 1980-85), Shane Meade (SPC 1984-85), Tony Melican (SPC 1983-85), Tim Dunell (SPC 1984-85), Paul Durbridge (SPC 1980-83, PY1985), Brendon Dickinson (SPC 1980-83, PY1985), Brent Delahey (SPC 1980-84, PY1985), Anthony Costigan (SPC 1980-85), Chris Kavenagh (SPC 1984-85), Craig Sharp (SPC 1980-85) and Jeremy Sinicco (SPC 1981-85). Their horse, Call Me Elvis, is getting close to having its first run, so they have their fingers crossed. The guys also have another horse, known by the stable name of Simon and they were asked recently to suggest a name which could be officially registered by the VRC for races. Around the same time, the guys received the sad news of the passing of one of their former classmates, David (Mick) Darman and decided to honour their mate. The guys were happy to hear the news recently that Simon will now officially known as “Darman”.
• Old Collegian and Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative chief operating officer Jon Kanoa (SPC 1995-2000) talks about the shocking Indigenous suicide rate in this story here
• Great to hear from James Maher (SPC 2003-08) recently, who is currently working at Tennis Australia as the National Club Development Manager, within the Participation Team. The key focus of the role is to develop club-based strategies and initiatives to enhance the holistic health of the game. The role works in conjunction with staff from the State Associations (Tennis Victoria, Tennis NSW etc) in rolling out some of these strategies and initiatives to grass roots clubs. James has been at Tennis Australia for nearly eight years, having started an internship in his last year of university (studied a double degree of Sports Management/Business at Federation University in Ballarat).
• Wonderful to see headspace chief Jason Trethowan (SPC 1987-91) talking about the success of the recent Push-Up Challenge, which raised crucial funds for headspace and raising awareness of mental health. To read more, go here
• It was nice to chat to Old Boy Stan Mahar (SPC 1953, PY1959) recently. Stan was involved in a serious farming accident a couple of years ago, while slashing grass on his Springbank farm.
  

  Stan Mahar pictured in the 1953 College Annual.

  Stan came into contact with the slasher after stepping outside his tractor to check on the progress, breaking his legs in five places and suffering various other life-threatening injuries. He spent nearly five months recovering in The Alfred hospital in Melbourne. Stan said he loved his life as a farmer, growing Lucerne and fat lambs, but was no longer able to farm following his accident, and has sold the farm and is now living in Ballarat. Stan’s ties with SPC have been bolstered with the arrival of his grandson William Mahar, who is currently in Year 7. Old Boys Jack Oostendorp (SPC 2015) and Sam Oostendorp (SPC ) are also Stan’s grandsons.

• Joel Ottavi (SPC 2008-12, PY2013) was looking forward to lining up for Williamstown in a modified VFL competition earlier this term in this story here  until the Melbourne lockdown forced the season to be called off.
• Well done to Old Boy Chris Ford (SPC 2000-05) who has been appointed by Victorian Labor into the powerful role as the new state secretary. It’s understood former Premier Steve Bracks (SPC 1968-71) and former federal cabinet minister Jenny Macklin agreed for the young Old Boy to fill the top job being vacated by Clare Burns. Chris is currently the chief of staff for Agriculture Minister Jaclyn Symes and has previously worked at KPMG and the Department of Treasury and Finance. He also plays football for Brunswick’s VAFA side. Well done Chris!If you have any news on our Old Collegians, please contact the College’s Alumni and Foundation Officer Lorrie Liston on (03) 5322 4442 or by email at lliston@stpats.vic.edu.au